The transmission duration of urgent messages on international distress and calling frequencies shall not exceed how many seconds?

• A. 30 seconds
• B. 45 seconds
• C. 60 seconds
• D. 90 seconds

Answer: (C)

Urgent transmissions on international distress and calling frequencies must be brief so the channel stays available for others who may be in distress and for rapid coordination. The rule sets a maximum duration of 60 seconds for a single urgent transmission. Deliver only essential information—who is calling, the urgent or distress condition, location, and immediate actions required—and if more detail is needed, follow up after a quick acknowledgment or in subsequent transmissions rather than extending the first message beyond a minute. This limit helps prevent monopolizing the frequency and ensures faster responses when every second counts.