When to Use Mayday
Use Mayday only for grave and imminent danger to a vessel or person, where immediate assistance is required.
- Grave and imminent danger
- Immediate assistance required
SOS
Module 6 of 10
Distress & Mayday
When to use Mayday, how to structure the voice call, and what to say after sending a DSC distress alert.
Grave and imminent dangerMayday formatPositionNature of distress
Lesson summaries
Use this module hub to choose the right lesson, then open the dedicated lesson page for the complete explanation, worked examples, FAQs, and practice questions.
Voice Mayday Structure
A Mayday call needs the distress signal, vessel identity, position, nature of distress, assistance required, persons on board, and any other useful information.
- Mayday x3
- This is vessel x3
After DSC Distress
A DSC distress alert is not the full voice message. After sending the alert, follow up with the voice Mayday on Channel 16 unless instructed otherwise.
- DSC alert first if available
- Voice follow-up on Channel 16
Unlock the complete module
Get every section, quizzes, spaced-repetition flashcards, and mock exams - one-time purchase.