GMDSS Trainer
Subelement D: Other GMDSS Equipment— Topic :

Question 35D4

Element 9 (GMDSS Maintainer)

Equipment for radiotelephony use in survival craft stations under GMDSS must have what capability?

Explanation
Under the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS), survival craft radiotelephony equipment is designed for crucial communication during distress. Channel 16 (Ch-16), operating at 156.8 MHz, is the internationally recognized maritime VHF voice distress, safety, and calling frequency. Equipping survival craft with Ch-16 capability ensures that those in distress can make direct voice contact with rescue vessels, aircraft, or shore stations monitoring this vital channel. Option A (457.525 MHz) is a common frequency for on-board communications, not for external distress calls. Option C (121.5 MHz) was an older aviation emergency frequency, now largely superseded and not used for GMDSS survival craft voice. Option D (Ch-70) is the dedicated international DSC (Digital Selective Calling) distress and safety frequency for automated digital alerts, not for voice radiotelephony.