🔍 Key Concepts

• GMDSS sea areas and what distinguishes sea area A-3 from A-1 and A-2 • The three approved GMDSS maintenance methods: duplication of equipment, shore-based maintenance, and at-sea maintenance • SOLAS Chapter IV requirements on how many maintenance methods are required for ships in sea area A-3

💭 Think About

• First, recall the definition of sea area A-3 in GMDSS terms. How far from shore is this, and what satellite coverage is assumed? • Think about why ships in sea area A-3 might need more robust maintenance options than ships closer to shore. How does that affect the number of maintenance methods required? • Ask yourself: does SOLAS allow just one maintenance method, or does it specify that more than one provision must be available for ships operating in A-3?

✅ Before You Answer

• Verify from SOLAS Chapter IV how many distinct maintenance methods are mandated for ships operating in sea area A-3 • Confirm that the three maintenance options are: duplication of equipment, shore-based maintenance, and at-sea maintenance • Check whether the regulation says "any one," "any two," or all three of these methods are required for A-3 operations