Subelement E: Survival Craft Equip & S.A.R.— Topic :
Question 34E5
Element 7R (GMDSS-RO)On Scene communications should be conducted on which of the following channels?
Explanation
On-scene communications for safety-related activities, such as coordinating a rescue, a tow, or other assistance between vessels, should primarily be conducted on VHF Ch-06. This is the internationally recognized intership safety channel, specifically designated for ship-to-ship communication during maneuvers or assistance operations.
VHF Ch-16 is the international distress, safety, and calling channel. While initial contact or a distress call might be made on Ch-16, stations are expected to switch to a working channel like Ch-06 to keep Ch-16 clear for new distress calls and urgent safety traffic. Therefore, "Ch-16/06" represents the standard procedure: call on 16, switch to 06 for on-scene work.
Other options are incorrect:
* **406 MHz** is the frequency used by EPIRBs (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons) to transmit distress alerts to satellites, not for voice communication.
* **VHF Ch-22A** is a US Coast Guard working channel, primarily used for communications between the public and the Coast Guard, not for direct intership on-scene coordination.
* **VHF Ch-70** is exclusively for Digital Selective Calling (DSC) and is not used for voice communication.
Related Questions
34E3 The determination that the Distress traffic is over is usually made by whom?34E4 On Scene communications are usually initiated using what equipment?34E6 Passenger vessel “On Scene” communications should be conducted with aircraft on which of the following channels or frequencies?35E1 Which action should the GMDSS radio operator take in a Distress situation when embarking in survival craft?35E2 Which of these would be vital to a GMDSS SAR situation in polar regions?