By international agreement, which ships must carry Radio equipment for the safety of life at sea?

• A. Cargo ships of more than 300 gross tons and vessels carrying more than 13 passengers
• B. All vessels at sea
• C. Only passenger ships
• D. Vessels over 1000 gross tons

Answer: (A)

Radio equipment for safety of life at sea is required by international agreement (SOLAS) on ships that are on international voyages and meet certain size or passenger- carrying thresholds. Specifically, cargo ships over 300 gross tons must carry radio equipment, and passenger ships with more than 13 passengers must also carry radio equipment. This ensures that larger, more capable ships have reliable means to send distress alerts, coordinate rescue, and maintain safety communications.

The other options are broader or narrower than the rule. Requiring all vessels at sea is not accurate under international standards, which target ships above certain tonnage or passenger thresholds. Limiting the requirement to only passenger ships would miss the cargo ships that exceed 300 gross tons. Limiting it to vessels over 1000 gross tons would exclude many ships (between 300 and 999 gross tons) that are nonetheless obliged to carry radio equipment.