Which action is the most appropriate action for a GMDSS radio Operator to take in a Distress situation where immediate help is needed, but the vessel is not sinking nor needs to be abandoned?
• GMDSS distress, urgency, and safety priorities and when each is used • Functions of DSC (Digital Selective Calling), EPIRB (Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacon), and SART (Search and Rescue Transponder) • The role of the Rescue Coordination Center (RCC) and which channels/frequencies are used for initial distress alerts
• 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? • Think about which equipment is specifically designed for automatic distress alerting vs. which is mainly for homing/locating once search units are already responding. • Consider which VHF channel is typically used for distress, safety, and calling, and whether channel 13 is the correct choice for that purpose.
• Verify which devices are normally activated (not turned off) in any genuine distress situation under GMDSS. • Confirm the correct distress alert methods listed in the GMDSS framework (DSC on MF/HF/VHF, Inmarsat, EPIRB, SART, etc.). • Double-check the specific purpose of VHF channel 13 compared with VHF channel 16, especially for distress communication.
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