Equipment Operations

What is the purpose of the INT-USA control settings on a VHF?

Answer

To change certain International Duplex channel assignments to simplex in the U.S. for VTS and other purposes.

The INT/USA switch converts certain international duplex channels to the U.S. simplex assignments used by VTS and others.

Source: FCC Element 1 question pool, 1C

Not the answer

To change all VHF channels from Duplex to Simplex while in U.S. waters.
To change to NOAA weather channels and receive weather broadcasts while in the U.S.
To change all VTS frequencies to Duplex so all vessels can receive maneuvering orders.

Practice this

The FCC Element 3 (General Radiotelephone) exam is 100 questions and takes 75 correct — 75% — to pass. Element 1, the other half of the licence, is 24 questions and takes 18 correct. The app’s page carries a free ten-question test drawn from the same bank, marked as you go.

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