When is it legal to transmit high power on Channel 13?

• A. All of these
• B. Only in case of distress
• C. Only when authorized by the master
• D. In urgent communications

Answer: (D)

High power on Channel 13 is reserved for urgent safety-related communications. This channel is used for bridge-to-bridge coordination, and when a message concerns safety of navigation or life at sea, boosting power helps ensure the message gets through quickly even in a noisy or congested channel. Distress calls are the highest priority and would justify using high power, but other urgent safety messages also qualify. Routine or non-urgent transmissions should be sent at normal power to avoid tying up the channel. The decision isn’t about master approval; it’s about whether the communication is urgent and safety-related.