What should a GMDSS radio operator do in a distress situation when embarking in survival craft?

In a distress situation, it is crucial for a GMDSS radio operator to prioritize immediate signaling for help to increase the chances of a successful rescue. The correct action is to switch on the EPIRB (Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacon) and SART (Search and Rescue Transponder) as soon as possible before leaving the vessel. This action is vital because the EPIRB transmits a distress signal that helps locate the survival craft by search and rescue teams, while the SART will help identify the position of the craft to nearby vessels equipped with radar.

Promptly activating these devices ensures they are operational and transmitting while the operator is still able to monitor the situation and signal rescuers, increasing the chances of a swift response. Leaving them on allows for continuous tracking and assists rescuers in locating the operator in a more timely manner amidst the emergency.

The other options, although they might seem reasonable, do not align with the most effective immediate responses in a distress situation. For example, simply notifying the RCC with portable equipment after embarking in the survival craft may delay the distress signal being sent out. Remaining on the vessel while preparing to go into the survival craft does not prioritize immediate safety, and communicating through Inmarsat-C can delay the communication process