Every question in the FCC Element 7 pool, word for word: DSC, Inmarsat, NAVTEX, EPIRBs and SARTs, distress procedures and the rules. The real test is 100 of these, one from each key topic, and you need 75 right. Add Element 1 and you have the GMDSS Radio Operator License.
The real test: 100 questions. 75 right (75%) passes.
Here: 600 questions. FCC Commercial Element 7 Question Pool (GMDSS Radio Operating Practices), October 2012, US government work. Free.
The exam takes one question from each group of the pool, so the count per topic is fixed.
10 sample questions
What is the fundamental concept of the GMDSS?
A.GMDSS utilizes automated systems and satellite technology to improve emergency communications for the world's shipping industry.
B.It is intended to automate and improve existing digital selective calling procedures and techniques.
C.It is intended to provide more effective but lower cost commercial communications.
D.It is intended to provide compulsory vessels with a collision avoidance system when they are operating in waters that are also occupied by non-compulsory vessels.
Show answer
A. GMDSS utilizes automated systems and satellite technology to improve emergency communications for the world's shipping industry.
7-1A1 · General Information and System Overview
What is the frequency range for Medium Frequency?
A.10-30 MHz
B.1,000-10,000 kHz
C.300-3,000 kHz
D.30-300 kHz
Show answer
C. 300-3,000 kHz
7-7B1 · Principles of Communications
How often must a compulsory vessel's GMDSS radio station be inspected?
A.Annually, by the FCC or designated authority.
B.Annually, by the U.S. Coast Guard.
C.Annually, by the FCC, and every six months if the vessel sails outside of Sea Areas A1 and A2.
D.The FCC's annual inspection may be waived if and only if monthly inspections are performed by the vessel's on-board GMDSS Radio Maintainer.
Show answer
A. Annually, by the FCC or designated authority.
7-13C1 · F.C.C. Rules & Regulations
A typical call sign for a large container ship under U. S. flag would be:
A.KBZY
B.WBX1469
C.NADN
D.KPH
Show answer
A. KBZY
7-21D1 · DSC & Alpha-Numeric ID
What is usually the first step for a GMDSS Radio Operator to take when initiating a Distress priority message via Inmarsat?
A.By pressing a "Distress Button" or "Distress Hot Key(s)" on the equipment.
B.By dialing the correct code on the telephone remote unit.
C.By contacting the LES operator and announcing a Distress condition is in existence.
D.By contacting the LES operator using the radiotelephone Distress procedure "Mayday"... etc.
Show answer
A. By pressing a "Distress Button" or "Distress Hot Key(s)" on the equipment.
What indication is given to the personnel in a survival craft of the approach of SAR craft?
A.The Satellite EPIRB will change its strobe light pattern to indicate radar interrogation.
B.The SART informs survivors when the SART switches to the "standby" mode.
C.The SART may provide a visual or audible indication of interrogation by a 3-cm radar.
D.The AIS SART will alarm to indicate that SAR craft with radars are getting close.
Show answer
C. The SART may provide a visual or audible indication of interrogation by a 3-cm radar.
7-39F1 · Survival Craft Equip & S.A.R.
Which of the following control selections may result in limited receiving range?
A.Setting the squelch control to its maximum level.
B.Setting the squelch control to its minimum level.
C.The power switch is set to the "high" output position, resulting in receiver overloading.
D.Setting the channel selection switch midway between channels 6 and 16.
Show answer
A. Setting the squelch control to its maximum level.
7-49G1 · VHF-DSC Equipment & Communications
How is mutual interference on 518 kHz among NAVTEX stations avoided?
A.All stations transmit at the same time but stations are limited to daytime operation only to reduce the radius of propagation.
B.Transmitter power is limited, station assignment codes are not shared by other NAVAREAS and stations alternate between daytime and nighttime operations.
C.Transmissions scheduled on a time-sharing basis, power limited and station assignment codes are geographically separated.
D.Station codes are not shared by other NAVAREAS, transmissions scheduled on a time-sharing basis and power is limited.
Show answer
C. Transmissions scheduled on a time-sharing basis, power limited and station assignment codes are geographically separated.
7-51H1 · Maritime Safety Information (M.S.I.)
Which of the following actions should be taken once the vessel is berthed and will not leave port again for several weeks?
A.The GMDSS Radio Operator must notify the NCS that the vessel will be off-line, and wait for the NCS to acknowledge with a confirmation number that must be logged.
B.The Inmarsat-C system can be powered down without taking additional steps once the GMDSS Radio Operator has ensured that all incoming SafetyNETTM messages have been received and stored.
C.The GMDSS Radio Operator may log out of the Inmarsat-C system and turn the power off (unless the vessel decides to leave the unit on during the port stay.)
D.The GMDSS Radio Operator must transmit an all-ships alert, to notify vessels within the satellite's footprint that the vessel will be off-line.
Show answer
C. The GMDSS Radio Operator may log out of the Inmarsat-C system and turn the power off (unless the vessel decides to leave the unit on during the port stay.)
7-59I1 · Inmarsat Equip. & Comms
Which modes could be selected to receive vessel traffic lists from high seas coast radio stations: