Subelement A: General Information and System Overview.— Topic :
Question 3A5
Element 7R (GMDSS-RO)A vessel is on a coastwise voyage that results in a distance off shore of 10 to 40 nm and therefore:
Explanation
Sea Area A-1, under the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS), is precisely defined as an area within the range of at least one VHF-DSC coast station.
Therefore, option B is correct because to be considered within Sea Area A-1, a vessel must continuously maintain the capability to communicate via VHF-DSC with a shore station.
Option A is incorrect because Sea Area A-1 is defined by VHF-**DSC** coverage, not by the ability to communicate on VHF Channel 16 for voice. While Ch-16 is a distress frequency, DSC is the primary alerting method for GMDSS.
Option C is incorrect. VHF-DSC coverage is generally limited to 20-30 nautical miles due to line-of-sight constraints. A vessel 40 nm offshore would likely be outside reliable A-1 coverage, making the statement that all coastal voyages "always" have A-1 DSC coverage false.
Option D is incorrect. MF-DSC (Medium Frequency Digital Selective Calling) defines Sea Area A-2, not Sea Area A-1.
Related Questions
3A3 If a vessel is engaged in local trade and at no point in its voyage travels outside the range of a VHF shore station with continuous DSC alerting then the vessel is operating in what area?3A4 For a vessel to be in GMDSS Sea Area A-1:3A6 What is defined as the area within the radiotelephone coverage area of at least one VHF coast station in which continuous DSC alerting is available as defined by the IMO regulation for GMDSS?40F1 Where NAVTEX cannot be feasibly established, what system can be implemented to provide an automated service in coastal waters to receive MSI?40F2 What action should a GMDSS Radio Operator take when SafetyNETTM Distress or Urgency messages are received by the vessel's EGC receiver?