47 U.S.C. § 321 : US Code - Section 321: Distress signals and communications; equipment on vessels; regulations

Search 47 U.S.C. § 321 : US Code - Section 321: Distress signals and communications; equipment on vessels; regulations

(a) The transmitting set in a radio station on shipboard may be
adjusted in such a manner as to produce a maximum of radiation,
irrespective of the amount of interference which may thus be
caused, when such station is sending radio communications or
signals of distress and radio communications relating thereto.
(b) All radio stations, including Government stations and
stations on board foreign vessels when within the territorial
waters of the United States, shall give absolute priority to radio
communications or signals relating to ships in distress; shall
cease all sending on frequencies which will interfere with hearing
a radio communication or signal of distress, and, except when
engaged in answering or aiding the ship in distress, shall refrain
from sending any radio communications or signals until there is
assurance that no interference will be caused with the radio
communications or signals relating thereto, and shall assist the
vessel in distress, so far as possible, by complying with its
instructions.