MAYDAY & Distress Procedures Flashcards

If your vessel is sinking, which action should be taken FIRST?

Answer: Send a DSC distress alert then make a voice MAYDAY call

The immediate priority is to send a DSC distress alert on Channel 70 followed by a MAYDAY voice call on Channel 16. This ensures rescue services are alerted with position data as early as possible.

What is the phonetic alphabet word for the letter 'M'?

Answer: Mike

In the NATO phonetic alphabet used in marine radio, the letter M is represented by 'Mike'. The phonetic alphabet ensures letters are clearly understood in poor radio conditions.

What is the purpose of a MAYDAY RELAY?

Answer: To pass on a distress message from a vessel that cannot communicate directly with rescue services

A MAYDAY RELAY passes on distress information from a vessel that is unable to communicate directly with rescue services, ensuring the alert reaches the coastguard even when the distressed vessel lacks sufficient radio range.

During a MAYDAY situation, can vessels use Channel 16 for routine traffic?

Answer: No, all non-distress traffic must cease on Channel 16

When a MAYDAY is in progress, all non-distress communications on Channel 16 must cease immediately. The channel is reserved exclusively for distress coordination until SEELONCE FEENEE is broadcast.

What is 'PRUDONCE' in maritime radio procedure?

Answer: An instruction allowing limited communications to resume after a MAYDAY, with care

PRUDONCE (from French 'prudence') is broadcast by the coordinating station to indicate that restricted communications may resume on Channel 16 while the distress is still ongoing but less active.

Which type of EPIRB automatically activates when submerged?

Answer: Category 1 float-free EPIRB

A Category 1 EPIRB is designed to float free of a sinking vessel and automatically activate when submerged, transmitting a distress signal on 406 MHz to satellites without any human intervention.