Navigation Rules

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Distress Signals

When a vessel is in distress and requires assistance she may use or exhibit the signals shown here:

Marine Casualty Assistance and Information

The master or individual in charge of a vessel involved in a marine casualty shall-

Render necessary assistance to each individual affected to save that affected individual from danger caused by the marine casualty, so far as the master or individual in charge can do so without serious danger to the master's or individual's vessel or to individuals on board; and (2) give the master's or individual's name and address and identification of the vessel to the master or individual in charge of any other vessel involved in the casualty, to any individual injured, and to the owner of any property damaged.

An individual complying with this section or gratuitously and in good faith rendering assistance at the scene of a marine casualty without objection by an individual assisted, is not liable for damages as a result of rendering assistance or for an act or omission in providing or arranging salvage, towage, medical treatment, or other assistance when the individual acts as an ordinary, reasonable, and prudent individual would have acted under the circumstances.

Duty to Provide Assistance

A master or individual in charge of a vessel shall render assistance to any individual found at sea in danger of being lost, so far as the master or individual in charge can do so without serious danger to the master's or individual's vessel or individuals on board. (b) A master or individual violating this section shall be fined not more than $1,000, imprisoned for not more than 2 years, or both.