Question

Given below are two statements, one is labelled as Assertion (A) and other one labelled as Reason (R).
Assertion (A) : Any message prefixed with MAYDAY concern safety.
Reason (R) : It indicates that a ship, aircraft, or other vehicle is threatened by grave and imminent danger and request immediate assistance.
In light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
• B. Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is NOT the correct explanation of (A).
• C. (A) is true but (R) is false.
• D. (A) is false but (R) is true.

Hint:

Remember the three GMDSS priority calls: - MAYDAY = Distress (Grave and imminent danger).
- PAN-PAN = Urgency (Safety of vessel/person).
- SÉCURITÉ = Safety (Navigational/weather warnings).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Under the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS), specific voice procedures are used during radio communications to indicate the level of urgency or distress.
Detailed Explanation:
- Analysis of Assertion (A): In maritime radiotelephony, three standard urgent signals are used:
1. MAYDAY: Used exclusively to indicate distress (grave and imminent danger requiring immediate assistance).
2. PAN-PAN: Used to indicate urgency (concerning the safety of a vessel or person).
3. SÉCURITÉ: Used to prefix messages concerning safety (such as meteorological or navigational warnings).
Stating that a MAYDAY prefix is used for general "safety" messages is incorrect under GMDSS rules, as it is strictly reserved for distress calls.
Therefore, Assertion (A) is false.
- Analysis of Reason (R): The MAYDAY call indicates that a vessel or aircraft is threatened by grave and imminent danger and requires immediate assistance.
Therefore, Reason (R) is true.

Step 2: Final Answer:
Assertion (A) is false but Reason (R) is true, corresponding to option (4).