What type of information should be included in a distress message?

A distress message is critical in emergency situations at sea, and it serves to convey essential information to ensure a swift response from rescue services. The correct answer emphasizes the fundamental details that must be communicated.

Including your location in a distress message allows rescuers to pinpoint where you are, which is vital for coordinating an effective response. The nature of the distress—whether it's a sinking vessel, a medical emergency, or a fire—provides rescuers with context about the urgency and specific type of assistance required. Specifying the assistance needed, such as medical help, towing, or evacuation, helps responders prepare adequately for the situation and deploy the right resources.

In contrast, while the type of vessel and crew details can be relevant, they are secondary to the immediate needs conveyed in a distress message. Weather conditions, although significant, do not replace the need for specific information about the distress itself. Finally, navigation checks may be helpful for situational awareness but do not contribute directly to the essentials needed in a distress communication. Therefore, focusing on location, nature of the distress, and required assistance is critical for effective emergency response in maritime settings.