Final answer:
DIREPs, or Distress Traffic Reports, are submitted by the person in charge of a vessel in distress or by another assisting vessel. The control and monitoring of DIREPs are managed by maritime safety authorities like the MRCC, in accordance with international conventions such as SOLAS.
Step-by-step explanation:
DIREPs, short for Distress Traffic Reports, are a critical communication tool used in maritime safety. They are typically submitted by the master or person in charge of a vessel in distress or by another vessel relaying the message.
The purpose of a DIREP is to inform relevant authorities, typically a country's maritime administration or the nearest maritime rescue coordination center (MRCC), of the distress situation so that search and rescue operations can be initiated.
The responsibility for submitting the report lies with the vessel in distress or the one assisting, while controlling and monitoring the report is handled by maritime safety authorities or organizations such as the MRCC.
They maintain the flow of vital information between the distressed vessel, potential rescue units, and other ships that may be in a position to offer assistance.
It is also worth noting that certain international conventions, such as the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), govern the processes and responsibilities regarding maritime distress situations, including the use of DIREPs.