Question 1

A vessel operating in Sea Area A4 (polar regions, outside Inmarsat coverage) has which distinguishing GMDSS carriage requirement compared to A1-A3?

Accepted Answer

HF radio installation (MF/HF DSC and radiotelex) is required, since satellite-based systems (Inmarsat) don't provide reliable coverage in polar latitudes A4 areas sit outside Inmarsat's geostationary satellite footprint (which doesn't reliably cover high polar latitudes), so HF radio (MF/HF DSC + radiotelex/NBDP) becomes the primary long-range distress and safety communication method rather than satellite — a key distinction candidates are expected to know when discussing GMDSS carriage requirements by area.

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SAR authorities to quickly verify activations (genuine or false) and contact the vessel/owner — unregistered or out-of-date beacons slow down the SAR response and waste resources.