124. The Distress Signal 124.1 The radiotelephony distress signal consists of the word ‘MAYDAY’. 124.2 This signal indicates that a vessel, aircraft or person is threatened by grave and imminent danger and requests immediate assistance. It does not extend to situations where immediate assistance is sought on behalf of a person, for example, in a medical emergency. The urgency signal should be used in these situations. 124.3 The distress signal must not be used under any other circumstances. 124.4 Misuse of the distress signal could result in attention being diverted away from a situation which really requires immediate assistance.
125. The Distress Call 125.1 The radiotelephony distress call consists of: - the distress signal MAYDAY, spoken three times; - the words THIS IS; - the name and call sign of the vessel in distress, spoken three times; - the MMSI (if a DSC alert has been sent).
126. The Distress Message 126.1 The distress message, which follows the distress call, consists of: - the distress signal MAYDAY; - the name and call sign of the vessel in distress; - the MMSI (if a DSC altert has been sent) - particulars of its position; - the nature of the distress and the kind of assistance required; - any other information which may facilitate rescue. 126.2 The distress call and message may be repeated as often as necessary, especially during silence periods, until an answer is received. 126.3 If no answer is received on distress frequencies, the message should be repeated on any other available frequency where attention might be attracted.
Example of a complete distress call and message: Radiotelephony alarm signal (if facility fitted) Distress call Distress signal (x3)
MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY
Words “this is”
THIS IS
Station calling (x3) SCAMP VL2345 SCAMP VL2345 SCAMP VL2345 Distress message Distress signal
MAYDAY
Name/MMSI
SCAMP VL2345
Position
50 NAUTICAL MILES DUE EAST FROM POINT DANGER
Nature of distress SINKING RAPIDLY AFTER STRIKING SUBMERGED OBJECT. ESTIMATE FURTHER 15 MINUTES AFLOAT Other information
TWENTY METRE MOTOR CRUISER RED HULL WHITE SUPERSTRUCTURE 4 PERSONS ONBOARD EPIRB ACTIVATED OVER.
AUSTRALIAN MARITIME COLLEGE
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