40Duties on activation of a distress watch receiver

40 Duties on activation of a distress watch receiver

(1) When the distress frequency watch receiver or EGC receiver distress alarm on a vessel is activated, the person in charge of the vessel radio station, if it is safe, must commence watch on the distress frequency or other frequency specified by the urgency or distress message.

(2) The person must, if it is safe to do so, and he or she would not be in breach of section 41, keep watch for a time sufficient to ensure that:

(a) the urgency message or distress signal is received; or

(b) an urgency or distress message would have been received if one had been transmitted and the vessel had been within range of the transmitting station; or

(c) the person is satisfied that the activation was due to:

(i) a fault in the radio installation, or

(ii) an electrical storm.

(3) A person who receives an urgency or distress message, must immediately give the master details of the message if it is safe to do so.

(4) An offence against subsection (1), (2) or (3) is a strict liability offence.

(5) A person is liable to a civil penalty if the person contravenes subsection (1), (2) or (3).