RYA SRC MAYDAY & Distress Procedures 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the international distress frequency for VHF voice communications?
- 156.8 MHz (Channel 16) (Correct answer)
- 156.3 MHz (Channel 6)
- 156.375 MHz (Channel 7A)
- 157.85 MHz (Channel 67)
Correct answer: 156.8 MHz (Channel 16)
Channel 16 operates on 156.8 MHz and is the internationally designated VHF distress, safety, and calling frequency. All SOLAS vessels and most recreational craft must maintain a continuous watch on this frequency.
Question 2: In a MAYDAY situation, what is the role of vessels NOT involved in the rescue?
- Maintain radio silence on Channel 16 and stand by in case assistance is needed (Correct answer)
- Proceed to the scene immediately
- Broadcast the MAYDAY to all nearby vessels
- Switch to an alternative working channel
Correct answer: Maintain radio silence on Channel 16 and stand by in case assistance is needed
Vessels not directly involved in a rescue must maintain radio silence on Channel 16, monitor the distress situation, and remain ready to assist if called upon by the coordinating authority.
Question 3: What does the term 'incident coordinator' mean in a MAYDAY situation?
- The coast station managing and coordinating all SAR communications (Correct answer)
- The skipper of the vessel in distress
- The nearest lifeboat coxswain
- The vessel that first acknowledged the MAYDAY
Correct answer: The coast station managing and coordinating all SAR communications
The incident coordinator is the coast station (typically HM Coastguard in UK waters) that takes control of all radio communications and coordinates the SAR response to a MAYDAY.
Question 4: What is the correct format for giving a vessel's position in a MAYDAY message?
- Latitude and longitude, or bearing and distance from a known landmark (Correct answer)
- Only the vessel name and MMSI
- The nearest port name only
- The chart reference number
Correct answer: Latitude and longitude, or bearing and distance from a known landmark
Position in a MAYDAY should be given as latitude and longitude (e.g., 50 degrees 15 minutes North, 004 degrees 30 minutes West) or as a bearing and distance from a prominent known landmark.
Question 5: What is the purpose of a SART (Search and Rescue Transponder)?
- It responds to radar signals from searching vessels and aircraft, creating a line of blips on their radar (Correct answer)
- It transmits a voice MAYDAY on VHF Channel 16 automatically
- It sends position data to satellites via 406 MHz
- It activates inflatable life rafts automatically
Correct answer: It responds to radar signals from searching vessels and aircraft, creating a line of blips on their radar
A SART responds to X-band radar transmissions from searching vessels or aircraft, creating a distinctive line of 12 dots on the searching vessel's radar screen pointing towards the SART's location.
Question 6: How is a PAN PAN message structured differently from a MAYDAY?
- PAN PAN is spoken three times, then the same format as MAYDAY but indicating urgent rather than distress (Correct answer)
- PAN PAN is spoken once only, followed immediately by position
- PAN PAN does not require a vessel name or position
- PAN PAN uses Channel 70 instead of Channel 16
Correct answer: PAN PAN is spoken three times, then the same format as MAYDAY but indicating urgent rather than distress
A PAN PAN message begins with PAN PAN spoken three times, then follows a similar format to MAYDAY (vessel name, position, nature of urgency, persons on board, assistance required) but communicates urgency rather than immediate distress.
RYA SRC MAYDAY & Distress Procedures 4
What is the international distress frequency for VHF voice communications?