Glossary

In the maritime context, "distress" refers to a situation where a vessel or its occupants are in immediate danger or facing an emergency at sea. It indicates a critical condition that requires immediate assistance to prevent loss of life, injury, or significant damage to the vessel.

Distress situations are typically communicated using distress signals, such as distress calls, distress flares, or distress messages. Let's explore the concept of distress in the maritime context with several examples and mention some similar terms.

1. Distress Signal: A distress signal is a means of communication used to indicate that a vessel or its occupants are in distress and require immediate assistance. One common distress signal is the international distress call "Mayday" transmitted via radio. Other distress signals include orange smoke signals, red parachute flares, or distress messages sent via satellite communication devices.

2. Man Overboard Distress: When a person falls overboard from a vessel, it is considered a man overboard distress situation. The crew on the vessel will immediately initiate rescue operations, deploying life-saving equipment, and executing man overboard procedures to recover the person from the water.

3. Collision Distress: If a vessel is involved in a collision with another vessel, a collision distress situation arises. This typically requires prompt communication with maritime authorities, such as the coast guard, and other nearby vessels to ensure the safety of the occupants, assess the damage, and prevent further accidents.

4. Fire Distress: A fire onboard a vessel is a critical situation that necessitates immediate action to extinguish the fire and ensure the safety of the crew and passengers. Fire distress signals, such as smoke, flames, or distress calls, are used to alert nearby vessels or authorities for assistance.

5. Grounding Distress: When a vessel runs aground, it is considered a grounding distress situation. It may be caused by navigational errors, equipment failure, adverse weather conditions, or other factors. In such cases, distress signals are used to request immediate assistance, as the vessel may be at risk of further damage or sinking.

6. Sinking Distress: A sinking vessel is one of the most severe distress situations at sea. It requires urgent action to evacuate the occupants and prevent loss of life. Distress signals, distress calls, and distress messages are used to alert nearby vessels and authorities, enabling a swift response for rescue operations.

Similar terms and concepts related to distress in the maritime context include:

- Urgency: An urgency signal indicates a situation that is not immediately life-threatening but requires assistance or advice from maritime authorities. It is used when there is a potential danger or potential distress situation that may escalate if not addressed promptly.

- Pan-Pan: The international urgency signal "Pan-Pan" is used to indicate an urgent situation that doesn't pose an immediate threat to life or property but requires assistance. It is typically used for incidents such as medical emergencies, engine failure, or equipment malfunctions.

- Search and Rescue (SAR): Search and rescue operations are conducted by maritime authorities, such as coast guards, to locate and assist vessels or individuals in distress. These operations involve coordination between various agencies, vessels, and aircraft to ensure a swift and effective response to distress situations.

- Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB): An EPIRB is an electronic distress beacon that is activated in emergency situations to transmit a distress signal with the vessel's position. It aids in quickly locating the vessel and initiating rescue efforts.

Distress situations in the maritime context are critical events that require immediate attention and response to ensure the safety and well-being of individuals and vessels involved. Timely communication, proper use of distress signals, and effective coordination with maritime authorities are essential for successful rescue operations.