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VHF and SMCP quiz

Ten questions on the IMO Standard Marine Communication Phrases: message markers, the phonetic alphabet, numbers, and wheel and engine orders.

10 questions · answers explained · no sign-up

Question 1 of 10

You want to know what the vessel ahead of you in the narrow channel is going to do. Which message marker goes in front of the message?

? What are your intentions?

Answers

Correct!Not quite. The answer is QUESTION.

QUESTION – it asks for information. "Question. What are your intentions?"

Question 2 of 10

You tell other traffic that a buoy is not showing its light. Which message marker goes in front of the message?

? Buoy number three unlit.

Answers

Correct!Not quite. The answer is WARNING.

WARNING – it tells others about a danger. "Warning. Buoy number three unlit."

Question 3 of 10

As VTS operator, with the authority to do so, you order a ship to wait outside the breakwater because the fairway is closed. Which message marker goes in front of the message?

? Do not enter the fairway. Wait outside the breakwater.

Answers

Correct!Not quite. The answer is INSTRUCTION.

INSTRUCTION – it must be followed – only a station with authority (for example a VTS or a naval vessel) may use it. "Instruction. Do not enter the fairway. Wait outside the breakwater."

Question 4 of 10

You spell a word on the radio. How do you say the letter J?

Answers

Correct!Not quite. The answer is Juliett.

J – Juliett in the international phonetic alphabet (ITU, ICAO and the International Code of Signals). "Jig" is from the spelling alphabet of the Second World War.

Question 5 of 10

You tell another ship that your course is 024°. How do you say the number?

Answers

Correct!Not quite. The answer is Zero-two-four.

SMCP: numbers are spoken digit by digit, so 024 is "zero-two-four". Courses are always given with three digits, in 360-degree notation from north (true north unless otherwise stated).

Question 6 of 10

On the bridge you hear the wheel order "MIDSHIPS". What does it mean?

Answers

Correct!Not quite. The answer is Rudder amidships – zero degrees.

MIDSHIPS: rudder amidships – zero degrees.

Question 7 of 10

Which wheel order means: "Reduce the swing of the ship as quickly as possible"?

Answers

Correct!Not quite. The answer is STEADY.

STEADY: reduce the swing of the ship as quickly as possible.

Question 8 of 10

On the bridge you hear the wheel order "FINISHED WITH WHEEL". What does it mean?

Answers

Correct!Not quite. The answer is No more wheel orders.

FINISHED WITH WHEEL: no more wheel orders.

Question 9 of 10

What are the IMO Standard Marine Communication Phrases (SMCP)?

Answers

Correct!Not quite. The answer is Standard phrases in simplified English for ship-to-shore, ship-to-ship and on-board communication.

The SMCP (IMO Res. A.918(22)) are standard phrases in simplified English, to avoid misunderstandings between ships, with the shore and on board. STCW requires a watchkeeping officer to be able to use them. (IMO SMCP, introduction)

Question 10 of 10

In SMCP, how do you ask another station to repeat its message?

Answers

Correct!Not quite. The answer is SAY AGAIN.

SAY AGAIN asks for a repetition. REPEAT is used in your own message, to stress an important part: "Do not overtake – repeat – do not overtake." (IMO SMCP, General)

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Free round of ten questions in every category, then everything with a single purchase. Made by a serving chief officer and master mariner. Lanterna is independent and not affiliated with the IMO, IALA or any maritime authority.

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