🔍 Key Concepts

• GMDSS sea areas (A1, A2, A3, A4) and what defines them • Difference between VHF-DSC and MF-DSC coverage • The meaning of "within range of a coast station" versus just being a certain distance offshore

💭 Think About

• Look up the formal definition of Sea Area A1 in GMDSS: is it based on miles from shore, or something else? • Which radio band and watchkeeping requirement is associated with Sea Area A1 for distress alerts? VHF or MF? • Does every piece of coastline automatically have Sea Area A1 coverage, or does it depend on specific shore installations?

✅ Before You Answer

• Verify the exact wording of the Sea Area A1 definition in SOLAS/GMDSS references. • Confirm which band (VHF vs MF) is tied to continuous DSC coverage for Area A1. • Check whether the question’s 10–40 nm distance implies Area A1 by itself, or if there is an additional coast station capability requirement.