GMDSS. FCC Test 58 – Online Maritime Tests

GMDSS operators should learn which of the following propagation 'rules of thumb'?

Longer distance = higher frequency, Shorter Distance = lower frequency, Daytime = higher frequency, nighttime = lower frequency.
Longer distance = lower frequency, Shorter Distance = lower frequency, Daytime = lower frequency, nighttime = higher frequency.
Longer distance = lower frequency, Shorter Distance = higher frequency; Daytime = higher frequency, nighttime = lower frequency.
Longer distance = higher frequency, Shorter Distance = higher frequency, Daytime = lower frequency, nighttime = higher frequency.

GMDSS operators should routinely focus on the factors affecting propagation in what priority?

Solar flare alerts, Sunspot cycle, Seasonal variations, Distance & Time of Day.
Solar flare alerts, Distance & Time of Day, Sunspot cycle, Seasonal variations.
Distance & Time of Day, Seasonal variations, Sunspot cycle, Solar flare alerts.
Sunspot cycle, Distance & Time of Day, Seasonal variations, Solar flare Alerts.

A ship at anchor has been communicating effectively with a shore station approximately 500 miles (805 km) distant on a frequency in the 16 MHz band periodically throughout the day. Toward the late afternoon and evening, what effect should be noticed?

Communications should improve and peak at night.
Communications should gradually deteriorate and become impossible on this frequency at night.
The gray line effect will prevent communications after dark.
Communications should be maintained with slight improvement in the signal received from the shore station.

Which of the following is a source of solar flux conditions that can be used with propagation software as an aid in predicting the best frequency band to use for HF radio communications?

Hourly forecast broadcasts from CHU.
Hourly announcements from WWV and WWVH.
Doppler weather satellite broadcasts.
Every public correspondence station provides propagation forecasting services.

Which statement concerning frequency band selection and propagation most corresponds with standard practice.

Propagation rules, Sunspot cycle status and seasonal variations (winter & summer) must always be employed to calculate the proper band selection.
Propagation 'rules of thumb' should be combined with Solar flare alerts to determine band selection.
Propagation 'rules of thumb' are usually sufficient for routine operations.
Maximum Usable Frequency (MUF) and Optimum Usable Frequency (OUF) should be calculated prior to setting up the transceiver.

At mid-day in summer, what would be the best choice in attempting to communicate, using NBDP with a shore station some 800 miles (1,287 km) distant?

Lower HF bands.
VHF-FM.
MF
Higher HF bands.

The 'short rules' of propagation necessary to select the appropriate frequency band are:

Shorter Distance = Higher Frequency, Daytime = Higher Frequency.
Shorter Distance = Lower Frequency, Daytime = Higher Frequency.
Shorter Distance = Lower Frequency, Daytime = Lower Frequency.
Shorter Distance = Higher Frequency, Daytime = Lower Frequency.

To ensure effective communications, GMDSS operators should:

Employ the short rules of propagation selection.
Rely on the equipment calculations of Optimum Usable Frequency.
Taken together, both b and c are good operational practices.
Rely on previous successful communications on the selected frequency band.

A ship at anchor has been communicating marginally with a shore station approximately 200 miles (322 km) distant on a frequency in the 4 MHz band periodically throughout the day. Toward the late afternoon and evening, what effect should be noticed?

Communications should be maintained with slight improvement in the signal received from the shore station.
Communications should gradually deteriorate and become impossible on this frequency by night.
Communications should slowly deteriorate but may be continued throughout the night.
Communications should gradually improve and peak at night and early morning.

At mid-night, what would be the best choice in attempting to communicate, using NBDP with a shore station some 800 miles (1,287 km) distant?

Higher UHF bands.
Communications is impossible at this distance.
HF bands.
VHF-FM.

Review Answers