You are underway in mid-ocean, when you hear a distress message over the VHF radio. The position of the sender is 20 miles away. What action should you take?

Correct Answer: Option C — Immediately acknowledge receipt of the distress message.

SOLAS Chapter IV and GMDSS operating procedures require vessels receiving a distress alert on VHF to acknowledge receipt immediately if no coast station or closer vessel does so. At 20 miles away, you are within operational range to render assistance or relay critical information to rescue coordination centers.