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MAYDAY & Distress Procedures Flashcards

6 cards from real RYA SRC practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

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  1. What is the correct order of information in a MAYDAY message?

    Answer: MAYDAY x3, vessel name x3, position, nature of distress, persons on board, any other information, OVER

    The standardised MAYDAY voice message format is: MAYDAY spoken three times, vessel name spoken three times, position, nature of distress, number of persons on board, any other useful information, then OVER.

  2. What does MAYDAY originate from?

    Answer: The French 'm'aidez' meaning 'help me'

    MAYDAY comes from the French phrase 'm'aidez' (or 'mayday' as a phonetic rendering of 'm'aider') meaning 'help me'. It was adopted internationally as the standard voice distress signal.

  3. On which channel should a MAYDAY voice call be made?

    Answer: Channel 16

    All MAYDAY voice calls must be made on Channel 16, the international distress, safety, and calling frequency that all vessels must monitor continuously.

  4. What is a MAYDAY RELAY and when is it used?

    Answer: Relaying a MAYDAY on behalf of a vessel that cannot communicate itself

    A MAYDAY RELAY is used when you receive a MAYDAY from a vessel in distress but no coast station appears to have acknowledged it. You transmit the relay to ensure the information reaches rescue services.

  5. What is the correct phrase to impose radio silence during a MAYDAY situation?

    Answer: SEELONCE MAYDAY

    SEELONCE MAYDAY (from the French 'silence') is transmitted by the coast station coordinating the distress to impose radio silence on Channel 16 so distress communications are not interrupted.

  6. What does 'SEELONCE FEENEE' signal?

    Answer: The distress situation is over and normal communications may resume

    SEELONCE FEENEE (from French 'silence fini') is transmitted by the coordinating station to indicate the distress is resolved and normal radio communications may resume on Channel 16.

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Sources & references

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  1. rya.org.uk — Score release, eligibility, fees, exam format, registration deadline, test delivery · verified Oct 2026