ROC(M) VHF Marine Radio Self-Study Program – General Knowledge

“Securité” is used to precede safety messages concerning navigation or weather information that could affect the safety of navigation, alerting mariners to important but non-urgent information.

If there is interference on a VHF channel, switch to another channel if possible and inform the other party to ensure clear communication.

If your VHF radio transmission is not clear, you should check the antenna connection, ensure the microphone is working properly, and verify that you are on the correct channel and not too far from the receiving station.

“Standby” means to wait or pause communication temporarily while the sender attends to another task, indicating that they will resume communication shortly.

The correct term to acknowledge a message is “Roger,” indicating that you have received and understood the message.

The correct procedure for a radio check is to call a nearby vessel or shore station, state your vessel’s name, and request a radio check to ensure your equipment is working properly.

“ATIS” stands for Automatic Transmitter Identification System, a feature that automatically transmits the vessel’s identification when using certain VHF channels, enhancing security and tracking.

The proper term for a distress call cancellation is “Seelonce Feenee,” indicating that the emergency situation is over and normal communication can resume.

To terminate a distress call, you should announce “Seelonce Feenee” on the distress channel, indicating that the emergency is over and normal communication can resume.

A whip antenna is typically used with VHF marine radios due to its effectiveness in transmitting and receiving signals over the relatively short distances VHF operates.

The VHF marine radio is essential for maintaining communication between vessels and with shore stations, ensuring safety and coordination at sea. Its primary purpose is to facilitate effective communication for navigational and emergency situations.

Channel 70 is primarily used for Digital Selective Calling (DSC), allowing for automated distress signaling and selective calling between vessels and shore stations.

“Say again” is used to request a repeat of the last message, ensuring that the information is clearly understood and accurately communicated.

The term “Mayday Relay” should be used when you need to relay a distress call on behalf of another vessel that is unable to make the call themselves, ensuring the message is transmitted.

“Pan-Pan” is an urgency signal indicating a situation that is urgent but not immediately life-threatening. It is used to alert others to a problem that requires assistance but is less critical than a “Mayday” call.

If your VHF radio transmission is not clear during an emergency, you should check the antenna connection, ensure the microphone is working properly, and verify that you are on the correct channel and not too far from the receiving station.

“Silence Distress” means that all stations must maintain radio silence on the distress frequency to allow uninterrupted communication for the distress situation.

Channel 70 is used for Digital Selective Calling (DSC) during emergencies, allowing for automated distress signaling and selective calling between vessels and shore stations.

To initiate a distress call using DSC, you press the dedicated distress button on your VHF marine radio, which automatically sends a distress signal with your vessel’s information and location.

If transmissions overlap, wait for a pause and then say “Break” to indicate that you need to communicate, ensuring clear and orderly communication.

The first step when hearing a distress call is to acknowledge receipt if no one else has, and then listen for further instructions to provide assistance if able.

“DSC” stands for Digital Selective Calling, a feature in modern VHF marine radios that allows for automated distress signaling and direct calling to specific vessels or shore stations.

Making a false distress call on a VHF marine radio can result in severe legal penalties, including fines and imprisonment, as it endangers lives and wastes search and rescue resources.

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) regulates the use of marine VHF radios to ensure standardized and efficient communication across international waters.

If you do not understand a message, you should ask the sender to repeat it by saying “Say again” to ensure accurate communication and prevent errors.

If you accidentally transmit a false distress signal, you should immediately cancel it by announcing the cancellation on the same channel, explaining the mistake to prevent unnecessary search and rescue operations.

Channel 13 is designated for bridge-to-bridge communication between vessels, particularly for navigation safety and coordination to avoid collisions in busy waterways.

“Mayday” is an international distress signal used to indicate a life-threatening emergency. It is a call for immediate assistance and is given the highest priority in communication.

If you hear a distress call but cannot assist directly, you should relay the call to the coast guard or other vessels in the vicinity, ensuring the distress message is passed on.

If your VHF radio stops working during an emergency, use alternative means of communication such as flares, EPIRBs, or other vessels to signal for help.