🔍 Key Concepts

• GMDSS functions: alerting, search and rescue coordination, locating, and on‑scene communications • How satellite EPIRBs, DSC, and homing/direction‑finding devices each work and what they are primarily designed for • Difference between global alerting/positioning vs short‑range homing to fine‑tune a location

💭 Think About

• Ask yourself which option is designed to automatically send your position to shore and rescue authorities over very long distances, even if no one on the ship can operate it • Consider which devices depend on another ship or aircraft already being nearby to take a bearing, and which can be detected and located by a worldwide rescue system • Think about what the question emphasizes: locating a ship in distress or survival craft as part of the GMDSS system, not just within visual or short‑range radio distance

✅ Before You Answer

• Identify which choice is a primary GMDSS alerting and locating device recognized under SOLAS/GMDSS requirements • Check which devices provide global coverage versus only short‑range on‑scene assistance • Verify which option can work even if the vessel’s main radio equipment is inoperative or the crew cannot send a manual distress call