Coast Guard Radio Officer Examination

Coast Guard Radio Officer Examination Practice Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf

• What is the primary purpose of the Global Maritime Distress and

Safety System (GMDSS)?

• To regulate shipboard communications
• To enhance maritime navigation accuracy
• To ensure rapid alerting of ships in distress
• To provide entertainment and information to vessels

Rationale: GMDSS is designed to ensure ships can quickly alert shore

stations and nearby vessels in the event of distress.

• Which frequency band is primarily used for long-range distress and

safety communications in GMDSS?

A. VHF

B. MF/HF 1 / 4

C. UHF

D. SHF

Rationale: MF (Medium Frequency) and HF (High Frequency) bands

allow long-range communications, which is essential for GMDSS distress operations.

• In GMDSS, which system automatically sends a distress alert without

manual input?

A. DSC

B. NAVTEX

C. EPIRB

D. AIS

Rationale: An Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB)

automatically transmits a distress signal when activated or submerged.

• Which GMDSS communication device is mandatory on vessels

operating within VHF range?

• VHF DSC radio
• Satellite phone
• HF SSB radio
• MF radio

Rationale: VHF DSC radios are mandatory for short-range maritime

distress communication and routine calls within VHF range. 2 / 4

• NAVTEX broadcasts information primarily in which format?
• Voice messages only
• Satellite SMS
• Text messages
• Morse code only

Rationale: NAVTEX provides navigational and meteorological

warnings in text format for automated reception onboard ships.

• What is the function of Digital Selective Calling (DSC) in GMDSS?
• To encrypt communications
• To send automated distress alerts and selective calls
• To monitor vessel speed
• To provide weather updates

Rationale: DSC allows ships to send automated distress alerts and

selectively communicate with other vessels or shore stations.

• What does the acronym EPIRB stand for?
• Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon
• Emergency Portable Internal Radio Base
• Electronic Position and Internal Relay Beacon
• Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon

Rationale: EPIRB is a device used to transmit a distress signal and

location during emergencies.

• Which GMDSS system provides meteorological and navigational

warnings directly to ships? 3 / 4

A. DSC

B. NAVTEX

C. EPIRB

D. AIS

Rationale: NAVTEX broadcasts maritime safety information including

weather forecasts and navigational warnings.

• Which is the primary VHF distress channel worldwide?
• Channel 6
• Channel 10
• Channel 12
• Channel 16

Rationale: VHF Channel 16 (156.8 MHz) is the international distress,

safety, and calling channel.

• What is the function of the Search and Rescue Transponder

(SART)?

• To provide satellite navigation
• To broadcast weather warnings
• To assist in locating a survival craft during SAR operations
• To send automated distress alerts to shore stations

Rationale: SART emits signals that appear on radar screens to help

rescue units locate life rafts or survival crafts.

• What is the standard operating procedure after receiving a DSC

distress alert?

• / 4