Question 18C5

A VHF-DSC Distress alert, initiated by pressing the distress button, automatically transmits your vessel's MMSI, current position, and the time of the alert. However, it does not automatically include details like the nature of the distress. **C is correct:** Modern VHF-DSC radios allow the operator to select the nature of the distress (e.g., fire, flooding, collision, medical) from a menu *before* or *immediately after* pressing the distress button. If time permits, this additional information greatly assists search and rescue efforts. **A is incorrect:** While the "Distress Button" transmits critical identification and position data, it doesn't automatically include *all* pertinent information, such as the nature of the distress, unless the operator manually selects it. **B is incorrect:** A standard VHF-DSC distress alert message does not include the vessel's course and speed. This information would typically be communicated via subsequent voice transmissions. **D is incorrect:** The term "always" makes this statement false. While the system is designed to use accurate GPS positions and correct MMSI numbers, these are reliant on external factors. A faulty GPS unit or a radio programmed with an incorrect MMSI number would result in inaccurate or incorrect data being transmitted.