Sec. 80.316  Distress messages.

    (a) The radiotelegraph distress message consists of:
    (1) The distress signal SOS;
    (2) The name of the mobile station in distress;
    (3) Particulars of its position;
    (4) The nature of the distress;
    (5) The kind of assistance desired;
    (6) Any other information which might facilitate rescue.
    (b) The radiotelephone distress message consists of:
    (1) The distress signal MAYDAY;

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    (2) The name of the mobile station in distress;
    (3) Particulars of its position;
    (4) The nature of the distress;
    (5) The kind of assistance desired;
    (6) Any other information which might facilitate rescue, for 
example, the length, color, and type of vessel, number of persons on 
board.
    (c) As a general rule, a ship must signal its position in latitude 
and longitude, using figures for the degrees and minutes, together with 
one of the words NORTH or SOUTH and one of the words EAST or WEST. In 
radiotelegraphy, the signal .-.-.- must be used to separate the degrees 
from the minutes. When practicable, the true bearing and distance in 
nautical miles from a known geographical position may be given.