Distress, Urgency and Safety Calls

A Yachtmaster candidate must be able to choose the right level of radio call quickly. MAYDAY is for grave and imminent danger to a vessel or person. PAN-PAN is for urgency, where help or advice is needed but there is no immediate threat to life. SECURITE is for important safety information such as a navigation warning or severe weather warning.

The call priority matters because it controls how everyone else responds. A MAYDAY call silences other traffic and starts a rescue response. A PAN-PAN call still deserves priority, but it does not declare immediate danger. A SECURITE call warns other vessels so that they can avoid a developing hazard.