ABSTRACT
The Distress call shall have absolute priority over all other transmissions. All stations which hear it shall immediately cease any transmission capable of interfering with the distress traffic and shall continue to listen on the frequency used for the emission of the distress call. This call shall not be addressed to a particular station and acknowledgment of receipt shall not be given before the distress message which follows it is sent. The Distress call and message shall be sent only on the authority of the master or person responsible for the ship, aircraft or other vehicle carrying the mobile station or ship earth station.
