🔍 Key Concepts

• MF/HF DSC Distress alert structure – what information is included in the automatic digital distress call • Difference between initial DSC distress alert and follow‑on radiotelephony (J3E voice) Mayday • How the Distress button / hot key works versus manual entry of additional data

💭 Think About

• Think about what the automatic MF/HF DSC distress alert is guaranteed to contain, even if the operator just presses and holds the distress button with no extra data entered • Consider whether the system always specifies a particular follow‑on method (like J3E voice) or whether that can vary by equipment, settings, or situation • Ask yourself which option describes something that is not universally true for every MF/HF DSC distress alert, regardless of how much time the operator has

✅ Before You Answer

• Verify which elements are mandatory in every DSC distress alert (e.g., MMSI, position/time if available, nature of distress if entered) and which are optional • Check whether J3E voice follow‑on is automatically requested every time, or if other follow‑on methods (like NBDP/telex) can be specified instead • Confirm that the distress button / hot key sends the minimal essential format even when additional operator entries have not been made