Sec.  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  Sec. 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  Sec. 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]