🔍 Key Concepts

• GMDSS DSC distress procedures and the automatic nature of DSC distress alerts • The role of acknowledgements (from coast stations or RCCs) in distress alerting • When a ship should relay a distress alert versus when it should maintain radio silence and just monitor

💭 Think About

• If you receive a DSC distress alert, who is supposed to acknowledge it first under GMDSS – a ship, or a coast station/rescue authority? • In what situation might a ship need to relay a distress alert instead of waiting, and why could relaying every single alert be a problem? • Think about how unnecessary relays could affect distress traffic on DSC and voice distress channels.

✅ Before You Answer

• Check what the GMDSS procedures say about who has priority to acknowledge a DSC distress alert (ship vs. coast station). • Verify under what condition a ship is permitted or expected to relay a distress alert (e.g., when no shore station acknowledgement is heard after a reasonable time). • Confirm whether DSC relay is described as routine for all alerts or as something to be used only when necessary to assist the distress situation.