Subelement D: Other Equipment— Topic 20: Power Sources
Question 1-20D3
Element 1 (MROP)Which of the following terms is defined as a back-up power source that provides power to radio installations for the purpose of conducting Distress and Safety communications when the vessel’s main and emergency generators cannot?
Explanation
The Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) regulations mandate specific power sources for critical maritime communications. A "Reserve Source of Energy" is the precise term used in GMDSS to define a power supply, typically batteries, dedicated to powering essential radio installations for Distress and Safety communications if both the vessel's main and emergency generators become inoperable. This ensures a final line of defense for transmitting critical alerts.
Options like "Emergency Diesel Generator" or "Emergency Back-up Generator" describe types of generators that might serve as part of an emergency power system, but they are not the specific GMDSS definition for the backup power *source* when *all* other generators have failed. "Reserve Source of Diesel Power" is too restrictive, as the reserve source of energy often consists of batteries, not exclusively diesel generators.
Related Questions
1-20D1 For a small passenger vessel inspection, reserve power batteries must be tested:1-20D2 What are the characteristics of the Reserve Source of Energy under GMDSS?1-20D4 In the event of failure of the main and emergency sources of electrical power, what is the term for the source required to supply the GMDSS console with power for conducting distress and other radio communications?1-20D5 What is the requirement for emergency and reserve power in GMDSS radio installations?1-20D6 What is the meaning of “Reserve Source of Energy”?