What is the recommended approach to maintaining communication and a check-in routine with a shore base or other vessels, particularly for small fishing vessels operating alone with a small crew?

A. Check-in routines are only relevant for vessels fishing more than 100 miles offshore

B. Establish and maintain a regular reporting/check-in schedule with a shore contact or fleet, so that an overdue or missed check-in itself triggers a timely response, rather than relying solely on the vessel's own ability to raise an alarm if something goes wrong

C. No check-in routine is necessary if the vessel carries an EPIRB, since that is considered sufficient on its own

D. A single check-in at the start of the trip, with none thereafter, is generally considered adequate

A. Sound the alarm/muster the crew, attempt to locate and control the source of ingress while simultaneously broadcasting a Mayday with position, and prepare survival craft/PFDs in case the situation worsens — these run in parallel, not strictly sequentially, given the time pressure

B. Continue fishing operations while monitoring the water ingress, since stopping work risks the catch

C. Locate and fully stop the leak before considering any distress communication, however long that takes

D. Broadcast distress only once the vessel is confirmed to be sinking, not before

A. Position is optional if the vessel is fishing in a well-known, regularly used ground

B. Only the vessel's name is strictly necessary; other details can follow once help is on the way

C. MAYDAY (x3), vessel name/callsign, position, nature of distress/assistance required, number of persons on board, and any other relevant information (e.g. vessel description, immediate intentions)

D. The catch value and intended landing port, as this helps prioritise the response