Section-j: mf-hf Equip. And Comms: Key Topic #85: mf-hf Voice Operations–Calling a Coast Station:

85J1 When placing a SSB MF/HF call to a Coast Station, you should always:

A. Make sure the frequency is not occupied.

B. Choose the closest station to ensure a quick connection.

C. Tune the transmitter on another frequency.

D. Wait until the coast station sends his traffic list.

85J2 How are high seas (HF) radiotelephone communications initially established between a vessel and a public correspondence station?

A. The vessel listens for "free signals" and calls the public correspondence station on the SITOR (NBDP) calling channel with the strongest marker signal.

B. The vessel calls and establishes voice contact with the public correspondence station on a channel that the station is known to monitor, and the two stations then proceed with their business.

C. The vessel calls the public correspondence station on VHF Channel 16, and the two stations then switch to the working channel.

D. Public Correspondence Stations operate SITOR (NBDP) only.

85J3 What is the best procedure for calling another ship station using HF radiotelephone when the signals are weak but readable?

A. Give the name of the ship being called three times, and the words "this is" followed by the name of the ship initiating the call three times, and ending with "over."

B. Instruct the nearest public correspondence station to add the desired ship's call sign to the station's traffic list.

C. On a properly selected ITU channel, give the call sign of the ship being called three times using phonetics, then "this is" followed by the call sign of the ship initiating the call three times, using phonetics, and ending with "over."

D. Notify the local vessel traffic service control station of your intention to contact a specific vessel, and request the VTS operator place the call on channel 22A.

85J4 What is the correct procedure for calling a coast radio station using hf radiotelephone?

A. On a properly selected ITU channel, give the name of the coast radio station being called three times, and the words "this is" followed by the name of the ship initiating the call three times, and ending with "over".

B. Contact the nearest U.S.C.G. station to add the desired ship's call sign to the station's traffic list.

C. Request the VTS operator place the call on channel 22A.

D. On a correct ITU channel, give the call sign of the coast radio station three times using phonetics, the words "this is", followed by the ship’s call sign three times using phonetics and ending with "over".

85J5 Through which coast radio station(s) may a U.S.-flag merchant vessel communicate?

A. Any coast radio station in the world that is licensed to provide such communications.

B. Any coast radio station in the world that is licensed to provide such communications, but prior authorization must be obtained for a U.S.-flag merchant vessel to communicate through a non-U.S. station.

C. The U.S. Coast Guard coordinates the communications and assigns the working channel.

D. U.S. flag ships are licensed to communicate only with U.S. coast radio stations.

85J6 What is the best source of information to find changes or additions to the routine communications frequencies of a Commercial Radio Station?

A. GMDSS Master Plan of Shore-Based Facilities.

B. ITU List of Coast Stations and Special Service Stations. (List IV)

C. FCC Part 80, Subpart W Coast Radio Stations.

D. ITU List of Ship Stations and Maritime Mobile Service Identities. (List V)

Answers: 85J1 - A 85J2 - B 85J3 - C 85J4 - D 85J5 - A 85J6 - B