Subelement A: General Information and System Overview.— Topic :
Question 3A6
Element 7R (GMDSS-RO)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?
Explanation
Sea Area A1 is precisely defined by IMO GMDSS regulations as the area within the radiotelephone coverage of at least one VHF (Very High Frequency) coast station where continuous Digital Selective Calling (DSC) alerting is available. This typically extends 20-30 nautical miles from the coast, covering immediate coastal waters.
Option B, Sea Area A2, refers to the area beyond A1, covered by MF (Medium Frequency) coast stations with continuous DSC alerting. MF offers a longer range than VHF. Option A, Ocean Area Regions (AOR-E, AOR-W, POR, IOR), are satellite coverage areas used by INMARSAT for Sea Areas A3 and A4, which cover vast ocean regions, not just VHF range. Option D, Coastal and Inland Waters, is a general description, but Sea Area A1 is the specific, internationally regulated GMDSS definition for the described VHF DSC coverage.
Related Questions
3A4 For a vessel to be in GMDSS Sea Area A-1:3A5 A vessel is on a coastwise voyage that results in a distance off shore of 10 to 40 nm and therefore: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?40F3 What system can provide an automated service in coastal waters where it may not be feasible to establish the NAVTEX service or where shipping density is too low to warrant its implementation?