Question 1

What information should be recorded in the GMDSS radio log?

Accepted Answer

A record of all distress, urgency and safety communications, equipment tests (including radio watchkeeping checks and battery tests), and any significant communication failures or incidents — as required for the vessel's safety equipment certification The radio log provides a record demonstrating the GMDSS installation is maintained and tested, and captures all safety-relevant communications — it is checked during surveys and can be critical evidence after an incident.

Question 2

You need to send a distress alert because the vessel is taking on water faster than the pumps can cope. Which message format and channel/priority is correct?

Accepted Answer

A "Mayday" distress call on Channel 16 / DSC distress alert, giving position, nature of distress and assistance required Grave and imminent danger requiring immediate assistance (e.g. uncontrolled flooding) requires a Mayday distress call / DSC distress alert — Pan-Pan is for urgency without immediate danger to life, and Securité is for navigational safety information.

Question 3

True or False: An EPIRB should be registered with the relevant national authority, and the registration details kept up to date so that a false alarm can be quickly resolved or a real activation correctly attributed.

Accepted Answer

True True. EPIRB registration links the unique beacon ID to vessel and contact details, allowing SAR authorities to quickly verify activations (genuine or false) and contact the vessel/owner — unregistered or out-of-date beacons slow down the SAR response and waste resources.