Question 1

A DSC distress alert automatically transmits…

Accepted Answer

Your MMSI and (GPS-linked) position, repeating until acknowledged — Who and where, in a second, repeated automatically — the part of a Mayday that survives even if you cannot continue. The voice call on 16 follows with the rest.

Question 2

You sent a DSC distress alert by accident. You…

Accepted Answer

Cancel by DSC if offered AND announce the cancellation by voice on 16, staying on frequency — Uncancelled false alerts launch real rescue assets. Cancel digitally if the set allows, then voice: “all stations… cancel my distress alert of [time]”, and answer any station that calls.

Question 3

A UK leisure vessel’s MMSI typically begins…

Accepted Answer

232 or 235 — The first three digits identify the flag state — 232/235 are UK allocations. The MMSI comes with the ship’s radio licence and is programmed into the DSC set.

Question 4

You press the DSC distress button by accident. You must…

Accepted Answer

Cancel: stop the alert, then broadcast on Ch 16 — all stations, your vessel, MMSI, position, “cancel my distress alert of [time]” — An uncancelled false alert launches real rescue resources. Cancelling by voice immediately is the legal and moral requirement — you will not be in trouble for an honest, cancelled mistake.

DSC — the digital doorbell

This lesson is part of a paid course