🔍 Key Concepts

• GMDSS (Global Maritime Distress and Safety System) maintenance options required by SOLAS Chapter IV • The idea of multiple methods to ensure that GMDSS equipment is kept operational (not just one method) • The concept of redundancy and alternative means of compliance for distress and safety communications

💭 Think About

• Think about whether SOLAS allows only one specific way to meet GMDSS maintenance requirements, or if it accepts several possible methods. • Ask yourself which of the choices listed are, in practice, recognized ways to help ensure GMDSS equipment will be usable in an emergency. • Consider whether redundancy of equipment alone is enough, or whether inspections, tests, and qualified maintenance are also part of the regulatory framework.

✅ Before You Answer

• Verify which methods of GMDSS maintenance are described in SOLAS Chapter IV, Regulation 15 (Maintenance requirements). • Check whether each individual option in A, B, and C is actually mentioned or implied as an acceptable way to meet maintenance requirements. • Confirm if the regulations expect a combination or choice of methods (such as shore-based maintenance, on-board maintenance, and duplication of equipment) rather than a single mandatory method.