If the keyword DEFAULT is used, the user-specific default transaction is started. This default is defined in the profile for the current session user. If none is specified, a READ ONLY transaction will be started. SQL> CREATE PROFILE READ_USERS cont> DEFAULT TRANSACTION READ ONLY WAIT 10; SQL> ALTER USER JONES PROFILE READ_USERS; A START DEFAULT TRANSACTION statement executed by JONES will start a READ ONLY WAIT 10 transaction. For information on profiles see the ALTER and CREATE PROFILE statements.