VHF Communication Quiz

VHF Radio Operations

• Adjust squelch control to approximately twice the minimum level necessary to barely suppress any background noise.
• The "Scan" function is used to monitor Ch-16 continuously, switch to either Ch-70 or Ch-13 every 5 seconds, scan Ch-16 for Distress calls, and scan Ch-70 for Distress alerts.
• All VHF Distress, Urgency, and Safety communications (as well as VTS traffic calls) must be performed in Simplex operating mode to ensure that vessels not directly participating in the communications can hear both sides of the radio exchange.

VHF Channel Selection

• VHF-FM-equipped vessels must monitor Ch-16 at all times when the vessel is at sea.
• The aircraft frequency and emission used for distress communications is 121.500 MHz - A3E.
• Ch-70 is used only for digital selective calling.
• VHF-FM on Ch-13 in most areas of the continental United States is used for the required bridge-to-bridge watch.
• Ch-08 is used for routine ship-to-ship voice traffic.
• Ch-28 is used to place a call to a shore telephone.

MF-HF Equipment Controls

• Modes that can be selected to receive vessel traffic lists from high seas shore stations are VHF-FM and SSB.
• All MF-HF Distress, Urgency, and Safety communications must take place solely on the 6 assigned frequencies and in the simplex operating mode to maximize the chances for other vessels to receive those communications.

Watchkeeping

• A 3-minute silent period must be observed at 00 and 30 minutes past the hour when a watch is required on 2182 kHz.
• A watch on VHF Ch-16 is compulsory at all times while at sea until further notice, unless the vessel is in a VTS system.
• The mandatory DSC watchkeeping bands/channels are 2 MHz MF DSC, 6 MHz DSC, VHF Ch-70, and 1 other HF DSC.

Logkeeping

• The licensed operator or a person whom they designate is required to make entries in a required service or maintenance log.
• The station licensee is responsible for the proper maintenance of station logs.

Test your knowledge on VHF communication procedures and terminology. Questions cover topics such as adjusting squelch controls, using scan functions, and operating in Simplex mode for distress calls.