Under GMDSS, how often must a compulsory VHF-DSC radiotelephone installation be tested at sea?

Under GMDSS, how often must a compulsory VHF-DSC radiotelephone installation be tested at sea?

• A. Daily
• B. Weekly
• C. Monthly
• D. Annually

Answer: (A)

GMDSS equipment must be kept in a state of ready-to-use, with routine checks that catch faults quickly. The VHF-DSC radiotelephone is a key part of that system because it handles distress and safety communications through digital selective calling. To ensure it will work when needed, ships perform a daily self-test of the VHF-DSC installation while at sea. This daily check helps verify the unit powers up correctly and that DSC functions can operate, so the vessel can send or receive DSC distress, safety, or routine calls without delay. Testing it only weekly, monthly, or annually could allow faults to go undetected for too long, compromising safety. So daily testing at sea is the required practice.

GMDSS equipment must be kept in a state of ready-to-use, with routine checks that catch faults quickly. The VHF-DSC radiotelephone is a key part of that system because it handles distress and safety communications through digital selective calling. To ensure it will work when needed, ships perform a daily self-test of the VHF-DSC installation while at sea. This daily check helps verify the unit powers up correctly and that DSC functions can operate, so the vessel can send or receive DSC distress, safety, or routine calls without delay. Testing it only weekly, monthly, or annually could allow faults to go undetected for too long, compromising safety. So daily testing at sea is the required practice.