The VHF antenna connection appears to be a good point to inspect before an offshore passage. What should you check?

A. Replace the antenna every 6 months regardless of condition

B. The antenna is sealed for life — no maintenance required

C. Only check the antenna if the radio shows a fault code

D. Check the coaxial cable connection at both the radio and antenna base for corrosion, chafe, and security; ensure the antenna is upright and undamaged; a poor connection or corroded plug can reduce range by 80% or more

A. To operate the radar system remotely

B. To broadcast weather forecasts to other vessels

C. To make telephone calls from the vessel to shore

D. To send a digitally coded distress alert containing the vessel's MMSI and position automatically to all DSC-equipped stations and the Coastguard

A. Maritime Mobile Service Identity — a unique 9-digit number identifying the vessel; without it a DSC distress alert cannot identify the vessel to rescuers

B. A GPS waypoint identifier used in coastal navigation

C. A VHF channel number allocated by Ofcom for distress use only

D. A vessel survey certificate number required by the MCA