🔍 Key Concepts

• GMDSS message priorities (distress, urgency, safety, routine) and when each is used • Difference between meteorological warnings (weather/storms) and situations of immediate danger to a specific vessel • Purpose of messages that affect safe navigation for all ships in an area

💭 Think About

• Is a tropical storm warning about one ship in immediate grave danger, or about conditions that could affect many ships in a region? • Which message category is normally used for navigational and weather (MET) warnings like storms, gales, or poor visibility? • How would this message typically be prefaced on the radio: the same as MAYDAY, PAN PAN, or SECURITE?

✅ Before You Answer

• Verify which priority is used for navigational and meteorological (weather) warnings under GMDSS and standard radiotelephone procedures • Confirm that distress is reserved for ‘grave and imminent danger’ to a specific vessel or person, not general forecasts • Check that routine traffic is for ordinary communications, not for warnings critical to safe navigation and weather avoidance