What are the top three priority transmissions in order?

The correct priority order for maritime radio communications is based on the level of urgency and danger involved in the message being transmitted. Distress communications, indicated by the term "Mayday," are the highest priority. This is used when a vessel or individual is in imminent danger and requires immediate assistance.

Following distress, the next priority is urgency, communicated through "Pan Pan." This signifies a situation that requires help but is not an immediate threat to life or safety. For example, this might involve a vessel that has experienced a mechanical failure but is not in direct danger of sinking or capsizing.

Lastly, safety messages, marked by "Securite," deal with navigational hazards or urgent information related to the safety of navigation. While these messages are important, they do not carry the same level of immediate need as distress and urgency communications.

This ranking reflects the necessity to prioritize resources and responses in emergency situations, ensuring that the most critical threats to life and safety are addressed first. Hence, the order of Distress (Mayday), Urgency (Pan Pan), and Safety (Securite) accurately reflects this protocol.