To facilitate communication between the wheelhouse and the steering gear room in a steering emergency where no external source of power is required, what means of two-way communication would be provided?

Correct Answer: Option B — Sound-powered telephone system

Title 46 CFR and SOLAS regulations require an independent means of two-way communication between the wheelhouse and steering gear room that functions entirely without external ship power. Sound-powered telephones utilize acoustic energy converted directly to electrical signals, fulfilling this safety mandate.