🔍 Key Concepts

• GMDSS (Global Maritime Distress and Safety System) sea areas and how they differ (A1, A2, A3, A4) • SOLAS GMDSS requirements for radio equipment maintenance • The idea of ensuring continuous availability of distress and safety communications

💭 Think About

• Think about why GMDSS requires more than just having the right equipment on board. What must be ensured at all times? • For a ship that only operates in sea area A-1, what level of redundancy or support is typically expected to keep the distress system working? • Which option, if chosen alone, would best support reliable operation of distress equipment in that specific sea area?

✅ Before You Answer

• Verify what SOLAS Chapter IV says about maintenance of radio equipment and the acceptable methods (shore-based, duplication, at‑sea maintenance). • Check whether the regulation allows only one method, or if it requires a specific combination depending on the sea area and ship type/tonnage. • Confirm if the phrase “any one of these is sufficient” actually appears in the regulatory options for A-1 ships or if certain methods are preferred or required.