🔍 Key Concepts

• GMDSS (Global Maritime Distress and Safety System) requirements for ships on international voyages • Differences between Category 1 and Class B EPIRBs, especially auto‑release and 406 MHz alerting • Minimum carriage requirements in SOLAS Chapter IV for ships subject to SOLAS

💭 Think About

• Is this question asking about type, number, or both for the required EPIRB(s) on a SOLAS-class vessel? • Which EPIRB category is designed to float free and activate automatically if the ship sinks? • Are multiple EPIRBs of a lower class ever allowed to substitute for a single higher-category EPIRB on international voyages?

✅ Before You Answer

• Verify which EPIRB category is mandated for SOLAS vessels on international voyages (not just any vessel). • Confirm whether SOLAS requires at least one approved EPIRB or more than one for standard cargo/passenger ships. • Check that the chosen option specifies a 406 MHz, float-free, automatically activating type that meets GMDSS requirements.