What channel must all compulsory, non-GMDSS vessels monitor at all times in the open sea?

What channel must all compulsory, non-GMDSS vessels monitor at all times in the open sea?

• A. Channel 13
• B. Channel 9
• C. Channel 16
• D. Channel 70

Answer: (C)

Channel 16 is the universal distress, safety, and calling channel for VHF radio. For vessels that aren’t equipped with GMDSS, monitoring this channel at all times while at sea ensures any distress or urgent hail can be heard immediately by nearby ships and coast stations. When a call or distress is received on Channel 16, you respond right away and then switch to a working channel to continue the conversation, or use DSC if equipped. Other channels have different purposes (for example, some are used for bridge-to-bridge coordination or DSC calls), but they do not replace the mandatory, continuous monitoring of Channel 16 by non-GMDSS vessels.

Channel 16 is the universal distress, safety, and calling channel for VHF radio. For vessels that aren’t equipped with GMDSS, monitoring this channel at all times while at sea ensures any distress or urgent hail can be heard immediately by nearby ships and coast stations. When a call or distress is received on Channel 16, you respond right away and then switch to a working channel to continue the conversation, or use DSC if equipped. Other channels have different purposes (for example, some are used for bridge-to-bridge coordination or DSC calls), but they do not replace the mandatory, continuous monitoring of Channel 16 by non-GMDSS vessels.