When can an urgent call be made?

An urgent call is appropriate when there is a need for assistance but not an immediate threat to life or vessel safety. This type of communication falls under the category of urgency, indicating that the situation requires attention and support, yet does not reach the critical level of a distress situation. For example, this could apply if a vessel has lost its steering capability or is encountering rough weather but is not in immediate danger of sinking.

In comparison to the other options, making an urgent call “only in port” does not encompass the broader scenarios in which a vessel may encounter difficulties while at sea. Distress situations, on the other hand, are defined specifically as emergencies where life or property is at risk, so those would require a different level of communication known as a distress call. The option stating that an urgent call can be made “at any time” does not accurately reflect the specific conditions that warrant an urgent communication, as it needs to be related to a particular need for assistance.