What system can provide an automated service in coastal waters where it may not be feasible to establish NAVTEX?

The correct answer is SafetyNETTM. This system is designed to provide automated maritime safety information, specifically for ships that are not within the range of traditional NAVTEX services. SafetyNETTM operates via Inmarsat satellites, allowing for the distribution of safety and emergency alerts directly to vessels at sea, even in coastal areas where shore-based systems like NAVTEX may not be practical to implement.

SafetyNETTM is beneficial in scenarios where there is broad coverage needed, particularly in areas that are less populated or lack the infrastructure for terrestrial broadcasts. It can relay vital information such as weather updates, navigational warnings, and other safety messages, ensuring that vessels can remain informed regardless of their location, which is critical for enhancing maritime safety.

In contrast, the other options focus on different aspects of maritime communication and safety. AMVER is a voluntary ship reporting system that provides information to search and rescue services but does not primarily disseminate safety alerts. VHF DSC is primarily for ship-to-ship and ship-to-shore communications for distress signals, providing limited navigational information. ARQ SITOR (NBDP) is a method for broadcasting messages using narrow-band direct printing but is not an automated distress alerting system like SafetyNETTM. Thus, the