1.9.1 Distress calls/messages have absolute priority
over all other communications. When receiving them all other transmissions
should cease and a listening watch should be kept.
1.9.2 Any distress call/message should be recorded
in the ship's log and passed to the master.
1.9.3 On receipt of a distress message, if in
the vicinity, immediately acknowledge receipt. If not in the vicinity,
allow a short interval of time to elapse before acknowledging receipt
of the message in order to permit ships nearer to the distress to
do so.