Question 30E5

406 MHz EPIRBs transmit their distress signals to the international COSPAS-SARSAT satellite system. While some COSPAS-SARSAT geostationary search and rescue (GEOSAR) payloads are *hosted* on Inmarsat satellites, the *Inmarsat commercial communication system itself* (e.g., its own messaging services like Inmarsat-C) does not directly provide alerting and position reporting for 406 MHz EPIRBs. Thus, statement C is true as it distinguishes between the COSPAS-SARSAT system and Inmarsat's commercial network. A is incorrect because GOES weather satellites provide regional, not worldwide, coverage and are not the primary system for global EPIRB alerting. B is incorrect because while COSPAS-SARSAT aims for fast alerts, delays can occur, and "always" within 10 minutes is not a guaranteed standard due to factors like satellite availability and processing time. D is incorrect because GPS satellites are navigation satellites that provide position data *to* an EPIRB receiver; they do not receive or relay distress alerts themselves. The EPIRB uses the GPS data to encode its position into the 406 MHz signal, which is then sent to COSPAS-SARSAT.