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Guidelines for the avoidance of false distress alerts.
Applicable to:
Ship owners, ship operators, ship masters, seafarers, training institutions, and maritime institutions
Effective Date:
Immediate
Superseded Circulars:
All previous notices and circulars on the above subject
Key Changes and Requirements
1. Revised Guidelines and Procedures
The Directorate General of Shipping has issued revised guidelines and procedures to reduce false distress alerts, superseding all previous notices and circulars.
- IMO Resolution MSC-514(105): Revised Guidelines for the avoidance of False Distress Alerts
- ITU World Radiocommunication Conference Resolution 349 (WRC-19): Operational procedures for cancelling false distress alerts
2. Action Required
All stakeholders are advised to:
- Familiarize themselves with the revised guidelines and procedures
- Implement the guidelines to prevent and manage false distress alerts
II/4 Annexure-I: Revised Guidelines for the avoidance of False Distress Alerts
II/5 Annexure-II: Operational procedures for cancelling false distress alerts
Important Note
Transmission and relay of false distress alerts can impose a considerable burden on Rescue Coordination Centers (RCCs) and national exchequers, and may have serious implications for real distress situations and safety of life at sea. All stakeholders are urged to take necessary measures to avoid false distress alerts.
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