§  80.334   False distress alerts.

   A distress alert is false if it was transmitted without any indication
   that a mobile unit or person was in distress and required immediate
   assistance. Transmitting a false distress alert is prohibited and may
   be subject to the provisions of part 1, subpart A of this chapter if
   that alert:

   (a) Was transmitted intentionally;

   (b) Was not cancelled in accordance with § 80.335;

   (c) Could not be verified as a result of either the ship's failure to
   keep watch on appropriate frequencies in accordance with § 80.1123 or
   subpart G of this part, or its failure to respond to calls from the
   U.S. Coast Guard;

   (d) Was repeated; or

   (e) Was transmitted using a false identity.

   [ 68 FR 46968 , Aug. 7, 2003]