Mayday calls - where is that exactly?

[valhalla360]

Originally Posted by boatman61

If I hear a Mayday call on the VHF I will focus on the Lat the first time I hear it then go below and mark it down, this will give me some idea of the vessels location relative to me.. eg if I am at 41.13N and the Mayday is 42.21N I have a rough minimum possible distance and am alert for the next call when I will grab the Long and mark the resulting location on a pilot chart.
If within 6hrs sail I will alter course for that position and listen for situational updates from shore stations and shipping as I go.

This brings up an important distinction.
- On an ocean crossing, there are likely to be limited vessels near enough to provide assistance and at the same time landmarks will provide little or no benefit, so lat/long becomes a more critical.
- Coastal cruising, in most areas, it's likely going to be long finished by the time you get there if it's 6hrs away.

Of course, more than 6hr away, you probably aren't going to hear it on the VHF anyway.