Small passenger vessels that sail 20 to 100 nautical miles from the nearest land must have what addition equipment?

• A. Satellite phone
• B. GPS receiver
• C. Radar
• D. MF-HF SSB Transceiver

Answer: (D)

Long-range radiocommunication capability is needed when a vessel operates 20 to 100 nautical miles from land because VHF range is limited by line-of-sight and won’t reliably reach shore authorities or rescue coordination centers at those distances. An MF/HF radiotelephone transceiver provides the ability to communicate over much greater distances using higher-frequency bands with efficient single-sideband voice, which is essential for reaching coast stations and other ships if close VHF coverage isn’t available. Satellite phones can offer long-range contact too, but they aren’t required by the rules for this operating zone and depend on service availability and cost. GPS is a navigation aid and is commonly present, but it doesn’t replace the need for dependable long-range radiocommunication. Radar helps with navigation and collision avoidance, not with meeting the long-range communication requirement.