Which call is identified as a MAYDAY?

The term MAYDAY is universally recognized as the distress signal of the highest priority, primarily used in life-threatening emergencies. When a vessel or person communicates a MAYDAY, it indicates an immediate and pressing danger to life or property, requiring urgent assistance. This differentiation is crucial in maritime communication, as it prioritizes responses from other vessels and rescue services.

MAYDAY is a specific term used under the International Radiotelephony Spelling Alphabet and is understood worldwide, ensuring that there is no confusion regarding the seriousness of the situation. The use of this call indicates that the situation demands swift action and cannot wait for routine assistance, thus it stands apart from other types of communication such as Urgent Marine Requests or General Emergency Calls, which may not signal an immediate threat to life or safety in the same way.