🔍 Key Concepts

• GMDSS (Global Maritime Distress and Safety System) overall purpose: automatic, reliable distress and safety communications worldwide • The idea of compulsory vessels (SOLAS ships) and minimum communication capabilities they must carry • Difference between general safety communication capability and specific actions like relaying or acknowledging a DSC distress alert

💭 Think About

• Which choice describes a broad, ongoing responsibility that would apply at all times to SOLAS‑class (compulsory) vessels, not just in a single distress incident? • Look for the option that reflects the main goal of GMDSS: ensuring ships can send and receive safety and distress traffic wherever they operate. Which choice best matches that? • Which answers describe very specific actions that might depend on circumstances, procedures, or other traffic, rather than a standing responsibility for all compulsory GMDSS vessels?

✅ Before You Answer

• Identify which option describes a general capability requirement for GMDSS ships rather than a single procedure step. • Ask: Does GMDSS require only certain ships near an incident to help, or does it focus on equipping all compulsory ships with defined communication functions? • Consider whether acknowledging or relaying every DSC distress alert is always appropriate, or if there are procedural rules about who should respond first (e.g., coast stations, designated RCC).