Prefix to ATC calls subsequent to a MAYDAY call
 

:confused::confused: Can any Controller help me please?
Does ICAO recommend Pilots to maintain the distress prefix to their callsigns in subsequent transmissions? CAP 413 states that any call following a distress transmission can be prefixed by PAN or MAYDAY if this may have a beneficial effect. I am finding it impossible to find an ICAO ruling or recommendation. Assuming that there is no fixed ruling, would some ATCOs please advise whether they would prefer the prefix or not? Thank you

Two cicumstances spring to mind.

1, DhC8 departs MAN loses an engine....calls "Mayday" As it is a discrete [specific] freq, all other a/c transferred back to Ground

2, A/c on Airways [busy] Freq transferred to a discrete freq [with his agreement] and "normal" c/s used in both cases

After the initial Mayday call all future calls can be prefixed with the word Mayday.....if nothing else it lets new folk coming to the frequency that Distress traffic is working!!!

IMHO, Not really required if staying on the same frequency as the original receiving controller(s) will be fully aware of your situation. If you do get transferred to another frequency it's a good idea just to confirm that all the normal/abnormal internal (ATC to ATC) coordination has occurred; sometimes the actual message gets lost in the conversations and if it's a quick change after the event no coordination may have occurred or at least may not be fully complete.

And as mentioned above it's a great situational awareness tool for others on the frequency.