FCC Element 7 GMDSS Radio Operator
License - Subelement A UPDATED
ACTUAL Exam Questions and CORRECT
Answers
7-1A1: What is the fundamental concept of the GMDSS?
A. GMDSS utilizes automated systems and satellite technology to improve emergency
communications for the world's shipping industry.
B. It is intended to automate and improve existing digital selective calling procedures and
techniques.
C. It is intended to provide more effective but lower cost commercial communications.
D. It is intended to provide compulsory vessels with a collision avoidance system when they are
operating in waters that are also occupied by non-compulsory vessels - CORRECT
ANSWER - A. GMDSS utilizes automated systems and satellite technology to improve
emergency communications for the world's shipping industry.
7-1A2: The primary purpose of the GMDSS is?
A. Allow more effective control of SAR situations by vessels.
B. Automate and improve emergency communications for the world's shipping industry.
C. Provide additional shipboard systems for more effective company communications.
D. Effective and inexpensive communications. - CORRECT ANSWER - B. Automate and
improve emergency communications for the world's shipping industry.
7-1A3: What is the basic concept of GMDSS?
A. Shoreside authorities will rely on reports from nearby vessels to become aware of Distress
alerts.
, B. Shoreside authorities and vessels can assist in a coordinated SAR operation only after the
correct chain of DSC relays takes place.
C. SAR authorities ashore can be alerted to a Distress situation & shipping in the vicinity can be
requested to participate in SAR operations.
D. SAR authorities ashore wait to have EPIRB Distress alerts confirmed by satellite follow-on
communications. - CORRECT ANSWER - C. SAR authorities ashore can be alerted to a
Distress situation & shipping in the vicinity can be requested to participate in SAR operations.
7-1A4: GMDSS is primarily a system based on?
A. Ship-to-ship Distress communications using MF or HF radiotelephony.
B. VHF digital selective calling from ship to shore.
C. Distress, Urgency and Safety communications carried out by the use of narrow-band direct
printing telegraphy.
D. The linking of search and rescue authorities ashore with shipping in the immediate vicinity of
a ship in Distress or in need of assistance. - CORRECT ANSWER - D. The linking of
search and rescue authorities ashore with shipping in the immediate vicinity of a ship in Distress
or in need of assistance.
7-1A5: What is the responsibility of compulsory GMDSS vessels?
A. Every vessel must be able to perform communications functions essential for its own safety
and the safety of other vessels.
B. Vessels must transmit a DSC distress relay upon receipt of a DSC distress alert.
C. Only the vessels closest to a Distress incident must render assistance.
D. Vessels must immediately acknowledge all DSC distress alerts. - CORRECT
ANSWER - A. Every vessel must be able to perform communications functions essential
for its own safety and the safety of other vessels.
7-1A6: GMDSS is required for which of the following?
A. All vessels capable of international voyages.
License - Subelement A UPDATED
ACTUAL Exam Questions and CORRECT
Answers
7-1A1: What is the fundamental concept of the GMDSS?
A. GMDSS utilizes automated systems and satellite technology to improve emergency
communications for the world's shipping industry.
B. It is intended to automate and improve existing digital selective calling procedures and
techniques.
C. It is intended to provide more effective but lower cost commercial communications.
D. It is intended to provide compulsory vessels with a collision avoidance system when they are
operating in waters that are also occupied by non-compulsory vessels - CORRECT
ANSWER - A. GMDSS utilizes automated systems and satellite technology to improve
emergency communications for the world's shipping industry.
7-1A2: The primary purpose of the GMDSS is?
A. Allow more effective control of SAR situations by vessels.
B. Automate and improve emergency communications for the world's shipping industry.
C. Provide additional shipboard systems for more effective company communications.
D. Effective and inexpensive communications. - CORRECT ANSWER - B. Automate and
improve emergency communications for the world's shipping industry.
7-1A3: What is the basic concept of GMDSS?
A. Shoreside authorities will rely on reports from nearby vessels to become aware of Distress
alerts.
, B. Shoreside authorities and vessels can assist in a coordinated SAR operation only after the
correct chain of DSC relays takes place.
C. SAR authorities ashore can be alerted to a Distress situation & shipping in the vicinity can be
requested to participate in SAR operations.
D. SAR authorities ashore wait to have EPIRB Distress alerts confirmed by satellite follow-on
communications. - CORRECT ANSWER - C. SAR authorities ashore can be alerted to a
Distress situation & shipping in the vicinity can be requested to participate in SAR operations.
7-1A4: GMDSS is primarily a system based on?
A. Ship-to-ship Distress communications using MF or HF radiotelephony.
B. VHF digital selective calling from ship to shore.
C. Distress, Urgency and Safety communications carried out by the use of narrow-band direct
printing telegraphy.
D. The linking of search and rescue authorities ashore with shipping in the immediate vicinity of
a ship in Distress or in need of assistance. - CORRECT ANSWER - D. The linking of
search and rescue authorities ashore with shipping in the immediate vicinity of a ship in Distress
or in need of assistance.
7-1A5: What is the responsibility of compulsory GMDSS vessels?
A. Every vessel must be able to perform communications functions essential for its own safety
and the safety of other vessels.
B. Vessels must transmit a DSC distress relay upon receipt of a DSC distress alert.
C. Only the vessels closest to a Distress incident must render assistance.
D. Vessels must immediately acknowledge all DSC distress alerts. - CORRECT
ANSWER - A. Every vessel must be able to perform communications functions essential
for its own safety and the safety of other vessels.
7-1A6: GMDSS is required for which of the following?
A. All vessels capable of international voyages.
