RYA SRC MAYDAY & Distress Procedures 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the difference between MAYDAY and PAN PAN?
- MAYDAY is for immediate life-threatening danger; PAN PAN is for urgent situations not immediately life-threatening (Correct answer)
- MAYDAY is used at sea; PAN PAN is used in port
- MAYDAY requires DSC; PAN PAN is voice only
- MAYDAY is international; PAN PAN is UK only
Correct answer: MAYDAY is for immediate life-threatening danger; PAN PAN is for urgent situations not immediately life-threatening
MAYDAY indicates immediate grave danger to a vessel or person requiring immediate assistance. PAN PAN is used for urgent situations where assistance is needed but there is no immediate threat to life.
Question 2: What is the SECURITE signal used for?
- Broadcasting important navigational or meteorological safety information (Correct answer)
- A vessel experiencing fire on board
- Medical emergencies requiring immediate evacuation
- Vessel collision situations
Correct answer: Broadcasting important navigational or meteorological safety information
SECURITE (from French) is transmitted three times before safety messages concerning navigational hazards, meteorological warnings, or other safety-of-navigation information that all mariners should be aware of.
Question 3: How many times must MAYDAY be spoken at the start of a distress call?
- Three times (Correct answer)
- Once
- Twice
- Five times
Correct answer: Three times
MAYDAY must be spoken three times at the start of a distress call to ensure it is clearly understood and cannot be confused with another word, even in poor radio conditions.
Question 4: Which authority coordinates SAR operations around the UK coast?
- HM Coastguard (HMCG) (Correct answer)
- Royal Navy
- RNLI
- Port Authority
Correct answer: HM Coastguard (HMCG)
HM Coastguard coordinates all search and rescue (SAR) operations around the UK coast, working with the RNLI, Royal Navy, RAF, and commercial vessels to respond to maritime emergencies.
Question 5: What information is most critical to include in a MAYDAY message?
- Position of the vessel (Correct answer)
- Vessel's registration number
- Owner's home address
- Departure port and ETA
Correct answer: Position of the vessel
Position is the most critical piece of information in a MAYDAY message because without knowing where the vessel is, rescue services cannot reach it. All other information is secondary to accurate position.
Question 6: What is the correct acknowledgement of a MAYDAY from a coast station?
- MAYDAY, vessel name x3, received MAYDAY, station name, UTC time, OVER (Correct answer)
- RECEIVED, vessel name, help is on the way
- MAYDAY ACKNOWLEDGED, stand by
- PAN PAN, vessel name, your MAYDAY received
Correct answer: MAYDAY, vessel name x3, received MAYDAY, station name, UTC time, OVER
The formal MAYDAY acknowledgement includes the distress word MAYDAY, the name of the vessel in distress spoken three times, confirmation of receipt, the acknowledging station's name, and UTC time.
RYA SRC MAYDAY & Distress Procedures 2
What is the difference between MAYDAY and PAN PAN?