What is a common reason for false distress signals?

Accidental activation of distress equipment is a common reason for false distress signals. This can occur when a mariner unintentionally triggers a distress signal, often due to the sensitive nature of some equipment or user error. For example, an individual might inadvertently press a button or switch, leading to the transmission of a signal that indicates an emergency situation when, in fact, there is none. Such incidents highlight the importance of familiarizing oneself with the equipment and understanding how to operate it correctly to prevent accidental alerts.

While malfunctioning equipment can lead to false signals, it is often not as common as accidental activation. Incorrect signal interpretation generally pertains to misunderstandings of signals rather than the generation of false signals. Lack of training is a significant factor in many maritime safety issues, but it is more about the misuse of signals rather than causing a false distress situation directly.