Who determines when a ship station may transmit routine traffic destined for a coast or government station in the maritime mobile service?

• A. The captain of the ship decides
• B. The ship's radio operator on duty
• C. The international maritime authority
• D. The coast or government station issues instructions

Answer: (D)

In maritime radio, who can transmit routine traffic to a coast or government station is determined by the instructions issued by that receiving station. The coast or government station controls when and how ship stations may send routine messages, to keep the channel clear for priority and safety traffic and to maintain orderly use of the spectrum. The captain or the ship’s radio operator cannot unilaterally decide to send routine traffic without those directions—they’re responsible for following the given instructions and operating the gear properly. The international maritime authority handles broader regulations, not the day-to-day timing of routine transmissions for individual ships. So, the coast or government station issuing the directives is the one that determines when routine traffic may be transmitted.