In a distress situation, who is considered the controlling station?

In a distress situation, the controlling station is defined as the entity that directs the response to an emergency at sea. The initial caller, typically the vessel in distress, is responsible for establishing communication and providing necessary details about their situation. This vessel remains in control of the situation as long as it can effectively manage the communication and coordinate the rescue efforts.

If the coast guard or another authority steps in and assumes control, they then become the controlling station. However, until such an authority takes over, the vessel that first made the distress call retains this responsibility. Hence, option B accurately identifies that the initial caller is the controlling station unless a coast guard entity later takes over that role. This principle helps ensure clear communication channels and coordination during critical rescue operations, allowing for an organized response to the distress situation.