In distress alerts sent by e-mail, what action must Coast Guard personnel take?

• A. Notify the appropriate Coast Guard RCC by telephone
• B. Acknowledge receipt by e-mail
• C. Forward to local police
• D. Ignore unless a human operator is available

Answer: (A)

Distress alerts require immediate voice contact with the Rescue Coordination Center. Calling the appropriate RCC by telephone ensures the warning is received right away and activates the SAR response without delay that could occur with email. The RCC coordinates all assets and actions for search-and-rescue, so verbally relaying critical details—your location, the type of distress, number of people on board, and current communications—lets them verify, prioritize, and mobilize resources right away. Email can supplement with additional information, but it should not be the first step in initiating a response. Other options, like forwarding to local police or ignoring the alert, do not provide the rapid, coordinated action required in a distress situation.