
From the U.S. Code Online via GPO Access
[wais.access.gpo.gov]
[Laws in effect as of January 23, 2000]
[Document not affected by Public Laws enacted between
  January 23, 2000 and December 4, 2001]
[CITE: 47USC321]

 
          TITLE 47--TELEGRAPHS, TELEPHONES, AND RADIOTELEGRAPHS
 
                 CHAPTER 5--WIRE OR RADIO COMMUNICATION
 
          SUBCHAPTER III--SPECIAL PROVISIONS RELATING TO RADIO
 
                       Part I--General Provisions
 
Sec. 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.

(June 19, 1934, ch. 652, title III, Sec. 321, 48 Stat. 1090; May 20, 
1937, ch. 229, Sec. 7, 50 Stat. 191.)


                               Amendments

    1937--Subsec. (a). Act May 20, 1937, struck out provisions which 
required radio stations on shipboard to be equipped to transmit radio 
communications or signals of distress on the frequency specified by the 
Commission, with apparatus capable of transmitting and receiving 
messages over a distance of at least 100 miles by day or night.
