The control of distress traffic is set forth in which Regulations/Manual?

• A. the Radio Regulations of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) Manual
• B. National Emergency Communications Plan
• C. Oceanic Radio Procedures
• D. FCC Rules Part 87

Answer: (A)

Distress traffic is governed by an international, standardized set of rules so that a Mayday call and the ensuing rescue coordination are understood and acted upon no matter where you are. The ITU Radio Regulations provide that universal framework, outlining how distress and safety communications must be initiated, treated as priority, and relayed across networks and borders. It also designates the appropriate signals (like Mayday) and the duties of stations to monitor distress frequencies and assist as required, ensuring rapid, coordinated responses from coast stations and other networks worldwide. While national plans and procedure manuals exist for specific regions or operators, they do not establish the global, binding rules for distress traffic that the ITU Radio Regulations do.