🔍 Key Concepts

• GMDSS (Global Maritime Distress and Safety System) inspection requirements under U.S. regulations • Which U.S. authority is responsible for radio licensing and inspections (FCC vs. U.S. Coast Guard) • The required time interval between formal GMDSS ship radio station inspections

💭 Think About

• Ask yourself: Who regulates and certifies ship RADIO stations in the U.S.—the Coast Guard or the FCC? How does that affect which answer can be right? • Think about whether routine maintenance by crew or a maintainer can legally replace a formal compliance inspection, or if a separate regulatory inspection is still needed. • Compare the time periods in the options (annual vs five years vs none) with what you know about how critical GMDSS is for safety—does it make sense to go that long without a formal inspection?

✅ Before You Answer

• Verify which agency has primary authority over radio communications on U.S. vessels (hint: licensing, call signs, frequencies). • Confirm that GMDSS ship radio stations must have a documented inspection at least once every 12 months to remain in compliance. • Check whether a person with a GMDSS Maintainer’s license can perform the required inspection, and whether this is stated as an alternative to direct FCC inspection in the regulations.