RYA SRC MAYDAY & Distress Procedures

Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

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.

Question 2

What does MAYDAY originate from?

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

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.

Question 3

On which channel should a MAYDAY voice call be made?

Accepted Answer

Channel 16

Answer

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

Question 4

What is a MAYDAY RELAY and when is it used?

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

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.

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

SEELONCE MAYDAY

Answer

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.

RYA SRC Practice Test

RYA SRC Practice Test

RYA SRC MAYDAY & Distress Procedures