In November 2022, the IMO Maritime Safety Committee (MSC), at its 106th session approved the revised Guidance on distress alerts, prepared by the Sub-Committee on Navigation, Communications and Search and Rescue (NCSR), at its ninth session.
The circular describes the operating procedure for a distress alert, in accordance with chapter IV of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974.
It will become effective on 1 January 2024, superseding COMSAR/Circ.45 as from that date.
Key guidance included in the circular as follows:
