Under what circumstance may a coast station using telephony transmit a general call to a group of vessels?

A coast station using telephony is permitted to transmit a general call to a group of vessels when it is announcing or preceding the transmission of Distress, Urgency, Safety, or other important messages. This is in accordance with maritime communication protocols designed to ensure the safety of life at sea and to facilitate effective communication during critical situations.

When such important messages are involved, all vessels within range are alerted to pay attention, as the information being transmitted could be vital for their immediate safety or operational status. This practice is essential in maritime communication because it allows for the rapid relay of critical information to multiple vessels simultaneously, ensuring that they can respond appropriately.

This reinforces the importance of being able to communicate urgent and emergency information efficiently in circumstances that affect many vessels at once, thus contributing to overall maritime safety and navigational effectiveness.