What should an operator do if they hear someone sending a false distress signal?

When an operator hears someone sending a false distress signal, the appropriate response is to report the occurrence to the authorities immediately. This is crucial because false distress signals can divert valuable resources and attention away from genuine emergencies, potentially putting lives in danger. It is essential for maritime safety that all incidents, especially those that could mislead search and rescue efforts, are duly reported so that authorities can take the necessary actions.

Reporting to the authorities allows trained professionals to investigate the situation appropriately. They can verify the distress signal's authenticity and determine the appropriate course of action, whether it involves contacting the sender to verify their status or mobilizing for a search mission if there is a chance that it may not be a false alarm after all.

Taking any other action, such as ignoring the signal or attempting to communicate directly with the sender, could impede official rescue operations or fail to address a serious situation. Sending a distress signal to others would also contribute to confusion and could exacerbate the issue rather than rectify it. Thus, contacting the relevant authorities is the most responsible and effective course of action in this scenario.