MT-3221 - Global Maritime Distress and Safety System I

TOPIC - Signaling by Morse Code

• identifies Morse symbols for the alphabet and numerals
• sends and receives Morse signals by flashing light at a rate of at least 15 characters per minute
• lists the parts of a signal made by flashing as:
  • the call
  • the identity
  • the text
  • the ending
• demonstrates the procedure for sending a message to an unknown ship in plain language or in code
• correctly uses the "erase" signal when sending or receiving
• correctly uses the "repeat" signal
• correctly uses the repetition signals AA, AB, WA, WB and BN
• explains the use of the waiting signal AS
• demonstrates the use of the procedure signals C, N (or NO), RQ and states that they cannot be used with single-letter signals
• states the meaning and explains the use of YU, YV, YZ
• states the recommendations on sound signaling
• lists the single-letter signals which may be sounded only in compliance with the requirements of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea
• demonstrates sending and receiving Morse by hand-flags or arms
• states the distress signal when made by flashing light

21A4
21A5
21A6
21A7
21A7.01
21A7.02

TOPIC - International Code of Signals

• recognizes all International Code flags and pendants
• explains the purpose of the International Code of Signals
• correctly uses substitute flags
• demonstrates how to call, using flags
• demonstrates the use of the answering pendant
• explains actions to take when signals are not understood
• states how the end of a signal is indicated
• states that names in the text of a signal are to be spelt out in plain language
• explains the use of identity signals
• states that, in flag signaling, the answering pendant is used to indicate the decimal point in numbers
• demonstrates how to signal azimuth or bearing, course, date, latitude, longitude, distance, speed, time
• describes the arrangement of the Code into:
• single-letter signals two-letter signals for the General Section three-letter signals beginning with "M" for the Medical Section
• describes the use of complements and the tables of complements
• describes how to signal depths
• explains the significance of text in brackets
• states that cross-referencing of signals in the right-hand column is used to facilitate coding
• states the meanings of single-letter signals
• states that there are single-letter signals for use between an ice-breaker and assisted vessels
• explains how time of origin may be included
• codes and decodes messages, using the General Section
• codes and decodes messages, using the Medical Section and complements
• states the International Code Signal of distress

21A4
21A5
21A6
21A7
21A7.02

TOPIC - Radiotelephone communications

• states that the ship's radiotelephone station must be licensed by the Administration
• states that transmissions may only be made on those frequencies listed in the ship's license
• states the obligation to preserve secrecy of correspondence
• states that all calls must contain the identity of the station
• states that the international radiotelephone distress frequencies are 2182 kHz and 156.8 MHz (VHF channel 16)
• states the watches which must be maintained on the above frequencies for the purposes of distress watchkeeping
• states the times of silence periods on the international distress frequencies
• states what signals may be transmitted on an international distress frequency during a silence period
• explains in what circumstances ships may call on the international distress frequencies
• explains what transmissions are permitted from a ship in inland waterways and harbors
• describes the control of communications in ship-to-shore and ship-to-ship working
• describes the procedure for calling and establishing communications with a shore station
• describes the procedure for replying to calls from a shore station
• describes the procedure for inter-ship working
• states the signal for the end of work between two stations
• describes the procedures for communicating with port operations, coast stations and vessel traffic services
• describes the procedure for coast stations calling ship stations in the form of traffic lists
• lists the information to be supplied by a ship station to facilitate traffic routing (TR)
• explains the procedures on arrival at and departure from port
• describes the procedures for calls for internal communications on board ship
• describes the procedure for sending a radio telegram
• describes the form of transmission of a radio telegram
• states how the receipt of a radio telegram is acknowledged
• describes how to set up a radiotelephone call (link call)
• demonstrates ability to use the phonetic alphabet and figure code
• demonstrates ability to use the Standard Marine Navigational Vocabulary
• states the procedure for using the International Code of Signals for radiotelephone messages
• states that the distress call has absolute priority over all other transmissions
• states that the distress call and message may only be sent on the authority of the master or person responsible for the ship
• states the radiotelephone distress signal
• describes the distress call
• lists the information which should be included in a distress message
• demonstrates the radiotelephone distress procedure
• describes the radiotelephone alarm signal
• explains the procedure for the acknowledgment of a distress message
• explains who controls distress traffic
• explains the use of:
  • SEELONCE MAYDAY
  • SEELONCE DISTRESS
  • SEELONCE FEENEE
  • PRUDONCE
• describes the procedure for the transmission of a distress message by a station not itself in distress
• explains when acknowledgment of a distress message relayed by a coast station should be made
• states that any distress message or call should be recorded in the log and passed to the ship's master
• states the radiotelephone urgency signal
• explains when the urgency signal may be used
• demonstrates how to send an urgency message, including medical calls
• states the radiotelephone safety signal
• explains when the safety signal may be used
• demonstrates how to send a safety message
• describes the navigational warning signal transmitted by coast stations
• states that the mute should be lifted from the filtered loudspeaker during silence periods and for a few minutes afterwards to ensure the receipt of distress calls or repeated urgency and safety signals
• lists the documents to be provided for ship stations required to be fitted with a radiotelephone installation
• lists the entries which should be made in the radio log of a radiotelephone station
• summarizes the guidance on the use of VHF at sea given in the Annex to IMO Assembly resolution A.474(XII)
• states that the frequencies 4125 kHz and 6215 kHz are used to supplement the frequency 2182 kHz for distress and safety traffic in certain regions
• states that designated search and rescue aircraft are required to be equipped with the frequency 2182 kHz for communicating with vessels during SAR operations

21A4
21A5
21A6
21C6

TOPIC - Radiotelex

• states where information on coast stations accepting telex calls can be found
• describes how to prepare a telex message
• describes the procedure for establishing a connection in automatic mode
• explains how correct connection is recognized
• states what to do if an incorrect answer-back is received
• explains the procedure for establishing a connection in the semi-automatic or single-operator mode
• lists the information to supply when automatic operation is not possible as:
• telex number of the ship accounting authority identification code destination code and/or network called subscriber's telex number and/or answer-back code
• states how to indicate the end of a message and to check that the connection is still good
• explains how to separate messages
• explains how to indicate the end of transmission
• describes the use of the list of code expressions used in the international telex service
• describes the procedure for automatic telex calls via the INMARSAT system
• describes the procedure for operator-assisted telex calls via the INMARSAT system
• describes the procedure for ship-to-ship telex calls via the INMARSAT system
• explains the use of service codes for special services

21A4
21A5
21A6
21C6

TOPIC - Maintenance and checking of equipment

• describes the care of emergency batteries:
  • lead acid
  • alkaline
• explains the use of the "trickle charge" and "full charge" switch
• states the safety precautions to be taken in battery lockers
• explains how to check the condition of batteries by a discharge and recharge cycle
• states that the check in 5.4 should not be done while the ship is at sea
• carries out the checks and maintenance recommended in manufacturers' handbooks for radiotelephone transmitter and receiver
• states that digital selective calling facilities have means of testing without transmitting signals
• states that, to prevent radiation of signals, test transmissions should only be made using an artificial antenna
• states that tests should not be made on distress frequencies except for radiotelephone transmitters designed to transmit only on 2182 kHz
• describes checks on the correct functioning of the radiotelephone watch receiver
• describes the precautions to be taken before any work is undertaken on radio aerials
• states that aerials and any hoisting arrangements should be checked periodically for wear or damage
• states that aerials should be properly set up and kept clear of rigging or halyards
• explains why insulators should be kept clean and free from salt deposits
• states that broken or cracked insulators should be renewed
• states that aerials and open wire feeders should be guarded so as to be inaccessible to unauthorized personnel
• states that private aerials should not be permitted in the vicinity of ship's aerials
• describes how to operate a float-free satellite EPIRB
• describes how to test that an EPIRB is capable of operating
• describes how information on position, time and ship's course and speed may be entered into an EPIRB
• states that batteries of an EPIRB should be checked and replaced if necessary or at the recommended intervals

21A4
21A5
21A7
21C6
61A1

TOPIC - Electronic navigation systems

TOPIC - Basic principles of hyperbolic navigation systems

• describes, with reference to position fixing, the nature of a hyperbola
• draws a hyperbolic pattern associated with two foci, with the baseline divided into an exact number of equal divisions
• explains the principles of the hyperbolae being position lines
• describes the causes of ambiguity and reduced accuracy in the baseline extension area
• combines two hyperbolic patterns to illustrate the method of ascertaining position

21A1.06
21A2

TOPIC - Loran-C system

• describes the basic Loran-C system
• draws a block diagram of a Loran-C receiver, showing how time differences are measured
• describes how ambiguity in a position line is resolved
• explains why third-cycle matching is used
• explains how the use of sky waves affects the measured time difference
• states typical radii of coverage areas
• identifies the Loran chart and the additional information printed thereon
• switches on equipment; selects chain and relates the time differences obtained to a particular station pair
• fixes the ship's position by plotting the Loran co-ordinates
• recognizes warnings which indicate that the system may be faulty

21A1.06
21A2

TOPIC - Satellite navigation systems

• describes the principles of operation of satellite navigation systems aboard ship
• describes the overall operation of the Transit satellite system
• describes the satellite ideal orbits and is aware of the effects of the orbits achieved in practice
• describes the basic principles of the Transit navigation system
• describes potential sources of error, e.g. single frequency reception, ship motion, aerial height, angle of elevation
• operates a typical Transit satellite navigation equipment
• describes the basic principles of the Global Positioning System (GPS)
• states that the system will provide continuous world-wide position-fixing capabilities
• states the intended level of accuracy of the system
• operates a GPS receiver

21A1.06
21A2

TOPIC - Radio Direction-finders

• describes the basic principle upon which the radio direction-finder is based
• describes the provision of radio beacons throughout the world
• produces the polar diagram of the e.m.f. set up in a single loop aerial when it is rotated in the force field of a transmitter
• explains the potential for ambiguity with two nulls and two maxima
• explains the reason for using the null signal, rather than the maximum, when determining a bearing
• explains that the minimum signal occurs when the loop aerial is at right angles to the direction of propagation
• produces the polar diagram of the e.m.f. set up in the sense aerial when placed in the transmitter field
• combines the polar diagrams of the loop and sense aerials to produce a cardioid diagram
• explains that the minimum signal indicates the direction of the transmitter when the sense aerial is in operation
• describes the Bellini-Tosi aerial system and the operation of the search coil
• describes how errors are caused by interaction between the propagated wave and re-radiation from the ship's structure
• describes errors resulting from causes external to the ship sky wave and coastal refraction effects and methods by which they may be minimized
• describes the method of setting and checking the heading information supplied to the direction-finder from the gyro-compass
• states the sources of information relating to radio beacons and identifies the information contained therein
• operates radio direction-finding equipment in the manual mode, obtaining the bearing of a transmitter, e.g. a specific radio beacon, external or simulated
• operates radio direction-finding equipment in the automatic mode, obtaining the bearing of a transmitter
• operates radio direction finding on the distress frequencies 500 kHz and 2182 kHz
• applies the correction from the calibration curve to the relative bearing
• shows how to check the radio deviation on a certain bearing
• applies the ship's heading to the corrected relative bearing to obtain the true great-circle bearing
• explains and applies the correction for half-convergency
• obtains the Mercatorial bearing and plots it on the chart
• describes the sunset and sunrise effects
• describes the land effect
• describes a system for automatically obtaining a bearing on receipt of the auto-alarm signal

21A1.06
21A2

TOPIC - Echo-sounders

• describes the basic principles of marine echo-sounding equipment
• identifies the main components on a simple block diagram of an echo-sounder, and states the function of each
• states the accepted value of the velocity of sound in seawater and the limits within which the true value may lie
• states the physical factors which affect the velocity of sound in seawater
• operates a typical echo-sounder and demonstrates an ability to carry out basic user maintenance, e.g. clean platen, change paper, change and adjust stylus
• distinguishes between range and phase, and demonstrates an awareness of the dangers of using the wrong phase
• distinguishes between inaccuracies caused by instrument and scale error and those caused by false echoes
• explains the causes of inaccuracies due to instrument or scale error and states their likely magnitude and measures that may be taken to eliminate them
• recognizes the various types of "false" echo that may be observed, describes their formation and states the possible action to remove them from the trace
• describes the potential errors due to trim, heel and transducer separation

TOPIC - Speed logs

• states the difference between ground-reference speed and water-reference speed
• describes the basic principles of the electromagnetic speed log
• describes the basic principles of the pressure-tube log
• explains the necessity of withdrawal of the tube before entering port
• describes the basic principles of the acoustic-correlation log
• describes the basic principles of the Doppler speed log
• explains the "Janus" configuration to counteract the effect of ship's trim
• explains the dual-axis configuration and its use during docking operations
• lists the main error sources on the various types of logs
• states the accuracies of the various systems
• explains calibration of the log
• describes how ship's speed is transmitted to remote displays
• draws a schematic diagram showing how an indication of distance run is derived from a speed log

TOPIC - The gyro-compass

• describes a free gyroscope and its gimbal mountings
• states that in the absence of disturbing forces the spin axis of a free gyroscope maintains its direction in space
• explains what is meant by gyroscopic inertia and precession
• describes the precession resulting from a torque about axes perpendicular to the spin axis
• explains that friction at gimbal pivots produces torques which give rise to precession
• states that the rate of precession is proportional to the applied torque
• defines "tilt" as movement of the spin axis in the vertical plane
• defines "drift" as the apparent movement of the gyroscope in azimuth resulting from the earth's rotation
• describes non-mathematically the apparent movement of a free gyroscope on the earth's surface, given its position and initial attitude
• uses the apparent motion of a celestial body in the direction of the gyro axis to aid the description in 3.9
• explains how a free gyroscope can be made north-seeking by the use of gravity control and describes the resulting oscillations of the axis
• describes the use of damping in azimuth and damping in tilt to cause settling of the axis and thus produce a gyro-compass
• explains that control and damping can be achieved by replacing the ballistic elements with electrical signals, provided by tilt sensors, to produce torques about the vertical and horizontal axes
• describes a familiar gyrocompass with particular reference to: the method of support control and damping arrangements the method of maintaining the heading indication in line with the axis of the gyro the transmission of heading to repeaters
• demonstrates the starting of the gyrocompass and explains how to minimize settling time by slewing and leveling it to the correct heading
• states the necessary time for the compass to settle after switching on prior to sailing
• lists the settings to be made or adjusted while the compass is in use
• explains how the repeater system is switched on and aligned with the master gyrocompass
• describes the use of gyro input to the direction-finder
• describes how gyro heading input is supplied to a radar installation
• describes the alarms fitted to a gyro-compass

21A1.08
21A2

TOPIC - The automatic pilot

• explains the principle of an automatic pilot system
• lists and explains the functions of the manual settings
• describes the procedures for change-over from automatic to manual steering and vice versa
• explains what is meant by an adaptive automatic pilot and briefly explains how it functions
• describes the course monitor and the off-course alarm
• lists the other alarms fitted to the system
• states that the automatic pilot should be included in the steering gear testing prior to the ship's departure
• states the regulation regarding the use of the automatic pilot
• outlines the recommendation on performance standards for automatic pilots
• explains the need for regular checking of the automatic pilot to ensure that it is steering the correct course
• states that the automatic pilot should be tested manually at least once per watch
• describes the factors to take into account regarding the change-over to manual control of steering in order to deal with a potentially hazardous situation

TOPIC - Introduction to GMDSS

• States the background and purpose of GMDSS states definitions of sea areas A1, A2, A3 and A4
• states dates of implementation
• states details of carriage requirements
• states details of communication equipment in use and sea areas
• lists methods of distress urgency safety alerting
• States certification requirements

21A2
21C6
21C6.1

TOPIC - Principles of communications

21A4
21A5

TOPIC - Principles and Basic Features of the Maritime Mobile Service

• States the types of communications in the maritime mobile service
  • Distress, urgency and safety communications
  • Public correspondence
  • Port operations service
  • Ship movement service ITU Regulations
  • Internship communication
  • Onboard communication
• States the types of station in the maritime mobile service
  • Ship stations
  • Coast stations
  • Pilot stations, port stations, etc.
  • Aircraft stations
  • Rescue coordinating centers (MRCC)
• Shows an elementary knowledge of frequencies and frequency bands
  • the concept of frequency
  • the equivalence between frequency and wavelength
  • states the units of measurement, Hz, kHz, MHz and GHz
  • states the subdivision of the radio frequency spectrum
    • medium frequency (MF)
    • high frequency (HF)
    • very high frequency (VHF)
    • ultra high frequency (UHF)
    • super high frequency (SHF)

21A2
21A5
21C6

TOPIC - Characteristics of radio propagation

• describes the theory of propagation
• describes the details of the ionosphere
• details methods of propagation according to frequency
• states methods of propagation by low frequency, medium frequency, high frequency, and very high frequency
• describes action of ground waves, sky waves and space waves
• describes purpose and action of automatic gain control and squelch
• describes maximum usable frequency
• describes optimum traffic frequency and calculation
• details frequencies used for satellite communications

21A2
21C6

TOPIC - Different types of modulation and emission

• lists classes of emission and describes (AM, FM, SSB, FSK, CW)
• describes carrier and band width of emission
• lists official designations of emission (e.g., FIB, H3E, J3E, F3E, A3E, A1A, etc.)
• states the uses and restrictions for different emissions according to frequency and purpose in the maritime bands

TOPIC - Frequency allocations in maritime mobile bands

• describes the usage of bands and frequencies in the maritime mobile service
• describes the concept of simplex, duplex, paired frequencies and ITU channels, half duplex
• describes the correct usage of frequency, frequency band and models of emission for Maritime communications as required by the Radio Regulations
• lists frequencies for Distress, urgency and safety communications for GMDSS purposes as required by the Radio Regulations.
• lists frequencies for routine call and reply

TOPIC - Principles and Features of the Maritime Mobile Satellite Service

21A2
21C6

TOPIC - Basic operation of satellite communications

• describes the INMARSAT system
• lists the services available on INMARSAT A, INMARSAT B, INMARSAT M, INMARSAT C and INMARSAT E and other satellite systems
• describes the function of Enhanced Group Call system (EGC)
• describes Distress, urgency, safety, and routine communications by satellite

TOPIC - Types of station in the satellite service

• describes coast earth stations and their functions (CES) or (LES)
• describes network coordination station and their function (NCS)
• describes ship earth station and their operation (SES) and (MES)

TOPIC - Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS)

21A2
21A4
21A5
21C6

TOPIC - Functional requirements of ship stations

• states functional requirements of each piece of equipment (operator level)
• states definitions of coverage and sea areas
• states details of carriage requirements
• describes maritime safety information services (MSI)
• states watchkeeping procedures as defined in the Radio Regulations

TOPIC - Sources of power

• describes reserve power supplies, capacity, and duration as defined by 47 CFR PART 80 and SOLAS
• describes prohibitions on the connection of non GMDSS equipment
• describes main and emergency power supplies

TOPIC - Requirements and means of ensuring availability of ship station equipment as specified in 47 CFR 80

• describes equipment duplication
• describes onboard maintenance strategies and requirements defined in the Radio Regulations for GMDSS (47 CFR 80)
• describes shore based maintenance

TOPIC - Primary and secondary means of alerting

• Describes primary and secondary means of alerting

TOPIC - Ship radio station licenses and radio safety certificates

• lists details shown on the ship license
• describes requirements for radio safety certificates

TOPIC - Describes mobile stations Logbook requirement

• lists details of logbook daily entries
• lists details of all other periodic entries such as equipment tests as required by the Radio Regulations (47 CFR 80)