Question 46 MODU03 - Ballast Control Operator

The Correct Answer is C **Explanation for C (Immediately acknowledge receipt of the distress message):** According to international maritime radio regulations (governed by the ITU and generally reflected in GMDSS procedures), any station receiving a distress alert or message where the vessel is in a position to render assistance must immediately acknowledge receipt. The sender's position is 20 miles away, which is well within effective range for rendering assistance and certainly close enough to be considered nearby. Immediate acknowledgment ensures the distressed vessel knows their message has been received, which is crucial for morale and subsequent coordination. Delaying action risks the distressed vessel believing their call went unheard, potentially causing unnecessary panic or preventing them from providing critical updates. **Explanation of Why Other Options are Incorrect:** * **A) Defer acknowledgment for a short interval so that a coast station may acknowledge receipt.** This is incorrect. While a coast station may be better equipped, in mid-ocean, a coast station may be out of range, or their acknowledgment may be delayed. When a ship receives a distress message and is close enough (like 20 miles), the immediate priority is to let the distressed vessel know they have been heard, rather than waiting on a potentially absent or distant coast station. * **B) Do not acknowledge because you are too far away to take action.** This is incorrect. 20 miles is not "too far away" for taking action; it is a relatively close distance for a vessel in mid-ocean needing assistance. Furthermore, even if you were further away, acknowledgement is still required if you are the first station to hear it, even if only to relay the message or coordinate rescue efforts. * **D) Do not acknowledge receipt until other ships nearer to the distress have acknowledged.** This is incorrect. If you are the first station to hear the distress message, you must acknowledge immediately. You cannot assume other vessels are closer or have heard the message. The rule prioritizes immediate reception confirmation to the distressed vessel. Only after initial acknowledgment and coordination (if multiple vessels acknowledge) might one vessel stand down, but the initial response must be immediate.