Which signal is used to indicate a safety message in radio communications?

• A. Securite
• B. Mayday Mayday Mayday
• C. Pan-Pan Pan-Pan Pan-Pan
• D. SOS

Answer: (A)

In radiotelephony, messages are prioritized by purpose, and a specific word is used to flag safety information that doesn’t involve an immediate threat to life. Securite is the signaled word for safety messages, such as navigation warnings, weather hazards, or other information that could affect the safety of navigation. It is meant to alert all stations to take precautions or to disseminate important safety guidance.

Mayday is used for distress when there is danger to life or a vessel or aircraft. Pan-Pan signals an urgent situation that is not immediately life-threatening. SOS is the historic Morse code distress signal, not a voice safety message. So for conveying safety information to others, Securite is the correct term.