47 CFR § 80.334 - False distress alerts.

---
identifier: "/us/cfr/t47/s80.334"
source: "ecfr"
legal_status: "authoritative_unofficial"
title: "47 CFR § 80.334 - False distress alerts."
title_number: 47
title_name: "Telecommunication"
section_number: "80.334"
section_name: "False distress alerts."
chapter_name: "FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION"
subchapter_number: "D"
subchapter_name: "SAFETY AND SPECIAL RADIO SERVICES"
part_number: "80"
part_name: "STATIONS IN THE MARITIME SERVICES"
positive_law: false
currency: "2026-03-24"
last_updated: "2026-03-24"
format_version: "1.1.0"
generator: "[email protected]"
authority: "47 U.S.C. 151-155, 301-609; 3 U.S.T. 3450, 3 U.S.T. 4726, 12 U.S.T. 2377."
regulatory_source: "51 FR 31213, Sept. 2, 1986, unless otherwise noted."
cfr_part: "80"
---


# 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 § 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 § 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]