What does the emergency signal "mayday” indicate?

The emergency signal "mayday" is internationally recognized as a distress call used in emergencies where there is an immediate threat to life and safety. This term comes from the French phrase "m'aider," which means "help me." When someone issues a mayday call, it signifies that the situation is critical and that urgent assistance is required, particularly in scenarios such as sinking vessels, serious medical emergencies, or other life-threatening conditions.

This signal is specifically reserved for dire situations, distinguishing it from other forms of communication that might request assistance for less critical matters, such as routine maintenance or weather updates. In this context, using the mayday signal effectively alerts rescuers that someone is in grave danger, thus prompting a swift response to potentially save lives.