VHF Lesson 4: Distress and Mayday
VHF Lesson 4: Distress and Mayday
Grave and imminent danger
Understand the structure and priority of distress communication.
Core lesson
MAYDAY is for grave and imminent danger requiring immediate assistance. A voice distress message normally includes MAYDAY, vessel identification, position, nature of distress, assistance required, persons aboard and other useful information. Activate DSC distress only when appropriate and follow it with the voice distress traffic required by your equipment and procedure.
Scenario: A vessel has engine trouble but is not in grave and imminent danger. Should it automatically call Mayday?
Show the recommended decision
No. Consider an urgency call if appropriate; upgrade immediately if the situation becomes distress.
Rule link: International radiotelephony distress and urgency procedure.
Source: USCG GMDSS information.
Educational material only. It does not replace the current official rules, notices, local regulations, proper training or prudent seamanship.