What is the key phrase used in a distress situation?

In a distress situation, the key phrase used is "Mayday, Mayday, Mayday." This term is an internationally recognized distress call that indicates a life-threatening emergency. It is crucial for ensuring that the message is understood and prioritized by all listening parties, including other vessels, maritime authorities, and rescue services.

The repetition of "Mayday" three times serves to emphasize the urgency and seriousness of the situation. This standardized approach helps to capture immediate attention, distinguishing it from other forms of communication that may not carry the same level of urgency. The term originates from the French "m’aider," which means "help me," further underscoring its significance as an appeal for immediate assistance.

While the other phrases like "Urgent, Urgent, Urgent" and "Securite, Securite, Securite" are used for different types of communications in maritime radio traffic, they indicate less critical situations. An "Urgent" message relates to situations requiring timely action to prevent a more serious problem, and "Securite" is used for navigational safety messages. The call for "Help, Help, Help" is not a standardized maritime distress call; in fact, it lacks the internationally recognized protocol that "Mayday"