RYA SRC MAYDAY & Distress Procedures 5

Question 1

What medical information prefix is used when requesting urgent medical advice from a coast station?

Accepted Answer

PAN PAN MEDICO

Answer

PAN PAN MEDICO is the internationally recognised prefix for communications involving urgent medical situations at sea, used when medical advice or assistance is needed but the situation is not immediately life-threatening.

Question 2

What action should a vessel take on hearing a MAYDAY if no coast station acknowledges within a few minutes?

Accepted Answer

Transmit a MAYDAY RELAY on behalf of the distressed vessel

Answer

If no coast station acknowledges a MAYDAY within a reasonable period, any vessel that has received the message should transmit a MAYDAY RELAY to ensure rescue services are alerted.

Question 3

What information should be included in a MAYDAY RELAY message?

Accepted Answer

MAYDAY RELAY x3, your vessel name, all details of the vessel in distress as received

Answer

A MAYDAY RELAY includes MAYDAY RELAY spoken three times, your vessel's name identifying yourself as the relaying station, then all the details received about the vessel in distress including their name, position, and nature of emergency.

Question 4

Can a MAYDAY be transmitted by any person on board, not just the skipper?

Accepted Answer

Yes, any person on board may transmit a MAYDAY if necessary

Answer

In a genuine life-threatening emergency, any person on board may transmit a MAYDAY regardless of whether they hold a radio licence. Saving life takes absolute priority over licensing requirements.

Question 5

What is the international phonetic alphabet word for the letter 'A'?

Accepted Answer

Alfa

Answer

In the NATO phonetic alphabet used in marine radio, the letter A is represented by 'Alfa' (spelled without the 'ph' to ensure correct pronunciation by non-English speakers internationally).

RYA SRC Practice Test

RYA SRC Practice Test

RYA SRC MAYDAY & Distress Procedures 5