47 C.F.R. § 80.311 Authority for distress transmission.
Title 47 - Telecommunication
A mobile station in distress may use any means at its disposal to attract attention, make known its position, and obtain help. A distress call and message, however, must be transmitted only on the authority of the master or person responsible for the mobile station. No person shall knowingly transmit, or cause to be transmitted, any false or fraudulent signal of distress or related communication.
Title 47: Telecommunication
PART 80—STATIONS IN THE MARITIME SERVICES
Subpart G—Safety Watch Requirements and Procedures
Distress, Alarm, Urgency and Safety Procedures
§ 80.311 Authority for distress transmission.
