Terms- meaning and full name
ROC (M)
Restricted Operator's certificate (maritime)
- allows a person to operate a marine band VHF or MF/HF radio on a Canadian voluntarily equipped vessel
___ is required for proper DSC functions
MMSI
Distress, Urgency, and Satefy calls are done on channel ___ and DSC alerts are sent on channel ___
16; 70
The primary component of GMDSS
DSC
What is the international radiotelephone alarm and how is it used?
its meant to alert radio operators monitoring VHF Channel 16 or MF 2182 kHz that a Distress call and message are to follow.
-The signal consists of two tones that are played in continuous transmission to produce a warbling sound for thirty seconds to one minute two audio tones that produce a warbling sound
GMDSS
Global Maritime Distress and Safety System
- an international system employing satellite tech to complement emergency communications on channel 16: alerts shore stations of a distress situation by 2 independant means.
2 mandated GMDSS equiped vessels
1. large cargo ships and passenger ships on international voyages or in open ocean
2. towing vessels
3. non-pleasure craft (more than 8m and 6 passengers)
When should the safety call and message be sent on channel 16?
you can transmit the safety signal (securite) and the message on channel 16 as long as the message is brief. (any vessel can transmit a safety message on channel 16).
If the vessel requires further communication with other vessels, it should switch to a working channel.
The VHF range distance
20 nautical miles ship to ship
3 things to avoid saying over the radio
· Shouting in the microphone.
· Accenting syllables artificially.
· Talk too quickly or too slowly.
· Adding “um” or “er” between words.
· Holding the microphone too close to your mouth
· False Distress Messages
DSC
Digital Selective Calling
-the primary component of the GMDSS used by rec boaters
-decongests channel 16 and provides position information during a distress call
3 limitations to DSC
2. doesn't use satellite tech
3. range of 20 NM nominal
What must you do when you hear a SAFETY message?
* different from urgency and distress- required to listen and provide assistance
what is the minimum power output and maximum power output in a marine station? when is each used?
min: 1 watt- during routine communications
max: 25 watts-during distress situations, or when you are contacting someone 20 NM away
a lifetime
MMSI VS MI
MMSI : Maritime Mobile Service Identity
MI: Maritime Identity
both- consist of 9 digits and must be programmed into your radio
MI: preceded by 8, used for maritime devides while MMSI is attached to a vessel
MMSI: can also identify the shore station
4 voluntarily fitted VHF radio vessels
2. fishing vessels under 8m
3. naval vessels
4. tug boats in restricted waters
Switch to channel 16 and proceed with voice communications
What is the difference between the EPIRB and the SART
Emergency position indicating radio beacon: sends out an active distress signal which includes a vessel's position (accuracy: 100 m). Completes the distress call by sending positional info.
Radar Search and Rescue Transponder (SART): it is fitted on a life raft and when it is scanned by radar, it actively responds with a signal on the searcher's radar.
The department that carries out International Telecommunications regulations in Canada
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, Spectrum Management (IC-SM)
Sea Area A1-A4
Sea Area A1 - Falls within the range of at least one shore-based VHF-DSC coast station.
Sea Area A2 - Falls within range of at least one shore-based MF-DSC coast station, excluding Sea Area A1.
Sea Area A3 - Is within INMARSAT satellite coverage, between 70°N and 70°S, excludes Sea Areas A1 and A2.
Sea Area A4 - Is the Polar Regions that are beyond 70°N and 70°S. This area is currently covered by HF radio and will eventually have satellite coverage.
6 VHF or MF/HF compulsorily fitted vessels
1. ocean-going vessels
2. passenger vessels
3. fishing vessels over 8m
4. ice breakers
5. coastal freighters
6. tow boats
The steps after hearing a distress call
1. listen (maintain radio silence) and write down all important information
2. when position received, move toward the vessel
3. provide assistance if asked for
4. respond if nothing is heard
*it is required that you listen and take action during a distress or urgency situation
4 DSC capabilities
1. they use GPS to provide position info
2. they can send a distress signal
3. they can send an All Ships Urgency or safety signal
4. they can make routine calls
Which vessels require a ship's station license
those travelling in international waters