112False distress signals

112 False distress signals (1) A person must not use or exhibit a distress signal unless a vessel or a person is in distress and requires assistance. (a) the person uses or exhibits, or causes to be used or exhibited, a distress signal; and (b) neither a vessel nor any person are in distress or require assistance when the person engages in the conduct specified in paragraph (a); and (c) the person had no reasonable cause for engaging in the conduct specified in paragraph (a). (3) A person commits an offence if: (a) the person uses or makes, or causes to be used or made, a signal; and Marine Act 1981 18 (b) the signal is likely to be interpreted as a distress signal; and (c) neither a vessel nor any person are in distress or require assistance when the person engages in the conduct specified in paragraph (a); and (d) the person had no reasonable cause for engaging in the conduct specified in paragraph (a). (4) An offence against subsection (2) or (3) is an offence of strict (5) To avoid doubt, this section applies to conduct whether it occurs on water or land. distress signal means: (a) an emergency position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB); or (b) any signal specified as indicating distress in the Uniform Shipping Laws Code, Annex IV, item 1.