How must the SMC respond to every S-O-S distress call when received?

How must the SMC respond to every S-O-S distress call when received?

• A. Treat as a distress case
• B. Treat as a routine message
• C. Ignore the signal
• D. Tag for later review

Answer: (A)

Every S-O-S distress call demands immediate action and is treated as a distress case. When it’s received, the SMC must give it top priority, acknowledge the signal, and start emergency procedures to locate and assist those in danger, coordinating with nearby vessels and search-and-rescue authorities while gathering essential details and logging the event. Treating it as routine, ignoring it, or delaying review would put lives at risk and violate standard procedures.

Every S-O-S distress call demands immediate action and is treated as a distress case. When it’s received, the SMC must give it top priority, acknowledge the signal, and start emergency procedures to locate and assist those in danger, coordinating with nearby vessels and search-and-rescue authorities while gathering essential details and logging the event. Treating it as routine, ignoring it, or delaying review would put lives at risk and violate standard procedures.