Is it necessary to say 'all stations' when issuing a distress call?

When issuing a distress call, it is not mandatory to say "all stations" because the nature of the distress message inherently indicates that it is meant for all stations monitoring the relevant frequency. Distress calls are designed to attract immediate attention and prompt a response from any vessel or station that can assist. The established protocols in maritime communication prioritize clarity and urgency, which makes the phrase implicit in the context of a distress situation.

The assumption is that those monitoring the frequency, particularly in emergency communications, are aware that a distress call calls for the attention of all available resources. In such critical situations, as long as the distress signal is correctly transmitted, the focus remains on the immediate response rather than the exact phrasing prior to the call. The distress call should include essential details, such as the nature of the distress, the location, and the identity of the vessel in distress, rather than various introductory phrases.

Other options may suggest alternative practices, but they do not align with the standard maritime communication protocols established for distress signaling.