Explanation: Stations operating in the maritime services are regulated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) under Part 80 of its rules. To ensure proper operation, spectrum compatibility, and compliance with technical standards, the FCC requires that transmitting equipment used in these services undergoes a specific authorization process. This is known as "certification" (or "Type Acceptance" for some equipment categories). Therefore, only transmitters that the FCC has certified for Part 80 operations are authorized, unless a specific exception applies. This certification process confirms the equipment meets all necessary technical requirements for its intended use. * **A) Transmitters certified by the manufacturer** is incorrect because while manufacturers design equipment to standards, the FCC performs the official regulatory certification required for use in the US. * **C) Equipment inspected and approved by the U.S. Coast Guard** is incorrect. The USCG enforces safety regulations and some radio rules, but they do not perform the equipment certification; that is the FCC's role. * **D) Equipment meeting ITU specifications** is insufficient. While ITU specifications are international guidelines, the FCC is the domestic authority that verifies compliance through its certification process, not the ITU itself.