What is the responsibility of vessels under GMDSS?

• A. Only ships in distress must be able to communicate
• B. Shorthand messages only for weather reports
• C. Coast stations handle all communications
• D. Every ship is able to perform those communications functions that are essential for the Safety of the ship itself and of other ships

Answer: (D)

Under GMDSS, the emphasis is that every vessel must be ready to handle safety-related communications. The crew must be able to transmit and receive distress alerts and safety messages, maintain watch on the required frequencies, and coordinate with rescue authorities if needed. Equipment like VHF DSC, MF/HF, satellite systems, NAVTEX, and EPIRBs/SARTs provides multiple ways to reach help and share safety information, so the ship can act to protect its own safety and that of others. Safety at sea depends on reliable, timely communications, so the ship must be capable of performing those functions essential for safety for itself and for other ships. The other statements would restrict responsibilities in ways that GMDSS does not: distress isn’t limited to weather reports, coast stations don’t handle all communications alone, and ships must not rely on others to perform safety communications for them.