Each small passenger vessel that operates on the high seas, or beyond 3 miles from the coastline of the Great Lakes must have a Category 1 406 MHz EPIRB that __________.

Correct Answer: Option C — will float free and clear of a sinking vessel and automatically activate

46 CFR 117.64 requires a Category 1 406 MHz EPIRB for vessels operating beyond 3 miles from the coastline. The device must be designed to float free from a sinking vessel and automatically activate, ensuring a distress signal is transmitted even if the crew cannot manually deploy the unit.