What is the International Distress and Calling Frequency?

• A. 2182 kHz
• B. 121.5 MHz
• C. 243 MHz
• D. 156.8 MHz

Answer: (A)

The ability to recognize designated emergency calling paths is fundamental in marine radio operations. On the MF radiotelephone band, the International Distress and Calling Frequency is 2182 kHz. This single frequency is set worldwide for Mayday calls and for hailing other ships and coast stations, so it’s continuously monitored for emergencies across the globe.

Other options correspond to distress or emergency channels in different systems: 121.5 MHz is an older aviation emergency frequency, not the primary maritime calling frequency; 243 MHz is a UHF emergency band not used for standard maritime distress calls; 156.8 MHz is the VHF Channel 16 distress/calling frequency, which is used in near-shshore and coastal operations but in a different band from the international MF frequency. The question points to the international MF distress/calling standard, so 2182 kHz is the best choice.