What is the International Radiotelephone Distress signal?

The International Radiotelephone Distress signal is represented by the phrase "MAYDAY MAYDAY MAYDAY." This signal is universally recognized as a call for immediate assistance in life-threatening situations and is used in maritime and aviation communications. When a vessel or aircraft is in extreme distress and requires urgent help, repeating "MAYDAY" three times clearly conveys the emergency nature of the situation to other operators.

Using this specific phrase initiates protocols that alert other vessels, rescue services, and authorities that immediate action is necessary. It’s critical to follow standardized communication protocols in emergencies to ensure that the message is understood without confusion.

While other phrases like "SECURITY SECURITY SECURITY," "HELP HELP HELP," and "PAN PAN PAN" exist, they serve different purposes. "SECURITY" denotes a situation that is urgent but not life-threatening, typically used for navigational advisories or safety alerts. "HELP" is not an internationally recognized term in radio communication, and "PAN PAN PAN" indicates an urgent situation that requires attention but is not life-threatening, thus distinguishing it from the distress signal.