31Distress and urgency messages

31 Distress and urgency messages

Note: [SOLAS V/33]

31.1 Obligations and procedures

The master of a ship must discharge the obligations and follow the procedures specified in Regulation 33 of Chapter V of SOLAS.

31.2 Prescribed signal of distress

For the purposes of this Part, the prescribed signal of distress is the spoken word 'MAYDAY'.

Note: The sending of a distress signal will normally be preceded by an alert using DSC or Inmarsat EGC. Attention is also drawn to the signals referred to in Annex IV in the Appendix to Marine Orders, Part 30 (Prevention of Collisions).

31.3 Use of prescribed signal of distress

A person must not transmit a prescribed signal of distress, except in connection with the transmission of:

(a) a distress call and a distress message; or

(b) the acknowledgment of a distress message; or

(c) other distress traffic,

as prescribed by this Part.

31.4 Serious and imminent danger

Despite anything contained in this Part, a person who is operating the radio station of a ship that is in serious and imminent danger and is unable to comply with the provisions of the Part may use any means available to attract attention, to make known the ship's position and to obtain help.

31.5 Duties on activation of a distress watch receiver.

31.5.1 Where any of the following equipment is actuated:

(a) the DSC distress frequency watch receiver;

(b) the Inmarsat EGC receiver distress alarm,

the person in charge of the ship radio station must commence watch on the relevant distress frequency or, if a frequency is specified in the distress or urgency message, on that frequency.

31.5.2 Subject to 31.6 such watch is to be kept for a sufficient time to ensure that:

(a) the distress or urgency message is received, or

(b) a distress or urgency message would have been received if one had been transmitted and the ship had been within range of the transmitting station, or

the person in charge of the ship radio station is satisfied that the actuation was due to:

(c) a fault in the radio installation, or

(d) an electrical storm.

31.5.3 A person receiving a distress or urgency message must immediately inform the Master of the details of the message.

31.6 Duties of a person hearing a distress or urgency signal

31.6.1 A person who hears a distress or urgency signal must continue to listen on the appropriate frequency and must not resume normal radio service until: