🔍 Key Concepts

• Compulsory vessel definition under GMDSS (vessels required to comply, such as certain SOLAS ships) • Difference between functional requirements (what the system must be able to do) and carriage requirements (what equipment must be carried) • Core GMDSS capabilities like distress alerting, equipment fit depending on sea area, and radio operator licensing

💭 Think About

• Ask yourself: Which option describes something the vessel must be able to do (a function), and which describe things the vessel must carry (carriage)? • Consider whether equipment requirements are the same everywhere, or if they depend on sea area/where the vessel sails. • Think about whether every compulsory vessel, regardless of size and trade, is required to carry two licensed GMDSS operators, or if that can vary.

✅ Before You Answer

• Verify from GMDSS rules what minimum functions a compulsory vessel must perform (for example, distress alerting). • Check whether carriage requirements are fixed or depend on the vessel’s sea area and trading pattern. • Confirm if the number of FCC licensed GMDSS Radio Operators required is always the same for all compulsory vessels or if it depends on vessel type/route.