High Seas Safety Requirement: Category I 406 MHz EPIRB

What safety device must every vessel operating on the high seas or beyond 3 miles from the coastline of the Great Lakes carry?

Option 1: Category II 406 MHz EPIRB

Option 2: Category I 406 MHz EPIRB

Option 3: Life preservers (Type II)

Option 4: Fire extinguishers (Type B)

Final answer:

Vessels operating in high seas or beyond 3 miles from the Great Lakes coastline must carry a Category I 406 MHz EPIRB, an auto-activated distress signal device, for safety.

Explanation:

Every vessel that operates on the high seas, or beyond 3 miles from the coastline of the Great Lakes must carry a Category I 406 MHz EPIRB. This safety device, also known as an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon, is designed to transmit a distress signal in the event of an emergency.

The Category I type is automatically activated when it's submerged in water, providing a critical lifeline if the vessel is in trouble. Though other safety devices such as Category II 406 MHz EPIRBs, life preservers, and fire extinguishers are also important, the question specifically refers to the requirement for a Category I 406 MHz EPIRB.

According to maritime regulations, every vessel operating on the high seas or more than 3 miles from the coastline of the Great Lakes must carry a Category I 406 MHz EPIRB, which stands for Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon.