Which of the following actions is essential during a distress situation?

Making repeated distress calls is vital during a distress situation because it ensures that your message is received by those who can provide assistance. In emergency scenarios, it's crucial to convey your situation clearly and multiple times to increase the likelihood of getting a response. Distress calls using radio communications are part of established protocols that others monitoring frequencies can recognize quickly, such as the use of "Mayday" on the correct frequency.

Using visual signals alone may not be sufficient, especially if there are no vessels or observers nearby to see these signals. It's important to use all available means of communication, including radio, to maximize chances of rescue.

Immediately abandoning the vessel should be a last resort, as remaining with the vessel may increase survival chances, especially if the vessel is safe or can stay afloat. Abandonment can lead to more dangers, such as exposure to the elements or being lost at sea.

While using the highest radio frequency could be beneficial in certain circumstances, the focus should be on clear and repeated communication to signal distress effectively, rather than just the frequency being used. The critical factor is ensuring that your distress signal is heard.