GMDSS EXAM - MCQ QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

NAVTEX
1. What is the use of NAVTEX?
To receive MSI
2. What is NAVTEX?
Navigational telex (type of NAVTEX - TELEX type)
3. Who broadcasts the MSI?
From different information providers:
Hydrographic office, Meteorological office, RCC
To NAVTEX stations
NAVTEX stations broadcast MSI
4. What is the range of NAVTEX?
Up to 400 NM (it differs from station to station. Maximum range is 400 NM Range can be checked in ALRS VOL.5)
5. What is MSI?
Maritime Safety Information
6. What are the frequencies of NAVTEX?
518 KHz – ENGLISH 490 KHz regional language 4209.5 KHz – HF NAVTEX frequency
7. What is the power output of NAVTEX?
No power output. It is a receiver
8. What is the emission?
F1B
9. What type of aerial is used?
Active aerial (pre tuned amplifier at the base of the aerial)
10. What types of messages are important?
A, B, D, and L
11. What type of messages cannot be deselected?
A, B, D and L
12. How do you select messages?
See procedures
13. How do you select the stations?
See procedures
14. Which publication do you refer?
Refer ALRS VOLUME 5 or 3
Or
ITU list of radio determination and special service stations
15. If NAVTEX is failure, how will you receive MSI?
Switch on MF/HF transceiver, tune on ......... KHz
NBDP and printer ON
16. In sea area A3, how do you receive MSI?
Through safetyNET/EGC
17. What is the alternate for NAVTEX?
EGC
18. What is the header code and what does it indicate?
Phasing signal for 10 seconds
It activates the NAVTEX receiver from the mute level
19. What do you receive in NAVTEX?
Phasing signal for 10 seconds
ZCZC – starting code (beginning of message)
B1 (A-Z) – station ID
B2 (A-Z0 – type of message
B3 B4 – serial numbers (00-99)
Message – main message
NNNN – termination code (end of message)
20. What is the station identification?
A–Z
21. What is the message identification?
A–Z
22. How many NAVAREAS are there?
21
23. What is NAVAREA?
Navigable water areas are subdivided for the purpose of MSI BROADCASTS
24. Message identification
A – navigational warning
B – meteorological warning
D – search and rescue information/piracy armed robbery
E – meteorological forecasts
F – pilot message
G – AIS message
L – additional navigational warning
M-Y – not used
Z – no message on hand
25. What are the mandatory messages?
A, B.D and L

Important feature:
If the incoming messages are repeated, it will not be printed.
Messages are identified with the serial numbers.
Except serial number 00
00 is SAR message

ABBREVIATIONS
NO - Number of messages received
ID - B1 B2 B3 B4
Date - date of message received
Time - time of message received
Line - line number of transmission
Freq - receiving frequency
Tag - Tag ser, not to delete for 62 hours
SAR - SAR information
N - New message
P - Message ready for printing
Special features
Station selection/refuse
Message selection/refuse
In this,
Mandatory messages cannot be deselected

Technical description
Input power supply – 12 V/24 V
Power consumption – 10 W (at 24 V DC)

Messages are stored for 62 hours, after 62 hours those messages are automatically
Deleted.

For printer, what type of paper is used?

Thermo sensitive paper.
 BATTERIES

*BATTERY ON- OFF LOAD CHECK

Supply is coming from ship’s main.

This is Battery off-load.

Now switch off the main power feeder.

Now supply is coming from the battery. This is on load to the battery.

In Battery on-load, make a blind test call on a working frequency on full power.
Observe the voltage in the meter.

The voltage drop should not go beyond 1 to 1.5 V

If it falls beyond 1 to 1.5 V, it is the time for the Battery to be charged.

(You can practice this in SIMULATOR. Below SAT C BDU, you can see the battery icon. Click on this)

1.What is Battery off load?

Power supply coming to the GMDSS equipment is from the ship’s main.

2.What is Battery on-load?

The power supply is coming from the Battery.
GMDSS equipment is on=load to the Battery.

*BATTERY CAPACITY TEST

*YEARLY TEST
Batteries must be fully charged.
After fully charged,
Specific gravity and Voltage of each cell reading to be noted down.
Then make a Electrical board of 5 bulbs connected in parallel.
5 bulbs are in parallel connection.
Each bulb is 100W/24V
Connect this electrical board to the Battery
Discharge for six hours
Every hour, take readings of specific gravity and voltage of each cell
This report to be submitted at the time of inspection/survey

(NOTE: EACH BULB IS 100 WATTS/24 VOLTS

WAATS/VOLTS= AMPS
100/24=4.4 AMPS
5 BULBS IN PARRALEL= 5 X 4.4 = 22.0 AMPS
GMDSS ALL EQUIPMENTS ON CONSUMPTION = 20 AMPS)

3.After the Battery Capacity test, what will you do?

Let the Battery gets cool down
After that, recharge the Batteries.
It should be fully charged again.
4.Why is five bulbs of 100W/24V in parallel connection chosen for Battery Capacity test?
5 bulbs of 100W/24V in parallel = all GMDSS equipment on-load
5 bulbs of 100W/24V in parallel is equivalent to keep all GMDSS equipment’s On load.
5.If the battery is not in good condition, how will you find out?
In Battery Capacity Test, if there is a lot variations in the readings,It is not in good condition.
6.If the battery is not in good condition, what will you do?
We should indent for a new Battery.
7.How will you indent for a new Battery for GMDSS equipment?
OR
What is the good condition of GMDSS equipment Battery?
2 numbers of LEAD ACID Battery – specific gravity of 1250 –
Voltage of 2.2V per cell – and Battery capacity of 200 AH
8.Can we use 180 AH Battery for GMDSS equipment?
We can use 180 AH or 200 AH capacity Battery whichever is available In the market
Consumption of GMDSS equipment is 20 AH
180 AH Battery – for continuous usage for 9 hours
200 AH battery – for continuous usage is 10 hours

As per GMDSS regulations,

Battery should be able to work continuously with GMDSS equipments ON-LOAD
Is 6 hours
9.If the Motor Generator is the alternate source of energy, how will you maintain?
If the motor generator is the alternate source of energy to the GMDSS Equipment, Then- Run the Generator ON-
LOAD and observe for its good working. Make a log entry about it.
10.From where is the supply coming to GMDSS equipment?
From ship’s main
11.What is the alternative source of power supply/RSE ?
Battery
12.What type of battery is used?
Lead Acid battery. It is a secondary battery.
13.What does secondary Battery mean?
It means it is a rechargeable Battery.
14.What is primary Battery?
It can not be recharged.
15.How is the specific gravity measured?
With HYDROMETER
16.How often do you do the battery on-off load check?
Daily
17.Why do you do the battery on-off load check?
To check the charge level of the battery
18.Why do you conduct the battery capacity test?
To see the good condition of the battery
As per GMDSS regulations, this battery should be able to take the load of GMDSS equipment for at least 6 hours
continuously.
19.How often do you conduct this battery capacity test?
Yearly
20.What is ‘Capacity’ of a battery?
Amount of energy delivered in a standard period of time is called Capacity of a battery
It is measured in ampere hour - AH
21.How much current is consumed by GMDSS equipment?
20 AH
22.Why is Lead Acid Battery preferable?
Lead Acid Battery is capable of delivering extremely high current, running into hundreds of amperes
23.Precautions to be taken while working on batteries?
Make sure that battery lockers/compartments are well ventilated at all times & specially before entering
No naked flames near batteries
Do not smoke near batteries
Do not use the battery compartments as storage lockers.
in heavy weather, things may fall across the batteries causing short circuit which can lead to fire or explosion
Always wear goggles, safety shoes, rubber gloves, and safety clothing.
Do not drop any tools on the battery terminals as this cause a short circuit
If at any time, electrolyte has to be made up always add acid to water never add water to acid.
24.What is battery?
cells together form a battery.
25.What is primary battery?
Primary cell is one which cannot be charged after use.
26.what is secondary battery?
Secondary cell is one which after discharge can be charged and used again (Rechargeable)
27.What type of battery is used for GMDSS equipments?
The most commonly used battery for ships GMDSS equipments is the Lead acid battery.
It is a secondary battery (rechargeable battery)
28.What is the fully charged battery condition?
fully charged each cell has an output voltage of 2.2 volts.
29.Capacity of battery means?
Ampere Hour capacity is the amount of energy that a battery can deliver over a standard period of discharge
time.
30.Specific Gravity of battery?
Fully charged lead acid cell will show a specific gravity of 1250
A dead cell would show a Sp. Gr of 1150
(The Sp. Gr of a cell is a better indication than the voltage of the cell because even a fully discharged cell could
show a reading of 1. 95 volts)
31.What is specific gravity?
Specific gravity = the ratio between the density of the water and to that of the liquid
(Hydrometer mercury shows the readings)
32.What is Sulphation?
If the cell is left in a discharged state for a longer period then sulphation takes place
33.What is Buckling?
If the cells are over charged the plates bend due to heat. This could even result is the plates short circuiting.
34.Is Automatic Charging provided?
The SOLAS Convention requires that, if storage batteries are used as the reserve energy source, they must be
provided with automatic charging arrangements.
35.Where is the Lithium battery used?
Lithium battery is used in EPIRB, SART and the GMDSS VHF
36.What are the special features of Lithium battery?
A lithium battery of 18 volts is used for the above mentioned safety equipments.Lithium batteries require nil
maintenance,have a long shelf life period,leak proof,and are capable of delivering a steady discharge current over
an extended period.
*BATTERIES
secondary battery, Lead Acid battery
Positive plate – anode – Lead peroxide
Negative plate – Cathode – Spongy lead

Dilute sulfuric acid: Distilled water

1: 3
Fully discharged voltage level – 1.95 V
SP/ Gravity: 1250 – 1150

DSC
1.How many distress frequencies are used in MF.HF DSC?
I MF frequency & 5 HF frequencies
2.What are those distress frequencies?
2187.5 KHZ, 4207.5 KHZ, 6312 KHZ, 8414.5 KHZ, 12577 KHZ, 16804.5 KHZ
3.How do you receive the alerts in MF/MF DSC?
Through SCAN receiver (Transmitting DSC alerts through MF/HF transceiver)
4.DSC?
Digital selective calling (It is used to send and receive DSC alerts)
It is a primary means of alerting device.
5.What are the types of alert can you send?
Undesignated distress alert
Designated distress alert
Distress relay alert to a particular station / to all stations
Urgency alert to a particular station/to all stations
Safety alert to (Area - all Stations)
Routine alert
Test alert
6.Why is DSC carried on board? (Purpose)
DSC is the primary means of alerting device.
7.If DSC is failure is Distress situation. What will you do?
I can use satellite equipment to contact RCC
8.How do you indentify the DSC Distress alert?
Or
How can you differentiate the DSC Distress alert from other types of alerts?
Or
What is the difference between DSC distress alert and other type of DSC alerts?
DSC distress alert is a continuous alert. The intensity of sound will increase
9.If any one used DSC to acknowledge, what will happen?
Distress alert will be stopped
10.Who receive the DSC distress alert?
All stations within the range of the DSC distress frequency used
(CH 70 covers VHF range, 2187.5 KHz covers MF range and ……)
11.When you send DSC distress alert, from whom do you expect the response, the most?
From MRCC / CRS that is from shore
12.When do you carry out a live test with a MRCC/CRS, on what frequency will you send Test alert?
Weekly test -- on any of HF DSC Distress frequency (Except 2187.5 KHz)
(we have to check whether test facility is available in that station)
13.Why don’t you carry out the test on 2187.5 KHz?
As per the GMDSS regulations, we must avoid testing on 2187.5 KHz as far as possible.
(also test facility is available on HF DSC distress frequencies)
14.How do you test MF/HF DSC?
It is a weekly test
Mandatory
A live test can be carried out with a CRS/MRCC.
We receive an automatic acknowledgement from that CRS/MRCC
15.After the DSC test, what will you do?
I will make the log entry
16.After the test alert, do you need to contact that CRS for confirming the details of test?
No further communication between the two stations involved in the test.
17.What are the daily tests?
Daily DSC test – SELF TEST (NON RADIATION TEST)
Battery ON/OFF load check
Printer paper check
18.How do you test the DSC daily?
Self test
It is testing the Modem
19.How do you test the VHF DSC?
There are two methods
1. We can test the VHF DSC with another VHF DSC of our own vessel.
Use own vessel MMSI and keep VHF on I Watt power output and send the test alert.
In the other VHF DSC, we can see our own vessel MMSI.
2.We can test our VHF DSC with VHF DSC of the nearby vessel. (before that, we have to call them on VHF and get
permission and proceed)
3. Self test – non radiation test
20.What is self test?
Testing the modem
21.Why it is called non-radiation test?
It is not radiating power /not transmitting
22.Why is the radiation test?
Testing with another DSC is the radiation test (transmitting alert)
23.When you test the VHF DSC with the OWN vessel VHF DSC, why do you keep the VHF on 1 Watt power output?
It is onboard communication
24.What is the speed of transmission of DSC alerts?
MF/MF DSC is 100 bauds
VHF DSC is 1200 bauds
25.What are the emissions of MF HF DSC and VHF DSC?
MF HF DSC – J2B
VHF DSC – G2B
26.Repetition of DSC distress alert?
3.5 to 4.5 minutes at random delay.
27.You have sent a routine DSC alert. It has not been acknowledge. What will you do?
I will repeat after 5 minutes
28.After this repetition also, you have not been acknowledged, what will you do?
After 15 minutes, I will repeat
29.MF/HF DSC alert duration
MF HF DSC alert duration Lasts for about 7 seconds
VHF DSC alert duration Lasts for about 6 seconds
30.MMSI?
Maritime Mobile service Identity
Example :
SHIP STATION - 232157000
COAST STATION - 0002320018
GROUP OF SHIPS - 023201143
31.MID?
In ship MMSI first 3 digits are the MID
Maritime Identification Digits
MID identify the country licensing or controlling the station
32.Continuous watch should be maintained while at sea. What are they?
VHF DSC CH 70
MF DSC frequency 2187.5 KHz
HF DSC frequency 8417.5 KHz and
At least one other HF DSC frequency
VHF CH 13
NAVTEX – 518 KHz
SAT-C-EGC safety NET
HF MSI
33.What does the DSC call consist?
DSC call consists of 9 sections
Dot pattern
Phasing signal
Format specifier
Address
Category
Message
End of sequence
Error check symbol
34.Weekly Test of MF/HF DSC:
A LIVE TEST can be carried out with a MRCC/CRS. We will receive an automatic reply from the MRCC/CRS.
Take the print out of that reply and paste it in the Radio Log Book. Make a Log Entry.
35.On what frequency, do you test your MF/HF DSC with a CRS?
On any of the HF DSC distress frequencies
36.What information do you receive in DSC Distress Alert?
Nature of distress
MMSI
Position
Time (time of transmission)
Telecommand (Subsequent communication)
Date and Time (received date and time0
Frequency ( on what frequency alert transmitted)
37.VHF DSC TEST
1. SELF TEST – NON RADIATION TEST
2. TEST BOTH VHF DSC of own vessel
3. LIVE TEST with a nearby ship/CRS
38.SELF TEST of VHF DSC:
In Main Menu, SELF TEST is there. We can do the Self Test by selecting it.
39.TEST ONE VHF DSC with ANOTHER VHF DSC of OWN VESSEL:
As per GMDSS regulations, we have 2 VHF DSC onboard.
In one VHF DSC,Put own vessel MMSI number
And- Keep the VHF in 1 watt power output.
Send an Alert.
In the other VHF DSC, we can hear alert sound
And In the Display,
We can see OWN VESSEL MMSI.
40.TEST VHF DSC WITH A NEARBY SHIP:
It is a weekly Test.
We can test our VHF DSC with a nearby ship with prior request with them on VHF.
Put the nearby ship’s MMSI and send a test alert.
(No automatic reply is available. They will acknowledge the alert)
41.What are the DSC routine frequencies?
42.DSC watch receiver?
In built in MF HF DSC – SCAN RECEIVER
VHF DSC – STANDBY RECEIVER
43.What is the priority will use for DSC false alert cancellation?
NO priority
44.When you send quick alert/undesignated distress alert on MF HF DSC, on what frequency it has been sent?
2187.5 KHz
Check in DSC LOGS – MAIN MENU – DSC LOGS –
45.SAT C is not working in sea area A3. What will you do?
As per equipment carriage requirements of GMDSS regulations, we have a duplication of another satellite
communication equipment. We can use it.
Also we have MF HF transceiver and we use HF communication
46.SEA AREA A4 how will contact shore office on TELEPHONE?
MF HF DSC – MAIN MENU – DSC CALL – COAST STATION – PSTN CALL-
DISPLAY OF DSC will guide you following steps
You can put the phone number of shore office
47.Guard band of VHF CH 16
CH 15 and CH 17
48.Light house is not working while entering in to port. What will you do?
Report PORT CONTROL on VHF on port channel

GMDSS VHF (SURVIVAL CRAFT WALKIE-TALKIE)

1.How many GMDSS VHF (walkie talkies) are available on board?
Vessels above 500 GRT:
Every vessel carries 3 GMDSS walkie- talkies
Each walike-talkie –talkie has 2 batteries.
One is attached with the set. One is sealed spare battery.
Vessels above 300 GRT – 500 GRT:
Carrying 2 GMDSS walkie talkies
2.What type of battery is used?
Battery –Lithium
3.What is the battery life?
Shelf life – 2 years
Operating life/ working for – 48 hours in Standby Mode
8 hours in Transmitting Mode
4.What is the power out put?
Power Output – Max – 1 watt
Minimum - 250 milli watts – varied in manufacturing – different models are available
5.What is the emission?
Emission – F3E
6.What is the propagation?
Propagation – Line of Sight (VHF propagation)
7.What are the important channels?
CH 16 and CH06
8.How do you test GMDSS VHF?
Monthly test.
Test with another GMDSS VHF other than CH 16
9.What are the special features of GMDSS walkie talkie?
HIGHLY VISIBLE IN COLOUR
ON / OFF VISBLE INDICATION
SIGNLE HAND OPERATION
HARD SURFACE DROP RESISTANCE FROM A HEIGHT OF ONE METRE
ON WATER SURFACE 20 METERS
BUOYANT & WATER PROOF TO A DEPTH OF ONE METRE FOR FIVE MINUTES
SHOULD BE CARRIED ALONG TO THE SURVIAL CRAFT WITH SPARE SEALED PRIMARY BATTERY
OUT PUT POWER
MINIMUM : 0.25 watts (250 milli watts)
MAXIMUM : 5 watts, but normally 1 W

SART
1.What is SART carriage requirement?/How many SART used in ship?
300 GRT to 500 GRT – one SART
Above 500 GRT – 2 SART
2.What is SART?
Search and Rescue Radar Transponder
3.What is the purpose of SART?
To locate the position of survivors during search and rescue
4.What is the frequency of SART?
9 GHZ ( 9.2 GHZ – 9.5 GHZ)
5.What is standby mode?
Ready for transmission
6.What is the ‘working hours’ of SART in standby mode?
96 Hrs
7.What is the ‘working hours’ of SART in activation?
8Hrs
8.What is the shelf life?
5 years
9.What type of battery is used?
Lithium
10.What is the power out put?
400mW
11.Is the SART a transmitter or a receiver?
It is a transponder
Transmitter and receiver, receiving radar signals and transmits its signals
12.How does SART transpond to the navigational radar?
When SART is interrogated by RADAR signals, SART is activated.
(first signal – a rapid of 0.4 microseconds sweep
The first signal is followed by-A 7.5 microseconds sweep and this will be repeated 12 times.
This will cause – a series of 12 blips/arcs/circles on RADAR.
13.When the SART is 5 mls away from radar, what is the indication in radar?
12 dots
14.When the SART is 1 ml away from radar, what is the indication in radar?
12 arcs
15.When the SART is within 1 ml from radar, what is the indication in radar?
12 concentric circles
16.What is distance covered by SART for activation?
8 NM to a ship
40 NM to a helicopter at the height of 3000 ft – AIRBORNE DETECTION
17.What is the indication in SART when it is activated?
LED will give a flash each 4 seconds
Buzzer will sound each time the SART is hit by the Radar signals
18.What are the supporting materials available with SART?
Telescopic pole and 10 meter rope (lanyard) to secure SART
19.What is AIS SART?
20.If you see 12 blips in your radar and saw a life raft 8 nm distance away from your vessel, what initial action will
you take?
Set VHF watch on CH16 and CH06 to contact survival craft
Send DSC Distress Relay alert to all stations/geographical area on 2187.5 KHz
21.SART TEST
Testing with X band Radar. (3 cm radar. Typical navigational radar.)
Before carrying out SART TEST, check whether any nearby ships are there.
If there are nearby ships, contact them on CH 16 and inform them about the SART TEST.
Now set 12 NM range in the X band radar
Take the SART to the bridge wing and hold the SART at the clear view of the radar scanner (radar aerial). There
should not be any obstacles in between the SART and radar scanner
Now in SART, push and hold the switch to the test position
The person handling radar can see 12 concentric circles in the radar. Adjust the VRM pointer and bring it to the
outermost ring of the circles. Display will show 7.2 NM
The person holding the SART, can see a visual light and can hear an audible tone.
22.How is SART activated?
(In distress situation we use the SART)
Break the seal, pull out the locking pin
Switch automatically goes to ON position (switch is spring loaded)
Now SART is on STANDBY mode.
That means it is ready for transmission
When SART is interrogated by RADAR signal, SART is activated
23.Maintenance of SART?
Read the Instruction label (how to use and how to test)
Check the battery expiry date and annual service date
Check the lanyard
*SART
8NM – SHIP
30NM – Helicopter
Power output – 400 mw

EPIRB
*COSPAS SARSAT
*COSPAS – RUSSIAN WORD
*SARSAT – Search and Rescue Satellite Aided Tracking System
1.What type of EPIRB it is?
Float free type
2.What is the purpose/use of EPIRB?
To determine the position of survivors during SAR
3.What does the EPIRB signal indicate?
One or more persons are in distress and they may no longer be on board and they may not have receiving facilty
4.What are the types of EPIRB?
COSPAS SARSAT EPIRB – 406 MHz and 121.5 MHz
406 MHz – exact frequency is 406.037 MHz
INMARSAT EPIRB – 1.6 GHz
VHF EPIRB – CH 70
5.How do both frequencies transmitted consecutively?
On 406 MHz –(406.037 MHz) It radiates RF burst for .5 seconds. On 121.5 MHz –It radiates homing signal for 40
seconds. Both are transmitted consecutively with small intervals
6.Power output?
406 MHz – 5 watts
121.5 MHz – 100 mw
7.How is the EPIRB activated?
EPIRB IS activated manually and automatically
8.How is the EPIRB activated automatically?
In Distress, when Ship is sinking, at the depth of 4 to 4.5 meters –
EPIRB is automatically released from HRU –and comes to the water surface
Seawater contact screw touches the sea water and EPIRB starts transmission
9.How EPIRB is fitted?
EPIRB is fitted in the HRU frame firmly with spring loaded locking system
HRU -Hydrostatic Releasing Unit frame
10.What is the name of switch?
Activation switch
(The ring is called activation ring)
11.How is the EPIRB activated manually?
TAKE IT OUT FROM HRU. BREAK THE SEAL, PULL OUT THE LOCKING PINB. SWITCH AUTOMATICALLY GOES TO ON
POSITION. EPIRB STRATS TRANSMITTING ( transmitting on two frequencies and also strobe light flashes)
12.Who receives the EPIRB signal?
LUT receives EPIRB signal (on 406 MHz)
(LUT determines the position of EPIRB. RCC receives the information from LUT)
LUT forward the information to RCC through MCC
13.What is the function of LUT?
By applying DOPPLER SHIFT method, LUT determines the position of EPIRB (survivors)
LUT forward the information to RCC through MCC
14.How is false alert sent from EPIRB?
Inadvertent activation is caused by human errors during testing and maintenance of EPIRB/
Mishandling by inexperienced persons
15.What is HRU?
Hydrostatic releasing unit
16.What is the validity of HRU?
2 years
17.Why EPIRB is tested every month?
EPIRB is kept for prolonged periods of continuous exposure to extreme weather conditions, with minimal
maintenance attention; It is required to be ready to work without flaw, first time, in an emergency.
EPIRB and its ancillary devices should be inspected monthly to ensure that they are always ready to work.
18.What is the use of Lanyard?
To secure the EPIRB when people are in distress and in the life craft(10 metres length)
19.What is the EPIRB BATTERY?
Lithium battery
Battery life for most EPIRBs is 5 years.
The battery must be replaced on or before the expiration date or if the EPIRB has been used in an emergency
regardless of the length of time.
EPIRB batteries are designed to operate the beacon for a minimum of 48 hours.
(Activation switch, sea switch and test button are available in sailor model SE406 II EPIRB)
20.What is EPIRB guard receiver?
EPIRB guard receiver (ALRS. Vol. 5)
21.What is the intensity of light?
Intensity of Light = .75 candla,
Radius – 14,000 meters (14 Km)
22.What is 121.5 MHz?
121.5 MHz – Aero distress frequency
23.When EPIRB starts transmission/activated?
After 50 seconds, EPIRB makes its first distress transmission
24.How do you test EPIRB?
It is a monthly test
Take out EPIRB from HRU
In EPIRB,
Switch has 3 positions. ON, OFF and TEST. It is a spring loaded switch.
Push and hold the switch in the TEST position for 15 seconds
Initially we can see a continuous blips and followed by a single strobe flash
25.After that, what will you do?
Make a log entry
26.What are the maintenance of EPIRB?
1.Check the fitment of EPIRB ( whether it is firmly fitted. A spring loaded fitment)
2.Take out the EPIRB from HRU. Check the physical condition of EPIRB
(check any corrosion or any crack, any physical damage)
3.Read the Instruction Label (how to activated and how to test)
4.Check the battery expiry date and annual service date
(battery expiry – 5 years before the expiry date, battery has to be changed every year EPIRB should be given to
SBM for annual test)
5.Check the HRU validity ( 2 years)
6.Check the lanyard (nylon rope – 10 meters)
7.Testing EPIRB (monthly)
*EPIRB
Intensity of light (EPIRB flash intensity) .75 Candela (unit of luminous intensity)
Radius – 14 Km
121.5 MHz – Aero distress freq
After 50 seconds – EPIRB makes its first Distress transmission
EPIRB AERIAL – Built in vertical Omni directional GPS path aerial Phase Modulation
406 MHz - 5 Watts
121.5 MHz - 75 mw
RECEIVED EPIRB SIGNALS
IN REAL TIME MODE
First emergency alert is received within five minutes of activation
IN GLOBAL MODE
Receiving EPIRB signals extends to 45 minutes- 90 minutes
27.What type of aerial used in EPIRB?
Aerial – built in vertical, omni directional, GPS path ae
28.What is the function of MCC related to EPIRB?
Registration of EPIRB is done in MCC

*EPIRB Installation itself – fitment is designed to release itself and float free before reaching at depth of 4 m at a
list or trim of any angle as per IMO resolution
Emission – G1B – 406 MHz
*After distress situation is over, retrieve the EPIRB and deactivate it.
28.Who allotted MMSI?
In BD, BTRC
29.What information do LUT receive from EPIRB signal?
15 digits hexadecimal ID and MMSI
30.Regular Maintenance of EPIRB:
(This question about regular maintenance-monthly, yearly, twice a year)
Check fitment of EPIRB at regular intervals on duty
Monthly EPIRB test – on board
Yearly – by SBM – annual test
Every two years – Replace HRU with plastic bolt
Every 5 years – change Battery (SBM test and self test on board))
31.How do you remove the battery from EPIRB?
EPIRB has two halves. Upper half and lower half
There screws in between fitted joining the two halves
Unscrew them and take out the battery from the lower half
(with the help of user manual)
32.STANDGUARD EPIRB GUARD RECEIVER
An audible alarm and visual indication
*EPIRB is activated automatically.
In Distress,
when ship is sinking,
at the depth of 4 to 4.5 meters.
Water gushes inside the HRU chamber
and
due to the hydrostatic pressure,
A small knife which is inside the HRU cuts the holding rod
and
EPIRB is released from HRU.
EPIRB comes to water surface and floats
Sea water touches sea water contact switch and EPIRB is activated
EPIRB transmits on two frequencies.
406 MHz and 121.5 MHz
Also
Every 4 seconds it will transmit a flash
*EPIRB is activated manually.
Take out from the HRU
Break the seal
Pull out the locking pin.
The switch goes to the ON position
EPIRB starts transmission
33.Down link frequency of EPIRB
1544.5 MHz

*EPIRB FALSE ALERT CANCELLATION

34.How to stop continuous transmission of EPIRB?
If manually activated:
Pull back the switch to OFF position, put the locking pin
If automatically activated:
Wipe out the sea water contact screw with cotton cloth
(Dry the sea water contact screw)
If EPIRB can not be retrieved:
EPIRB will stop transmission after 48 hours
we can inform RCC
you have retrieved EPIRB. But you can not stop the continuous transmission
of EPIRB. What will you do?
Remove the battery.
EPIRB has two halves. Upper half and lower half. Unscrew the joining screws.
Battery in the lower half.
OR
Fully cover EPIRB with an aluminium tin foil sheet. No transmission will be sent out from the aluminium tin foil
cover (Protection)

EPIRB FALSE ALERT CANCELLATION through TEERESTRIAL communication

In SEA AREA A4:
Send DSC URGENCY ALERT to CRS on HF or MF (depends on the distance)
After that
On voice – MF or HF
Give the cancellation message to CRS and request them to forward the cancellation message to RCC
RCC phone numbers are available in the ALRS VOLUME 5 – SAR pages
(If you can contact RCC through terrestrial, you can convey the cancellation message)
(Example: VLADIVOSTAK/MURMANSK –RUSSIA)

FLEET - 77
1.What services are offered by fleet-77?
Mini-M voice, fax, Data, 3.1 KHz audio speech, ISDN 56/64/128 Kbits/s, MPDS
(ISDN- Integrated Services Digital Network,
MPDS- Mobile packet Data Service)
2.What are the advantages of fleet-77?
prioritization and preemption
3.What is the power output (EIRP)?
32dbW
4.Type of aerial? Size of the aerial?
Highly directional parabolic dish antenna Height 108 cm, 91 cms in dia
5.Why such type of antenna is is used?
For voice communication
6.What is pre-emption?
Over riding the lower priority call by the higher priority call while lower priority call on progress in the same LES
from ship to shore or ship to shore direction (that means both directions, pre emption is possible)
7.What is prioritization?
Call prioritization
Distress call has higher priority than urgency and safety priority calls
Urgency call has higher priority than safety and routine priority
Safety call has higher priority than routine priority
8.What are the 4 levels of priority?
P3 will pre-empt all other communications
P2 will pre-empt P1 and P0 calls
P1 will pre-empt P0 calls
(It has ISPS code. International ship and port Facility Security code)
9.How do you inform URGENCY or SAFETY messages?
By using two digit special access code In Fleet 77, priority selection is also available
10.What is SNAC?
Single Network Access Code
The same code is used for telephone contact in all four ocean regions .
SNAC: 870
*FLEET 77 BDU CONNECTIONS:
NMEA input – Telephones
NMEA – GYRO and NAVIGATION Interface
Connect to GPS antenna
MPDS network – LAN to Computer (RS232)
ISDN – connection to ISDN equipment
RJ11 – FAX/analogue phones
RJ1 – Mobile phone
Handsets
Discrete to INPUT/OUTPUT
Power connections – 24 V DC power supply
USB Interface – connect to PCs

SAT-C
*Two EGC types of available
SafetyNET, which is used to broadcast Maritime Safety Information (MSI) to ships.
FleetNET, which is used typically by companies to send commercial information to ships belonging to their fleet
1.What service is offered by SAT-C?
Store and forward data communication
2.Explain ‘store and forward data communication’.
sending text messages or data to SES and from an SES, using “store-and- forward” messaging. It is stored in SES
After a short delay the message/data will be delivered to the recipient’s terminal, where it may be printed,
viewed or stored.
3.What is the delay made in this communication?
2 to 5 minutes
4.What is the power output (EIRP)?
14 dbW
5.What is the speed of transmission?
600 bauds
6.Type of aerial? Size of the aerial?
Small Omni directional antenna, 10 TO 13 cm in dia
7.What is the transmitting (uplink) frequency?
1.6 GHz ( 1626.5 – 1660.5 MHz)
8.What is the receiving (downlink) frequency?
1.5 GHz (1525.0 – 1559.0 KHz)
9.Why SAT-C is preferred to use on board ship?
It can be fitted on any type of vessel
Low cost, EGC and LRIT
10.What is BDU?
Below deck unit
It is the transceiver of SAT C
11.What are the methods to inform RCC about Distress condition?
Undesignated distress alert
Designated distress alert
Detailed distress message
12.How do you send undesignated distress alert?
13.How do you send designated distress alert?
OR What are the differences between undesignated and designated distress alert?
Undesignated distress alert,
Ship’s SAT-C ID, position, time and nature of distress –undesignated
Are sent ( to RCC)
Designated distress alert –
Ship’s SAT-C ID, position, time and NATURE OF DISTRESS (select) are sent (to RCC)
14.How do you send distress message?
By selecting Distress priority
15.Who receives the undesignated/designated distress alert and Distress message?
RCC
16.How do you send URGENCY or SAFETY messages in SAT-C?
By using two digit special access code
17.What is EGC?
Enhanced Group Calling
18.What is safetyNET?
Safety NET For receiving MSI
19.What is fleetNET?
Fleet NET for commercial messages sent from companies to their ships
20.You have sent distress alert to RC C and no response is received. What action Will you take?
Repeat after 5 minutes
21.What is log-in?
Connecting to NCS
22.Why do we log-in?
To get a common signaling channel
By that we can communicate in maritime satellite communication network.
23.What is the purpose of log in?
By log in to NCS, we are getting a common signaling channel.
Our SAT ID is registered in the NCS DATABASE.
If anyone sends message or calls, we can be connected
( In SAT-C we do LOG IN manually, and in SAT-B and FLEET 77,
It is automatically LOG IN)
24.How do you receive distress relay messages in SAT-C?
EGC –SAR message
25.What are the services can be connected (delivered) to shore?
Email, telex, fax
26.What is data reporting?
Position reporting at pre fixed intervals – send to shore
27.What is polling?
From shore, by giving a polling command to ship’s SAT-C ID
Position report will be taken
28.What is DNID?
For data reporting and polling through SAT C, ship station should have DNID
Data Network Identification Code
For using data reporting and polling service through SAT C, company should apply to Inmarsat with DNID
DNID – Data Network Identification Number is used for data reporting-LRIT polling
29.What is Link test?
It is also known as PV TEST.
PV TEST means performance verification test.
It is checking whether the SAT-C equipment meets the INMARSAT specifications.
30.What is LOOP TEST?
It is a guide how to send a message through SAT-C network and back to yourself.
It is checking the SAT-C network.
Method: Type the ocean region (where you are in) and your ship’s SAT-C ID and transmit a test message
A copy of message is saved in received log.
31.What is common in undesignated distress alert, designated distress alert and distress message?
These 3 are sent to RCC.
We receive immediate acknowledgement from RCC
32.Is it store and forward in distress message transmission?
No. it is directly sent to RCC.
Other messages are store and forward except distress message
33.Speed of data in SAT-C?
Telex - 5 bit code
ITA-2 International Telegraph Alphabet
Telex over PSTN –to – a FAX terminal – 7 bit code
DATA over PSDN landlines – 8 bit code
PSTN – Public Switched Telephone/Telex Network
PSDN – Public Switched Data Network
***SAT-C services: Distress alerting, distress message transmission through distress priority, 2 digit special access
code for urgency, safety, position reporting and other services, EGC and position reporting and polling via LRIT
**SAT – C CONNECTIONS:
E MAIL
TELEX or FAX (ONE WAY ONLY)
Connected to PSTN and PSDN using telephone modem number
Another SAT-C terminal/MINI-C terminal
Special access code

INMARSAT SYATEM
1.What is the Inmarsat System?
The basic components of the Inmarsat system include the Inmarsat space segment, Land Earth Stations (LES), also
referred to as Coast Earth Stations (CES), and mobile Ship Earth Stations (SES).
2.How many ocean regions are there for INMARSAT satellite communication?
What are they?
The ocean region is divided in to four with overlapping area for maritime satellite communication purpose
Atlantic Ocean - East (AOR-E)
Atlantic Ocean - West (AOR-W)
Pacific Ocean (POR)
Indian Ocean (IOR)
3.What is the function of LES?
LES is the gateway between the maritime satellite network and the national/International telecommunication
network.
4.What is the gateway between ship station and land network in satellite communication?
LES
5.What are the priorities in the Inmarsat network communication?
0 for routine calls
1 for safety calls
2 for urgent calls
3 for distress calls
6.What is the satellite foot print?
It covers between 76 deg North and 76 deg South
7.What does ‘satellite foot print’ means?
Satellite coverage area is called satellite foot print
8.What is the drawback in sea area A4?
Sea area A4 is not in INMARSAT coverage.
No satellite communication is possible outside the satellite coverage area. In that area, Terrestrial communication
is used.
9.What is space segment?
Space segment consists of INMARSAT satellites
10.What is ground segment?
Ground segment consists of CES, NCS and NOC (Network Operation Centre)
11.What are the positions of satellites?
AOR-E 15.5 deg West
POR 178 deg East
IOR 64 deg East
AOR-W 54 deg West
12.What is Geo stationary satellite?
Inmarsat satellite is placed in the geo stationary orbit.
13.What is Geo synchronous satellite?
Inmarsat satellite is synchronized with the speed and direction of the earth’s rotation
14.Where the inmarsat satellite is placed?
Approximately 36000 KM above earth’s equator
15.How many satellites are used in this Inmarsat network?
Four satellites. (and four back up satellites)
16.What are the uplink and down link frequencies of SES? (SES – SATELLITE)?
Uplink frequency - 1.6 GHZ (1626.5 MHz – 1660.5 MHz)
Downlink frequency – 1.5 GHZ (1525.0 MHz - 1559.0 MHz)
17.What are the uplink and down link frequencies of LES/CES? (LES/CES – SATELLITE)?
Uplink frequency – 6 GHZ
Downlink frequency – 4 GHZ
18.What is up link frequency?
Transmitting frequency
19.What is down link frequency?
Receiving frequency
20.What type of antenna is used in CES? SIZE?
At CES, antenna which is used is Parabolic Antenna 11 to 14 meters in dia. Same aerial or another aerial for 1.6
GHz/1.5GHz (L band Transmission)
21.What is the function of Network Co-ordination Station (NCS)?
NCS monitor and control communications through the INMARSAT Satellite for which it is responsible.
NCS provides a common signaling channel to the stations for communication when we log in to NCS.
22.How many NCS are there?
There are 4 NCS, one in each ocean region.
23.What are telephone and telex access codes used in satellite communication?
Telephone and Telex access codes in 4 ocean regions
Telex - Telephone
AOR-E - 581 - 870
PQR - 582 - 870
IOR - 583 - 870
AOR-W - 584 - 870 SNAC (Single Network Access Code)
24.What is SNAC?
Same telephone access code is used in all four ocean regions.
That is called single network access code.
25.What are the INMARSAT ID/IMN?
INMARSAT A1 Seven (7) digits beginning with 1
INMARSAT B Nine (9) digits beginning with 3
INMARSAT C Nine (9) digits beginning with 4
INMARSAT mini-C Nine (9) digits beginning
with 4
INMARSAT Fleet F77 Nine (9) digits
beginning with 76 (voice) or 60 (data)2
Non-GMDSS Terminals:
INMARSAT M Nine (9) digits beginning with 6
INMARSAT mini-M Nine (9) digits beginning with 76 (voice and/or data)
INMARSAT Fleet F33 Nine (9) digits beginning with 76 (voice) or 60 (data)
INMARSAT Fleet F55 Nine (9) digits beginning with 76 (voice) or 60 (data)
26.What are the 2 digit special access codes?
URGENCY / SAFETY by Satellite Communication:
By using 2 digit special access code
32 - Medical advice - connected to shore hospital/doctor
38 - Medical assistance - connected to associated RCC
39 - Maritime assistance - connected to associated RCC
42 – navigational Hazards
27.What is SIM?
Subscriber Identity Module
*1 byte = 8 bits = 1 character
1 kilobit = 1024 bits = 128 characters = approx 25 words

LRIT
1.What is LRIT?
Long Range Identification & Tracking
2.What is the purpose of LRIT?
Providing position report time to time to the shore concerned authority for security and search and rescue
purposes
3.what type of vessels comply with LRIT?
All passenger ships including High Speed Crafts, cargo ships including 300 gross tonnage and vessels engaged on
international voyages.

4.Which type of vessels need not comply with LRIT?

Ships operating only in Area A1
5.What is the information provided in LRIT?
Ship’s identity, (Unique Identifier)
Position in Latitude & Longitude
And
Date and time of the position
6.How the LRIT is transmitted from the ship?
Automatically
The ship transmitting the ship's LRIT information at 6-hour intervals to an LRIT Data Centre;
Transmitting LRIT information following receipt of polling commands
7.What is the difference between LRIT and AIS?
AIS is a broadcast system
LRIT is transmitted to a particular station at pre fixed intervals or
By polling command
8.Explain the LRIT system?
Ship borne LRIT transmitting equipment
Communication Service Providers
Application Service Providers
LRIT Data Centres, plus any related Vessel Monitoring Systems
The LRIT Data Distribution Plan
The International LRIT Data Exchange
9.Where is the LRIT information transmitted?
Ships transmit the LRIT information to the LRIT Data Centre selected by their Administration.
10.Who are the LRIT users?
Flag state may track ships within its own fleet anywhere in the world.
Port State may set its own requirements for ships that have indicated that they intend to call at its ports based on
Notice of Arrival (NOA)
Coastal States may obtain tracking information for ships navigating within a distance up to 1000 nautical miles off
their coast (this applies to ships not intending to call and not flying that state's flag - in other words, ships on
innocent passage).
Additionally Contracting Governments can request information on ships in an area where a Search and Rescue
operation is underway.
11.Which equipment is used for LRIT?
SAT C or mini-C
12.Which satellite network is used for LRIT?
INMARSAT
13.INMARSAT does not cover sea area A4. What is the other satellite network is used for LRIT?
POLESTAR LRIT system which will use IRIDIUM satellites for forwarding the LIRIT message
14.When can LRIT be Switch off?
At dry docks or laid off for long repairs
Coastal vessels – during monsoon at harbor
15.Can LRIT be used in sea area A4? How?
If POLESTAR is used, it can be used in sea area A4.
Polestar is a low polar orbiting satellite and has a global coverage.

TESTS, CERTFICATES, NINE FUNCTIONS,AVAILABLE IN SIMULATOR POSITION REPORTING,AAIC, ALRS VOLUME,

EPIRB FALSE ALERT CANCELLATION

*BATTERY TEST
ON/OFF LOAD CHECK – Daily
CAPACITY TEST – Yearly
*VHF DSC TEST
SELF TEST – Daily
TEST with another VHF DSC of own vessel
TEST with another ship
*MF HF DSC TEST
Live Test with CRS/MRCC on any of HF DSC Distress frequency -weekly
(SELF TEST – Daily Test)
*EPIRB TEST
(SELF TEST)
1. MONTHLY TEST
2. Annual Test at SBM
3. When a new EPIRB is provided, Test should be conducted on board.
Annual Test by SBM
Every year EPIRB should be tested at SBM.
We can check the annual service date in the EPIRB LABEL.
SBM will issue a annual service TEST CERTIFICATE.
This should also be made in log entry.
Every Two years,
HRU should be replaced with a new HRU.
HRU validity is two years.
*SART TEST:
1. MONTHLY TEST on board – (at sea maintenance)
2. Annual Test – at SBM
3. SELF TEST ( need not tell, unless examiner asked about this)
*GMDSS VHF TEST
Monthly Test
Annual Test – Test at SBM
*CERTFICATES
SHIP STATION license – issued by Ministry Of Communications – In INDIA
(Radio Station License)
With Renewal license
GOC operator’s license - issued by Ministry Of Communications – In INDIA
With renewal license
CARGO and SHIP SAFETY RADIO certificate – issued by classification society
EPIRB, SART and GMDSS VHF annual Test certificate – issued by SBM
EPIRB registration certificate – issued by MCC
LRIT, AIS TEST certificate
( Related questions to certificates and licences to be discussed with a copy of certificates )
RADIO LOG BOOK
RADIO TARIFF BOOK
ITU MANUAL for the use by MMS and MMS
ITU LIST of COAST STATIONS
ITU LIST of SHIP STATIONS and CALL SIGNS
ITU LIST of RADIO DETERMINATION and SPECIAL SERVICES
ALRS VOLUMES – 1 to 8 – not mandatory
*NINE FUNCTIONS – GMDSS REQUIREMENTS
1. Distress alerting – ship to shore – EPIRB, DSC, INMARSAT
2. Distress alerting – shore to ship – DSC, SafetyNET and NAVTEX
3. Distress alerting – ship to ship - VHF CH 16 and CH 13, VHF DSC and MF HF DSC
4. SAR communication – ships , shore (MRCC/CRS) and SAR aircraft
5. On scene communication
6. Locating – SART
7. Transmission and Reception of MSI – NAVTEX and EGC (safetyNET)
8. GENERAL RADIO COMMUNICATION – mf hf transceiver, VHF and INMARSAT
9. Bridge to Bridge communication – VHF
*AVAILABLE IN SIMULATOR
EPIRB – MANUAL ACTIVATION
EPIRB – TEST
SART – ACTIVATION
SART – TEST
BATTERY ON/OFF LOAD CHECK
GMDSS VHF
(you will be asked to show these in simulator)

POSITION REPORTING

*AMVER - ship reporting system

*AUSREP - Australian ship reporting system
*JASREP - Japanese ship Reporting system
AMVER, AUSREP & JASREP – are free of charge to the ship station if sent VIA CRS

*AMVER -REPORT TYPE

Sailing plan - SP
Position Report -PR
Deviation report -DR
Arrival report (final Report) - FR

1.Why ocean region is divided in to sea areas?

For DSC alerting and terrestrial communication purpose
2.Why ocean region is divided in to four ocean regions?
For maritime satellite communication purpose
3.Why ocean region is divided in to NAVAREAS and METAREAS?
NAVAREAs and METAREAs for worldwide navigational and meteorological warning service 21 NAVAREAs

AAIC
1.Where can you refer your AAIC?
In ITU LIST OF SHIP STATIONS, 10th column
2.AAIC?
You can prepare the bills of charges for the calls made and messages sent with the TARIFF BOOK and add
Accounting Authority code in the bill
Company will not pay the bill directly to the service provider. They will pay through the agency called Accounting
Authority. They have a code AAIC
3.What is IAMSAR?
International Aeronautical & Maritime SAR manual published by IMO
(IAMSAR 3 is required for our use)

ALRS VOLUME
ALRS VOLUME 1 (part 1 and part2)
Coast Radio Stations contains details of shore stations services, Ids, frequencies, classes of emissions, details on
the use of INMARSAT, ship reporting systems like AMVER, pollution and piracy reporting procedure, info about
Radio Medical advice, Radio quarantine reports
ALRS VOLUME 3
MSI services, Radio weather and Nav warning services, Navtex referances with related diagrams
ALRS VOLUME 5
GMDSS
ALRS VOLUME 6
Pilot services, VTS and port operations, detailed pilot information and VTS with associated diagrams, harbour VHF
facilities
NBDP
*NBDP –TOR - SITOR
*NBDP – RADIOTELEX:
*RTTY – RADIO TELE TYPE
*SITOR – SIMPLEX TELEX OVER RADIO
*TOR – TELEX OVER RADIO
*NBDP – NARROW BAND DIRECT PRINTING TELEGRAPHY
*SELCALL NUMBERS:
Coast station – 4 digits
Ship station – 5 digits
OCC – the called subscriber is engaged
NC – no circuit are available at the moment
ABS- called subscriber is absent or office is closed
CI – conversation impossible
CFM – confirm/ please confirm
BK –break
DER – out of order
GA – go ahead
MOM – wait/waiting
RPT – repeat
BRK+ Break the circuit
MSG – ready to receive the message
OBS – transmitting weather rep[orts (wx)

1.What is NBDP?
Narrow Band Direct Printing
2.What are the two methods of communications used in NBDP?
ARQ and FEC
3.What is ARQ? Explain
One –to-one communication
ARQ – It is a error detection and error correction method
In ARQ mode,
BOTH SATIONS (on communication) transceivers are ON position
Messages are sent in packets
Each packet contains 3 characters
If the receiving station not received correctly…that means..
If there is any error at the receiving end,
It will ask for repetions automatically
And
This will be maximum 31 repetetions
4.What is FEC? Explain
One-to-several OR one-to-many communication
In FEC mode,
The transmitting station and other stations (on communication) transceivers are
ON position
In transmission of message,
Each character is repeated TWICE
\and
Missed character (if any) will be printed as *
5.Type of aerial used?
Quarter wave aerial (SSB aerial)
6.Speed of transmission?
ARQ – 50 bauds FEC – 100 bauds
7.Frequency covered?
MF marine band and HF marine band
8.What is baud?
Unit of speed of digital transmission
9.What is the ID used in NBDP?
SELCAL
10.How the charges are calculated in NBDP?
ON DURATION
11.What is the bandwidth of NBDP?
170 Hz
(85 Hz + 85 Hz)
terrestrial, you can convey the cancellation message)

MODULATION
1.What is DSB? What is SSB? What is USB? What is LSB?
DSB – Double Side Band
SSB- Single Side Band
USB-Upper Side Band (this is SSB) –Marine Side Band
LSB- Lower Side band (this is SSB)
2.What is Modulation? What is Demodulation?
Intelligence (AF) is super imposed on carrier (RF) . This is called Modulation
This is done in transmission (transmitter)
Intelligence is separated from RF carrier wave. This is called Demodulation.
This is done in receiver.
3.What is Amplitude modulation?
Amplitude of the carrier wave is modulated as per the strength of AF signals.
Frequency is constant.
4.What is Frequency Modulation?
Frequency of the carrier wave is modulated as per the strength of AF signals.
Amplitude is constant.
5.What is Phase modulation?
Angle of the carrier wave is modulated as per the strength of AF signals.
6.What is the bandwidth of NBDP and VOICE?
NBDP = 170 Hz VOICE = 3 KHz

Propagation
1.What is propagation?
Radio wave travel over the space/above earth
2.What type of propagation is used for MF communication?
Ground wave propagation
3.What type of propagation is used for HF communication?
Sky wave propagation
4.What type of propagation is used for VHF communication?
Line of sight (direct wave propagation)
5.Explain Ground wave propagation.
MF Radio waves travel along the surface of the earth. (Follow the surface of the Earth) This is called ground wave
propagation
6.Explain sky wave propagation.
HF Radio waves travel towards the ionospheric layers and reflect back to earth
And again refract back to ionospheric layers and reflect back to earth and so on.
HF Radio waves travel for a long distance with the help of ionospheric
Layers
7.Explain line of sight/direct wave propagation.
VHF radio waves travel for a short distance
8.What is skip distance?
The distance between the transmitting point and the first reflecting point is called skip distance.
9.What is skip zone?
No reception of signals area is skip zone.
10.What is the structure of Ionosphere?
Day time, there are four layers
50 – 95 km above the earth - D layer
90- 150 km above the earth – E layer
150 - 200 km above the earth – F1 layer
250 – 450 km above the earth – F2 layer
Night time, it became two layers E layer and F layer
11.What is attenuation?
Loss of energy in radio waves
12.What is ducting?
This happens in VHF communication.
13.What is MUF?
Maximum Usable Frequency – The highest frequency used for communication
Between two stations at a given angle of incidence
14.What is OUF?
Optimum Usable Frequency – 85% of MUF
15.What is the length of aerial is required for transmission?
It should be half of the wave length of the frequency which is tuned

AERIALS
1.Where are the aerials installed?
As high as possible on the superstructure
In the ship, on the monkey island
2.Types of aerials:
Old type: L or T type aerial= fitted on the masts
MF/HF aerial – long wire aerial
WHIP aerial – flexible vertical antenna
Dipole aerial – short vertical half wave aerial
Yagi antenna- multi element VHF aerial/ Directional aerial/For Tv receiving ( old type)
Active aerial – Built in amplifier at its base – NAVTEX receiver
Parabolic antenna - for SAT-B and Fleet 77
MF/HF receiver aerial – 6 – 8 meters
Mf/HF Transmitter aerial – 8 – 10 meters

*f = frequency in Hertz
l = wave length in meters
f x l = 3 x 108
Wave length is inversely proportional to the frequency

*Aerial Tuning Unit

ATU change the electrical length of the antenna for every transmission.
ATU consists of a no.of.capacitors, a no.of.Inductors, a small motor and a micro processor
3.What is Transceiver?
A combined unit of transmitter and receiver
4.What is sensitivity?
Sensitivity is the ability of receive to receive the weak signal of the weakest signal
5.What is selectivity?
Selectivity is the ability of a receiver to receive the tuned frequency and push off the nearby frequency
What is stability?
7.What is fidelity?
Fidelity is the ability of a receive the transmitted signal without any distortion
8.What is fading? How to overcome fading?
It occurs in HF communication. When the radio waves travel for a long distance, there will be a lot of fluctuations
in the incoming signal at receiver.
Sometimes signal level will go down. Sometimes it is steady. No constant output in the receiver. This is called
fading
AGC is used to overcome the fading.
By using AGC, there will be a constant output in the receiver.
9.What is the power supply to the Transceiver?
Main supply 110v ac/220 v ac
Battery supply 24v DC
10.What is the power source to the GMDSS equipments?
Ship’s main,
11.What is the reserve source of power supply?
Battery
12.If main supply is failure, what is the additional power source?
Battery and emergency generator
*EIRP – Electrically ISOTROPIC Radiated power
*Decibel watts (dbw) – emissions
10 dbw = 10 w
20 dbw = 100 w
30 dbw = 1000 w
*Frequency bandwidth
3 – 30 KHz \VLF –VERY LOW FREQUENCY - MYRIAMETRIC WAVES
30 – 300 KHz LF – LOW FREQUENCY – KILOMETRIC WAVES
300 – 3000 KHz MF – MEDIUM FREQUENCY – HECTOMETRIC WAVES
3 – 30 MHz HF – HIGH FREQUENCY - DECAMETRIC WAVES
30 – 300 MHz VHF – VERY HIGH FREQUENCY – METRIC WAVES
300 – 3000 MHz UHF – ULTRA HIGH FREQUENCY – DECI METRIC WAVES
3 GHz – 30 GHz SHE – CENTIMETRIC WAAVES
30 GHz – 300 GHz EHF – MILLIMETRIC WAVES
*AIR frequency
720 KHz
Rx. Tune : 722.000 KHz – 720.120 KHz
13.What is the range of communication possible in MF ( 1.6 MHz to 4 MHz)?
More than 150 NM in day time
14.What are the HF marineSECONDS

4 MHz, 6 MHz, 8 MHz, 12 MHz, 16 MHz and 22 MHz

15.How much time it takes to power ON (pressing on/off button) the MF HF equipment?
4 seconds
16.Power output levels?
Low power 20 watts and high power 250 watts. Permitted level 400 watts
(In DSC and TELEX, automatically it is on high power)
17.What are the details appear in the display?
MF HF transceiver carriage requirement
18.MF HF SCANNING
UP TO 10 CHANNELS
ONE CHANNEL SCANNING PER 2 SECONDS
MULTIWATCH
1 DSC FREQUENCY AND UPTO 10 SSB CHANNELS
DUAL WATCH
DSC FREQUENCY and CURRENCT VOICE(TELEPHONY) FREQUENCY
SCANNING – EACH 2 SECONDS
DSC WATCH
UPTO 6 DSC FREQUENCIES
SCANNING - EACH 2 SECONDS
..... ........ IRIDIAM
Expected to launch in early 2020, Iridium GMDSS services with improved Search & Rescue (SAR) functionalities
will be available through a single, small-form-factor maritime terminal. The Iridium Connected® GMDSS device
developed by Lars Thrane (LT-3100S) will integrate all three satellite GMDSS services at what is expected to be a
fraction of the existing cost of competitive options, and it will be the first solution to offer truly global GMDSS
services.

*****
The Iridium Advantage

CAPABILITY
All Iridium Connected® GMDSS terminals will initiate both Distress Alert and Distress Voice simply and quickly
with the press of just one button.

COVERAGE
The Iridium network is designed to work in extreme conditions at sea. Our unique constellation architecture
connects 66 crosslinked satellites in Low-Earth Orbit (LEO), providing coverage around the entire globe, from pole
to pole. LEO provides a stronger signal and better “look angles” than geostationary satellites, helping keep ships
connected, even in adverse weather.

COST
Iridium will be the first satellite provider to provide GMDSS globally, including over the Arctic and Antarctic waters
in Sea Area A4. This area is considered among the most dangerous plac terminal developed by Lars Thrane (LT-
3100S) is expected to supply approximately 25 percent of the cost of the current equipment required to supply all
three services. Providing GMDSS at a reduced, more affordable cost will allow more vessels to install GMDSS
terminals and access life saving services.

*****
MSI will be transmitted through an Enhanced Group Call (EGC) service called Iridium SafetyCastSM.