Subelement B: F.C.C. Rules & Regulations— Topic :
Question 12B3
Element 7R (GMDSS-RO)Which term describes the source of energy required to supply the GMDSS console with power if the ship’s source of main or emergency energy fails?
Explanation
The term "Reserve Source of Energy" specifically describes the dedicated power supply, typically batteries, required to energize the GMDSS console and associated equipment should both the ship's main electrical power and its emergency generator fail. GMDSS regulations (e.g., IMO SOLAS and FCC Part 80) mandate this independent power source to ensure essential communication capabilities remain available for a specified duration (e.g., 1 or 6 hours) during extreme emergencies.
A) "Emergency power" is a broader term that encompasses the ship's general emergency generator, which is intended as the *first* backup to main power. The question specifies failure of *both* main and emergency energy.
B) The "Ship's emergency diesel generator" is a common source of the ship's general emergency power. The question implies this has also failed.
C) "Ship's standby generator" is often synonymous with an emergency generator or refers to non-essential backup. It doesn't denote the specific, regulatory-mandated GMDSS power source after all other ship's power has failed.
Related Questions
12B1 Under GMDSS, a compulsory VHF-DSC radiotelephone installation must be tested at what minimum intervals at sea?12B2 What is the meaning of “Reserve Source of Energy”?12B4 What is the requirement for emergency and reserve power in GMDSS radio installations?12B5 While underway, how frequently is the DSC controller required to be tested?12B6 At sea, all required equipment (other than Survival Craft Equipment) must be proven operational by: