Equipment for radiotelephony use in survival craft stations under GMDSS must have what characteristic(s)?

Equipment for radiotelephony use in survival craft stations under the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) must possess several critical characteristics to ensure effective operation in emergencies.

One essential characteristic is the ability to operate on Channel 16, which is the international distress, urgency, and safety calling frequency. This ensures that any distress communication can reach the appropriate authorities or vessels nearby, making it imperative for survival craft stations to communicate effectively during a distress situation.

Additionally, equipment must be watertight. This is crucial as survival craft may be deployed in adverse weather conditions or rough seas, and equipment exposed to water needs to remain functional. Watertight design helps protect the devices from damage and ensures their reliability in life-threatening situations.

Furthermore, having a permanently-affixed antenna ensures that the communication equipment remains intact and operational in the chaotic environment of an emergency. A secure antenna facilitates consistent and effective transmission and reception of signals, which increases the chances of successful distress communication.

In summary, for radiotelephony equipment used in survival craft stations under GMDSS, it is essential that the equipment operates on Channel 16, is watertight, and has a permanently-affixed antenna. Each of these characteristics plays a significant role in ensuring reliable communication