Who is responsible for imposing "radio silence" during distress communications?

The On Scene Coordinator (OSC) or the Rescue Coordination Center (RCC) is responsible for imposing radio silence during distress communications to ensure that all available communication channels remain clear for vital emergency traffic. This rule is critical to avoid confusion and to prioritize communications related to the distress situation, allowing for effective coordination and response.

Imposing radio silence helps to eliminate unnecessary transmissions that could hinder rescue operations or distract responders from essential communications. The OSC or RCC, having a broader operational awareness and authority in the situation, makes a well-informed decision to call for radio silence when deemed necessary.

In contrast, the other options do not have the same level of authority or operational responsibility in emergency scenarios. For instance, while a Land Earth Station or Public Correspondence Coast Station can support communications, they do not manage direct emergency coordination. Similarly, the vessel first responding to the distress call might not be in a position to assess the overall communication needs or command silence on behalf of all participants involved.