What is the international emergency signal for distress?

The international emergency signal for distress is MAYDAY. It's a phonetic spelling of the French phrase "m'aider," meaning "come help me."

Here's what you should know about it:

• Pronunciation: It's pronounced "May-day," with clear emphasis on both syllables. This ensures clarity even in noisy or challenging communication environments.

• Usage: It's used in situations of imminent danger requiring immediate assistance. This applies to various modes of transportation, including but not limited to: air, sea, and land (though other distress calls might be more appropriate on land).

• Context: It's always followed by a concise description of the emergency, including:

  • Your location: As precise as possible (latitude and longitude are ideal).
  • Nature of the emergency: Brief and clear explanation of the situation (e.g., "Mayday, Mayday, Mayday, this is sailing vessel 'Ocean Dream', we have a fire in the engine room").
  • Number of people on board (if applicable): Important for rescue coordination.
  • Type of assistance needed: If specific (e.g., "Mayday, Mayday, Mayday, we require immediate medical assistance").

• Alternatives: While MAYDAY is the primary distress signal, other signals are used in conjunction or independently, depending on the situation. These might include:

  • SOS: The Morse code signal (... --- ...), still used in some contexts.
  • Emergency beacons (EPIRBs, PLBs): These automatically transmit a distress signal to satellites or other receivers.
  • Visual signals: Flares, flags, or other visually distinctive signals.
  • Pan Pan: Used for urgent situations that are not immediately life-threatening.

Using MAYDAY incorrectly or frivolously can lead to serious consequences, potentially delaying or preventing assistance for those who genuinely need it. It should only be used when facing a genuine life-threatening situation.