During a distress situation, what phrase should you begin each transmission with?

In a distress situation, commencing each transmission with "Mayday" followed by the vessel's name is the standard protocol in maritime communications. The term "Mayday" is universally recognized as a distress signal indicating an immediate threat to life and property. This phrase conveys urgency and ensures that the message is prioritized by listeners and responders, prompting them to provide assistance as quickly as possible. It is critical to use this specific terminology because it establishes the nature of the emergency right from the start, allowing for immediate recognition and action by those monitoring marine radio frequencies. Ensuring the transmission clearly states the vessel’s name helps responders identify who is in need of assistance, further facilitating a prompt and effective response.

Other phrases, although related to emergencies, do not carry the same recognized weight or clarity within maritime communication protocols, which is why they are not used as the standardized method for signaling distress.