The short text messaging feature of the automatic identification system (AIS) allows for messages of up to __________.
Official USCG Answer & Rule Citation
Correct Answer: Option D — 158 characters
Automatic Identification System (AIS) safety-related text messaging protocol limits short text transmissions to a maximum of 158 characters. This binary-encoded capacity allows mariners to broadcast concise navigational warnings or collision avoidance intentions directly to surrounding vessels via VHF frequencies without overloading the VDES bandwidth.
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