🔍 Key Concepts

• Digital Selective Calling (DSC) distress procedures under GMDSS • Role of the radio operator vs. the equipment in sending acknowledgements/relays • Current regulatory control over who may acknowledge or relay a DSC distress alert

💭 Think About

• For a DSC distress alert received at sea, who is normally responsible for coordinating the response: the ship, the equipment, or shore authorities such as an RCC? • Why do regulations restrict when a ship may send an individual DSC distress acknowledgement or an ALL SHIPS DSC distress relay? Think about risk of confusion and ‘blocking’ other help. • Look at each option and ask: does it give the operator freedom to act anytime the menu allows, or does it tie actions to specific rules and procedures?

✅ Before You Answer

• Verify whether DSC equipment automatically sends distress acknowledgements/relays, or if this requires human action and authorization. • Check GMDSS/DSC guidance on whether operators are allowed at all to initiate acknowledgements and ALL SHIPS distress relays in some situations, or if this is totally prohibited. • Confirm that any correct statement must mention that actions are subject to current regulations/procedures, not just what the equipment is technically capable of.