š Key Concepts
ā¢ GMDSS distress, urgency, and safety priorities and when each is used
ā¢ Functions of DSC (Digital Selective Calling), EPIRB (Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacon), and SART (Search and Rescue Transponder)
ā¢ The role of the Rescue Coordination Center (RCC) and which channels/frequencies are used for initial distress alerts
š Think About
ā¢ Ask yourself: In GMDSS, what is the standard first step to alert others when you need immediate assistance, even if the vessel is not sinking?
ā¢ Think about which equipment is specifically designed for automatic distress alerting vs. which is mainly for homing/locating once search units are already responding.
ā¢ Consider which VHF channel is typically used for distress, safety, and calling, and whether channel 13 is the correct choice for that purpose.
ā
Before You Answer
ā¢ Verify which devices are normally activated (not turned off) in any genuine distress situation under GMDSS.
ā¢ Confirm the correct distress alert methods listed in the GMDSS framework (DSC on MF/HF/VHF, Inmarsat, EPIRB, SART, etc.).
ā¢ Double-check the specific purpose of VHF channel 13 compared with VHF channel 16, especially for distress communication.