Messages are transmitted by the CES according to what criteria?

Correct Answer: Option C — Priority, e.g. Distress, Urgency, Safety and Routine.

In accordance with IMO GMDSS standards, message handling at the CES is governed by strict priority levels. Distress alerts take absolute precedence, followed by Urgency, Safety, and finally Routine traffic. This hierarchy ensures that critical maritime safety information and emergency communications are processed and delivered ahead of non-essential administrative data.