What should a GMDSS Radio Operator do when SafetyNETTM Distress or Urgency messages are received by the vessel's EGC receiver?

When a GMDSS Radio Operator receives SafetyNETTM Distress or Urgency messages via the EGC (Enhanced Group Call) receiver, the correct response is to activate aural and/or visual alarms. This alarms the crew to the importance of the message and requires manual deactivation by the operator. This protocol emphasizes the urgency and significance of distress or urgency communications, ensuring that they are promptly acknowledged and acted upon.

The activation of alarms serves as a critical alert system that draws the operator's attention to the incoming messages, underlining the need to monitor the situation and determine if any further actions are necessary in response to the received information. This process is crucial for safety at sea, as it ensures that essential communications are not overlooked in the busy and sometimes chaotic environment of maritime operations.

In contrast, the other options provide a misunderstanding of required actions during the receipt of such critical messages. They may imply that no immediate attention is necessary or that a message will automatically be acknowledged, which is not adequate for distress situations where immediate scrutiny is essential.