🔍 Key Concepts

• GMDSS (Global Maritime Distress and Safety System) survey requirements for compulsory vessels • Who has legal authority in the U.S. to certify radio installations for SOLAS/GMDSS compliance (compare FCC vs. USCG roles) • Additional requirements for vessels trading beyond Sea Areas A1 and A2

💭 Think About

• Which agency actually issues and oversees radio station licenses and technical inspections for ships in U.S. waters: the FCC or the Coast Guard? • Why might ships that sail beyond Sea Areas A1 and A2 be required to have more frequent checks than ships that stay only in coastal areas? • Does a monthly on‑board check by a radio maintainer legally replace (or just supplement) a formal government or authorized inspection?

✅ Before You Answer

• Identify which U.S. authority is responsible for ship radio station inspections under GMDSS (FCC vs. USCG). • Check whether the rules distinguish inspection frequency for voyages only in A1/A2 versus voyages into A3/A4. • Confirm whether any regulation allows the annual FCC inspection to be waived solely on the basis of on‑board monthly inspections.