Safety, Fire & Survival · SAR — Distress Relay Obligation
Under SOLAS, a master who receives a distress message from any source is obligated to:
- AProceed with all speed to assist if able, and acknowledge/relay the distress, unless unable, unreasonable, or released by the persons in distress or another ship✓ Correct
- BIgnore it unless the casualty is the same flag state
- CWait for orders from the company office before acting
- DCharge the rescued persons for assistance
Explanation
SOLAS V Reg 33 and the long-standing duty to assist require a master receiving a distress to proceed with all speed to help persons in distress at sea, so far as able, unless unable or it would be unreasonable, or until formally released. The obligation is fundamental maritime law.
Authority: SOLAS V Reg 33; IAMSAR; obligation to render assistance
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