What does “Mayday” mean and why is it used as a signal of distress by boats and aircraft?

The origins of “mayday” lie in the early days of aviation, a period marked by rapid advancements and increased communication challenges. In the 1920s, Frederick Stanley Mockford, an officer overseeing radio operations at Croydon Airport in England, faced a crucial task: developing a clear and concise distress signal for pilots. This signal needed to be universally understood, urgent and distinct, and clear during transmission.

Mockford’s solution was ingenious. He proposed “mayday,” the phonetic equivalent of the French phrase “m’aider,” which translates to “help me.”

Over time, “mayday” transcended the skies, becoming the universally accepted distress call for maritime emergencies as well. Both boats and aircraft utilise “mayday” to signal life-threatening situations where immediate assistance is needed.

However, the use of “mayday” is strictly regulated to avoid misuse. It’s reserved for emergencies that threaten the safety of the crew or vessel.

Here’s how the protocol works

The distress call begins with “mayday, mayday, mayday” repeated three times in a row. This ensures the message cuts through background noise and grabs the attention of nearby vessels or air traffic control.

Following the mayday call, the pilot or captain identifies their vessel, location, and the nature of the emergency. This crucial information allows emergency responders to make informed decisions and initiate a swift rescue operation.

Once the initial distress call is made, communication is maintained with emergency responders. This allows for updates on the situation and facilitates coordinated rescue efforts.