The system described as sending covert alerts to shore is the:

• A. Emergency beacon (EPIRB)
• B. Ship Security Alert System (SSAS)
• C. Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS)
• D. Vessel Traffic Service (VTS)

Answer: (B)

The main idea is a discreet security alert system on board that quietly notifies shore authorities when there’s a security threat. The Ship Security Alert System is designed to send a covert alarm to designated shore personnel without alerting anyone on the ship or nearby that a warning is being raised. This allows authorities to respond to piracy, boarding, or other security breaches without tipping off intruders.

Emergency beacons are for life-threatening distress and broadcast publicly to rescue authorities, not as a discreet ship-to-shore security alert. The Global Maritime Distress and Safety System handles general distress and safety communications, not covert security alerts. Vessel Traffic Service monitors and manages commercial traffic, not security-specific alerts.