What is the first action to take if a vessel is in distress?

Transmitting a distress call on channel 16 is the most critical and immediate action to take if a vessel is in distress. This action alerts nearby vessels and rescue organizations to the emergency situation, allowing them to respond quickly to assist. Channel 16 is recognized as the international distress frequency, and using it effectively communicates the urgency of the situation to all parties monitoring that channel.

Raising the anchor, contacting the nearest port authority, or deploying a lifeboat may be necessary steps depending on the specific circumstances of the distress, but they are secondary to alerting others. The distress call is essential for mobilizing help and providing the distressed vessel with the necessary support as soon as possible. Without alerting others, attempts to manage the situation on your own may not yield adequate assistance. Therefore, the priority is to make the distress call to ensure a coordinated response can be initiated.