Explanation: The Ship Security Alert System (SSAS) is designed to enhance maritime security, not distress. Its primary function is to covertly send an alert from the ship to pre-programmed, specific land-based addresses (such as the ship's company, flag state administration, or security agencies). This alert is transmitted via the Inmarsat-C satellite terminal, which provides global coverage and is well-suited for reliable, store-and-forward data messaging to designated recipients. The covert nature of the alert means it does not trigger an audible alarm on the ship, nor is it broadcast to all ships. Therefore, A is correct because SSAS sends a targeted, confidential alert to specific authorities. Options B and D are incorrect because SSAS alerts are not "all ships" broadcasts. Option C is incorrect because while Inmarsat-C is used, the SSAS alert is primarily for security agencies, not directly to Rescue Coordination Centers (RCCs), which handle distress alerts.