Under what situations are you permitted to make a distress call?

Making a distress call is specifically reserved for situations where there is a grave and imminent danger to life, property, or the marine environment. This means that if you are faced with circumstances that pose a serious risk, such as a vessel taking on water rapidly, an onboard fire, or a medical emergency that could result in loss of life, it is imperative to communicate your distress to ensure a swift response.

Using the distress call correctly is crucial for the effectiveness of search and rescue operations. It ensures that priorities are given to those who are in the most critical situations. This is why distress calls are not appropriate for situations that are not life-threatening or do not involve imminent danger, such as being unsure of your position or needing help with minor issues. Distress calls are meant to convey urgency and immediate need for assistance, thus safeguarding lives and property at sea.