What type of information is included in a mayday call?

A mayday call is a critical distress signal used in maritime communications to indicate that a vessel is in grave and imminent danger and requires immediate assistance. The essential information included in a mayday call is the vessel's name, position, the nature of the distress it is experiencing, and any additional assistance that may be required.

This information is crucial for rescuers to understand the situation fully and to coordinate an effective response. For instance, knowing the vessel's name and position allows search and rescue teams to locate the distressed vessel quickly. Describing the nature of the distress helps responders to prepare the appropriate resources and makes it easier for them to assist effectively.

In contrast, while crew names and contact information might be useful for personal identification, they are not critical for the emergency response. Similarly, the vessel’s maintenance history and current weather conditions, while they may be relevant in other contexts, do not constitute the necessary details to communicate in a mayday scenario where time is of the essence. The primary aim of a mayday call is to convey urgent information that will facilitate immediate assistance.