Title 47 — Telegraphs, Telephones, and RadiotelegraphsRelease 119-73
§320 Stations liable to interfere with distress signals; designation and regulation
Title 47 › Chapter CHAPTER 5— - WIRE OR RADIO COMMUNICATION › Subchapter SUBCHAPTER III— - SPECIAL PROVISIONS RELATING TO RADIO › Part Part I— - General Provisions › § 320
Summary
The Commission can name radio stations that might block or garble ship distress signals. Those stations must have a licensed radio operator listening on the distress frequencies whenever their transmitter is on.
Full Legal Text
Title 47, §320
Telegraphs, Telephones, and Radiotelegraphs — Source: USLM XML via OLRC
The Commission is authorized to designate from time to time radio stations the communications or signals of which, in its opinion, are liable to interfere with the transmission or reception of distress signals of ships. Such stations are required to keep a licensed radio operator listening in on the frequencies designated for signals of distress and radio communications relating thereto during the entire period the transmitter of such station is in operation.
Reference
Citations & Metadata
Citation
47 U.S.C. § 320
Title 47 — Telegraphs, Telephones, and Radiotelegraphs
Last Updated
Apr 6, 2026
Release point: 119-73