What should be included in a Mayday call?

In a Mayday call, the critical information included is the location and nature of distress. This information is essential because it allows rescuers to quickly assess the situation and determine how best to respond. The urgency of a Mayday situation means that the caller needs to provide the most pertinent details first. Specifying the exact location helps search and rescue teams to locate the vessel as quickly as possible, while describing the nature of the distress provides important context for the necessary assistance.

In addition, while the vessel's name and type and the number of people onboard are important details, they can be secondary to understanding where the distress is occurring and what the specific emergency is. Providing a clear and concise message can significantly increase the effectiveness of the rescue operation. Thus, while the other aspects are relevant, they do not hold the same level of immediacy as the location and nature of distress during a Mayday call.