(a) An owner, charterer, managing operator, or agent of a vessel shall immediately notify either of the following Coast Guard offices if there is reason to believe the vessel is lost or imperiled:

(1) The Coast Guard district rescue coordination center (RCC) cognizant over the area in which the vessel was last operating; or

(2) The Coast Guard search and rescue authority nearest to where the vessel was last operating.

(b) Reasons for belief that a vessel is in distress include, but are not limited to, lack of communication with or nonappearance of the vessel.

(c) The owner, charterer, managing operator, or agent notifying the Coast Guard under paragraph (a) of this section, shall provide the name and identification number of the vessel, a description of the vessel, the names or number of individuals on board, and other information that may be requested by the Coast Guard.