100+ Free GMDSS ROC Radio Practice Questions

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2026 Statistics

Key Facts: GMDSS ROC Radio Exam

70% pass

Official MCA/AMERC ROC exam pass mark is 70%

AMERC GMDSS ROC syllabus

Sea Area A1

Valid for vessels operating in coastal VHF range

SOLAS Chapter IV GMDSS rules

3-4 days

Training course duration including practical simulator test

AMERC ROC specifications

120 mins

Total assessment duration

MCA ROC exam guidelines

100

Free practice MCQs in this study bank

OpenExamPrep

GMDSS Restricted Operator Certificate (ROC) is an MCA/AMERC written and practical simulator assessment with a 70% pass mark. Course & exam fee £600–£750. Syllabus covers VHF channels 30%, DSC & MMSI 25%, distress procedures 20%, Sea Area A1 devices 15%, regulations & batteries 10%. Local 100 MCQs are an English study adaptation.

Sample GMDSS ROC Radio Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your GMDSS ROC Radio exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1What is the primary purpose of VHF Channel 16?

A.Routine ship-to-ship calls

B.Distress, urgency, safety, and calling

C.Port operations

D.Public correspondence

Explanation: Channel 16 is the international distress, urgency, safety, and calling channel. All vessels must monitor it when at sea.

2Which VHF channel is used for digital selective calling (DSC)?

A.Channel 13

B.Channel 16

C.Channel 70

D.Channel 06

Explanation: Channel 70 is exclusively reserved for DSC. Voice communications are prohibited on this channel.

3What is the typical maximum range of VHF marine radio communication?

A.5 to 10 nautical miles

B.20 to 30 nautical miles

C.50 to 100 nautical miles

D.Over 100 nautical miles

Explanation: VHF radio operates on a line-of-sight basis, typically offering a range of 20 to 30 nautical miles depending on antenna height.

4Which power setting should normally be used for close-range communications?

A.1 Watt (Low)

B.5 Watts (Medium)

C.25 Watts (High)

D.Maximum available

Explanation: To avoid interfering with other stations, 1 Watt should be used for close-range communication such as within a marina.

5Which VHF channel is designated for intership safety communications?

A.Channel 06

B.Channel 12

C.Channel 16

D.Channel 70

Explanation: Channel 06 is designated as the primary intership safety channel for search and rescue.

6What does the 'Dual Watch' feature on a VHF radio do?

A.Monitors Channel 16 and another selected channel

B.Monitors Channels 16 and 70 simultaneously

C.Allows transmission on two channels at once

D.Records incoming messages

Explanation: Dual Watch continuously monitors Channel 16 and one other working channel selected by the user.

7Why must a vessel keep a listening watch on VHF Channel 16?

A.To hear weather forecasts

B.To intercept distress calls and safety warnings

C.To chat with other vessels

D.To monitor harbor traffic

Explanation: International regulations require monitoring Channel 16 while at sea to assist in distress situations.

8What is a 'simplex' channel?

A.A channel using different frequencies to transmit and receive

B.A channel using the same frequency to transmit and receive

C.A channel only used for data

D.A channel exclusively for distress

Explanation: Simplex operation uses one single frequency for both transmitting and receiving, meaning only one station can transmit at a time.

9Which of the following channels is a duplex channel?

A.Channel 16

B.Channel 06

C.Channel 13

D.Channel 80

Explanation: Channel 80 is a duplex channel used for public correspondence (ship-to-shore via coast station).

10What is the standard output power of a fixed VHF marine radio on 'High' setting?

A.1 Watt

B.5 Watts

C.25 Watts

D.50 Watts

Explanation: Marine VHF fixed radios have a maximum legal transmission power of 25 Watts.

About the GMDSS ROC Radio Exam

The GMDSS Restricted Operator Certificate (ROC) is a professional commercial radio qualification for mariners operating SOLAS-compliant vessels within GMDSS Sea Area A1 (coastal VHF radio range). Topics cover marine VHF radio controls, Channel 16 distress voice procedures, Channel 70 DSC alerting, MMSI numbers, NAVTEX, EPIRBs, AIS-SARTs, GMDSS radio logkeeping, and ITU Radio Regulations. Local 100 MCQs are an English study adaptation.

Assessment

Written theory paper and practical simulator assessment covering VHF equipment & channels (30%), VHF DSC & MMSI (25%), distress/urgency & safety traffic (20%), Sea Area A1 & safety devices (15%), and regulations, logs & power (10%).

Time Limit

120 minutes total assessment duration.

Passing Score

70% overall pass mark.

Exam Fee

Course & assessment £600–£750 (AMERC exam fee ~£160). (Association of Marine Electronic and Radio Colleges (AMERC) / UK MCA)

GMDSS ROC Radio Exam Content Outline

30%

VHF Radio Equipment & Channels

Marine VHF frequency band (156-174 MHz), international channels (Ch 16, Ch 70, Ch 6, 13, 67), power settings (1W vs 25W), squelch, and gain.

25%

VHF DSC Operation & MMSI

VHF DSC controller operation, MMSI format (UK MIDs 232/233/234/235), distress button procedures, individual, group, and all-ships calling.

20%

Distress, Urgency & Safety Traffic

Mayday call & message format, Mayday Relay, Pan-Pan urgency, Securité safety announcements, Silence Mayday, Mayday Fini, and SMCP.

15%

Sea Area A1 & Safety Devices

GMDSS Sea Area A1 coverage, Coastguard watchkeeping, NAVTEX (518 kHz), 406 MHz EPIRBs, SARTs, and AIS-SART operation.

10%

Regulations, Logs & Power Sources

SOLAS Chapter IV rules for Sea Area A1, radio logbook mandatory entries, emergency battery maintenance, and Ofcom licensing.

How to Pass the GMDSS ROC Radio Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: 70% overall pass mark.
Assessment: Written theory paper and practical simulator assessment covering VHF equipment & channels (30%), VHF DSC & MMSI (25%), distress/urgency & safety traffic (20%), Sea Area A1 & safety devices (15%), and regulations, logs & power (10%).
Time limit: 120 minutes total assessment duration.
Exam fee: Course & assessment £600–£750 (AMERC exam fee ~£160).

Keys to Passing

Work through all 100 available questions
Review every answer and explanation
Track weak areas and revisit them
Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

GMDSS ROC Radio Study Tips from Top Performers

1Know key marine VHF channel assignments: Ch 16 (distress & calling), Ch 70 (DSC only - no voice allowed), Ch 6 (inter-ship safety), Ch 13 (bridge-to-bridge navigation safety), Ch 67 (UK Coastguard distress working).

2Understand UK MMSI structure: 9-digit format starting with Maritime Identification Digits (MID 232, 233, 234, 235 for UK vessels). Coast station MMSIs start with 00 (e.g. 002320000).

3Memorise voice distress control terms: SILENCE MAYDAY (imposed by distress station), SILENCE DISTRESS (imposed by non-distress station), MAYDAY FINI (end of distress traffic).

4Know battery maintenance requirements: lead-acid specific gravity checks, gel/AGM sealed batteries, 12V vs 24V emergency supply, and monthly capacity tests.

5Learn EPIRB and SART operation: 406 MHz satellite distress beacon with 121.5 MHz homing, 9 GHz radar SART producing 12 blips on 3 cm radar screen.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between ROC and GOC GMDSS certificates?

The ROC is restricted to GMDSS Sea Area A1 (terrestrial VHF radio coverage). The GOC covers all GMDSS Sea Areas (A1, A2, A3, A4) including MF/HF radiotelephony and satellite systems.

What is the pass mark for the GMDSS ROC exam?

The pass mark is 70% overall.

How long is the GMDSS ROC training course?

The course lasts 3 to 4 days (approx 20-25 hours of study and simulator training).

Who requires a GMDSS ROC certificate?

Deck officers and commercial mariners operating SOLAS vessels, commercial yachts, workboats, and fishing vessels strictly within GMDSS Sea Area A1.

Do these practice questions replace practical simulator testing?

No. Practice questions help master VHF channels, DSC alert types, and regulatory rules, but candidates must pass a practical station test on VHF/DSC simulators.