Module 6 - Distress & Mayday
DSC Alert And Voice Mayday
The DSC distress alert is an alarm and digital identity/position alert, not the full distress message. After the alert, transmit the voice Mayday and message on Channel 16 after acknowledgement or after a short interval if necessary.
The voice message should include identity, call sign or MMSI, position, nature of distress, assistance required, persons on board, and other useful information.
MAYDAY spoken three times
Why it matters: Establishes distress priority
This is vessel name spoken three times
Why it matters: Identifies who is in distress
Call sign/MMSI
Why it matters: Connects voice call to registered identity
Position
Why it matters: Lets rescue assets find you
Nature, assistance, persons, other information
Why it matters: Tells responders what help is needed
| Order | Voice element | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | MAYDAY spoken three times | Establishes distress priority |
| 2 | This is vessel name spoken three times | Identifies who is in distress |
| 3 | Call sign/MMSI | Connects voice call to registered identity |
| 4 | Position | Lets rescue assets find you |
| 5 | Nature, assistance, persons, other information | Tells responders what help is needed |
Key points
- Send DSC distress alert if available.
- Transmit Mayday voice call and message on Channel 16.
- Give a usable position.
- Keep listening for acknowledgement and instructions.
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