Subelement D: Distress, Urgency & Safety Comms— Topic :
Question 22D4
Element 7R (GMDSS-RO)The EPIRB on the bridge wing is observed with the strobe light flashing and the control switch in the “ON” position. What action(s) should be taken?
Explanation
An EPIRB's purpose is to transmit a distress signal, immediately alerting search and rescue authorities (like the USCG via a Rescue Coordination Center or RCC) on frequencies such as 406 MHz. When an EPIRB is activated, it triggers a significant and costly search and rescue response.
Therefore, if an EPIRB is accidentally activated (a false alarm), the most critical action is to *immediately notify* the nearest coast station or RCC. This communication is essential to cancel the distress alert and prevent an unnecessary and resource-intensive SAR operation. Only after informing authorities should you disable the EPIRB to stop the transmission.
Disabling the EPIRB alone (A, D) is insufficient because the distress alert has already been transmitted and received, potentially initiating a response. Option B is less precise, as the primary goal is to explicitly *cancel the distress alert* by informing them, rather than requesting a specific "reset signal."
Related Questions
22D2 A crewmember has accidentally transmitted a VHF-DSC Distress alert. What action should be taken?22D3 What action is not applicable in preventing transmissions of false Distress alerts?22D5 You have been monitoring your 3-cm radar screen and a series of 12 concentric circles suddenly appears centered on the screen. What is the most likely cause of this situation?22D6 The EPIRB on the bridge wing is observed with the strobe light flashing and the control switch in the “OFF” position. What action should be taken?23D1 What is the fundamental purpose for imposing radio silence?