GMDSS Trainer
Subelement E: Survival Craft Equip & S.A.R.— Topic :

Question 32E4

Element 7R (GMDSS-RO)

What part of a satellite EPIRB may function as a visual aid to rescue vessels?

Explanation
A strobe light is specifically designed to emit bright, intermittent flashes of light, making it a highly effective visual signal for attracting attention, particularly in low light conditions or at night. Rescue vessels rely on these visual cues to locate a distress beacon and the person or vessel in distress. Options B and C are incorrect because 121.5 MHz and 406 MHz are radio frequencies. The 406 MHz signal transmits digital distress data via satellite, while the 121.5 MHz signal is a homing frequency used for radio direction finding by rescue aircraft and vessels. Neither of these radio signals produces light and therefore cannot serve as a visual aid. Option D is incorrect because a loud beeping tone is an audible signal, not a visual one. While useful for attracting attention, it does not function as a visual aid.

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