What must be done if a Distress alert is received?

When a Distress alert is received, the appropriate course of action is to avoid retransmission of the alert. This is important because the Distress alert is a critical communication meant for immediate response and must not be duplicated. Acknowledging the alert by retransmitting it can create confusion and congest the frequencies, which can delay assistance and hinder emergency operations.

In the context of the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS), when a Distress alert is received, the focus should be on evaluating the situation and determining how to best provide help to the vessel in distress without adding unnecessary noise to the communication channels. Keeping the channels clear is essential for ensuring that the necessary authorities and vessels can coordinate quickly and effectively.

While acknowledging the alert and assisting the vessel in distress are important, the immediate priority is to refrain from retransmitting the alert itself. Recording the alert might also be a good practice, but it does not take precedence over the need to keep communications clear during an emergency.