Radar Controller Knowledge Test 2 (CKT2) Practice Test

In maritime radio communication, different signals convey different levels of urgency. Pan-Pan signals an urgent situation that needs prompt attention but does not present immediate danger to life or the vessel. It’s used when safety may be at risk soon—think engine trouble, steering problems, running aground, or a medical issue aboard—where nearby vessels and authorities should give priority help, but there isn’t an immediate life-threatening situation.

Mayday, on the other hand, is reserved for grave and imminent danger requiring immediate assistance, where life or the vessel is in immediate jeopardy. SOS is a general distress signal with historical roots in Morse code, still recognized but not the standard for describing an urgent non-immediate scenario. “Emergency” isn’t a formal, standardized distress signal in maritime practice.

So, Pan-Pan is the signal that best matches an urgent situation requiring prompt attention without immediate danger.