RYA SRC MAYDAY & Distress Procedures 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: If your vessel is sinking, which action should be taken FIRST?
- Send a DSC distress alert then make a voice MAYDAY call (Correct answer)
- Abandon ship immediately
- Contact the marina by phone
- Signal with a torch to other vessels
Correct 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.
Question 2: What is the phonetic alphabet word for the letter 'M'?
- Mike (Correct answer)
- Metro
- Manila
- March
Correct 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.
Question 3: What is the purpose of a MAYDAY RELAY?
- To pass on a distress message from a vessel that cannot communicate directly with rescue services (Correct answer)
- To repeat a MAYDAY from your own vessel
- To acknowledge a MAYDAY on behalf of the coastguard
- To cancel a false MAYDAY alert
Correct 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.
Question 4: During a MAYDAY situation, can vessels use Channel 16 for routine traffic?
- No, all non-distress traffic must cease on Channel 16 (Correct answer)
- Yes, if the MAYDAY vessel is far away
- Yes, but only for urgent commercial traffic
- Yes, with permission from the port authority
Correct 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.
Question 5: What is 'PRUDONCE' in maritime radio procedure?
- An instruction allowing limited communications to resume after a MAYDAY, with care (Correct answer)
- Permission to use full communications
- A signal that the distress is false
- A request for medical advice
Correct 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.
Question 6: Which type of EPIRB automatically activates when submerged?
- Category 1 float-free EPIRB (Correct answer)
- Category 2 manual EPIRB
- VHF DSC handheld
- SART (Search and Rescue Transponder)
Correct 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.
RYA SRC MAYDAY & Distress Procedures 3
If your vessel is sinking, which action should be taken FIRST?