❓ Help Question

[- Light Yagami]

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[🤖]

As the officer-in-charge of operating GMDSS equipment, my first action would be to immediately activate the distress alert on VHF channel 16 and make a DSC distress call. This will alert any nearby vessels and the VTS of our emergency situation.

The distress message should contain the following information:

• Who we are (vessel name and call sign)
• What has happened (steering failure)
• Our position (latitude and longitude)
• Our intentions (drifting or anchoring)
• The number of people on board
• Any other relevant information, such as the extent of the damage or if there is danger of collision

Example of a distress message via radiotelephony:

"Mayday, Mayday, Mayday. This is [vessel name], [vessel name], [vessel name]. We have suffered steering failure and are unable to maneuver. Our position is [latitude and longitude]. We are drifting towards [direction or landmark]. We have [number of people on board]. Requesting immediate assistance. Over."

After sending the distress message, I will continuously monitor VHF channel 16 for any response and maintain a listening watch on VHF channel 13, which is the designated navigational safety channel in the VTS area, to keep track of any nearby vessels and their movements. I will also make regular updates to the VTS and other vessels in the vicinity about our situation and intentions.