Mayday Calls


In the maritime context, Mayday Calls are internationally recognized distress signals used in voice communication, primarily via radio, to signify a life-threatening emergency. The term 'Mayday' originates from the French word 'm'aider', which means 'help me'. It is used to signal extreme distress on any vessel, including ships, boats, submarines, and even aircraft. The protocol for a Mayday call requires it to be repeated three times in a row, 'Mayday, Mayday, Mayday', to avoid any miscommunication or confusion. This is followed by the crucial information such as the name and type of the vessel, its current location, the nature of the emergency, the number of people on board, and any other information that could assist in the rescue operation. It is important to note that misuse of Mayday calls, such as for non-emergency situations or pranks, is considered a serious offense due to the potential diversion of emergency resources.


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