Module 7 - Urgency & Safety Calls
Cold-start scenario standard
Test Pan-Pan with a scenario that does not use the lesson title as a clue. A useful SRC revision product must help the learner decide from the situation: what is happening, who needs to know, which priority applies, and which channel or DSC function is correct.
Run the scenario from a blank sheet. Write the vessel identity, position, problem, assistance required, and expected reply before speaking. Then say the call aloud once only, release PTT, and describe what you would listen for or record next.
Distress procedure
Pass standard: Mayday/DSC distress route, position, nature of distress, assistance required, persons on board.
Urgency procedure
Pass standard: Pan-Pan, correct addressee, position if relevant, clear request, listen for instructions.
Safety procedure
Pass standard: Securite or appropriate safety broadcast route, concise warning, working channel where directed.
Routine procedure
Pass standard: Correct working channel, short request, no distress/urgency language.
| Prompt | Learner answer | Pass standard |
|---|---|---|
| A person or vessel is in grave and imminent danger | Distress procedure | Mayday/DSC distress route, position, nature of distress, assistance required, persons on board. |
| A serious problem needs urgent help but is not distress | Urgency procedure | Pan-Pan, correct addressee, position if relevant, clear request, listen for instructions. |
| A navigational or weather warning affects others | Safety procedure | Securite or appropriate safety broadcast route, concise warning, working channel where directed. |
| A normal marina, vessel, or coastguard exchange | Routine procedure | Correct working channel, short request, no distress/urgency language. |
Key points
- Do not let one dramatic word turn every case into a Mayday.
- Do not use DSC Channel 70 as a voice channel.
- Do not skip position; rescue and coordination depend on it.
- Do not finish a call without knowing the next listening or acknowledgement step.
Continue studying Urgency & Safety Calls
This topic is part of Module 7. Open the full module for lessons, quizzes, flashcards, and revision tools.