Which of the following is a requirement, under GMDSS, for all vessels over 300 gross tons operating within range of a MF-DSC equipped shore station?

Correct Answer: Option D — Only one of the three maintenance options is required.

Vessels operating exclusively in Sea Area A1 or A2, within range of shore-based MF-DSC stations, are only required to maintain one of the three GMDSS maintenance options. This regulatory flexibility acknowledges the proximity to land-based repair facilities, reducing the burden of carrying redundant equipment or specialized at-sea maintenance personnel.