A crew member has a handheld VHF as backup. What are its key limitations compared to the fixed VHF?

A. Maximum 5W (vs 25W fixed); low antenna height when held (reduces range); battery life limited (typically 8-12h active use); waterproofing ratings vary — IPX7 minimum recommended for marine use

B. Handheld VHFs transmit on different frequencies — they cannot communicate with the fixed set or Coastguard

C. Handhelds are more powerful than fixed radios — the 5W figure is for high power mode

D. Handhelds cannot access Ch 16 — they are restricted to working channels only

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