Which of the following best describes a shipboard Inmarsat-C system?

Correct Answer: Option B — A small, lightweight terminal capable of providing satellite store-and-forward message communications.

The Inmarsat-C terminal is a compact, lightweight unit specifically engineered for store-and-forward messaging. It does not support real-time voice or high-speed data. By buffering messages, it ensures reliable delivery over satellite links, fulfilling the GMDSS requirement for a robust, low-bandwidth system for distress, safety, and routine administrative traffic.