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Emergency Messages
and Distress Procedure
VHF Marine Radio Protocols
Intro
Operation
Customer
Warranty
Assistance
Emergency messages and distress procedure
The ability to summon assistance in an emergency is the primary reason
to have a VHF marine radio. The marine environment can be unforgiving,
and what may initially be a minor problem can rapidly develop into a
Customer
Installation
Assistance
situation beyond your control.
Secondary Icons
The Coast Guard monitors Channel 16, responds to all distress calls,
and coordinates all search and rescue efforts. Depending on the availability
of other capable vessels or commercial assistance operators in your vicinity,
Coast Guard or Coast Guard Auxiliary craft may be dispatched.
Notice
Caution
Warning
In any event, do communicate with the Coast Guard as soon as you experience
difficulties and before your situation becomes an emergency. Use the emergency
message procedures only after your situation has become grave or you are faced
with a sudden danger threatening life or property and requiring immediate help.
If you are merely out of gas, do not send an emergency message. Drop your
anchor and call a friend or marina to bring the fuel you need or give you a tow.
10 English
VHF Marine Radio Protocols
Intro
Operation
Marine emergency signals
•
The three (3) spoken international emergency signals are:
MAYDAY
The distress signal MAYDAY is used to indicate that a station is threatened
Installation
by grave and imminent danger and requests immediate assistance.
Secondary Icons
PAN PAN
The urgency signal PAN PAN is used when the safety of the vessel
or person is in jeopardy. (This signal is properly pronounced pahn-pahn.)
Notice
SECURITE
The safety signal SECURITE is used for messages about the safety of navigation or
important weather warnings. (This signal is properly pronounced see-cure-it-tay.)
When using an international emergency signal, the appropriate
signal is to be spoken three (3) times prior to the message.
If you hear a distress call
You must give any message beginning with one (1) of these signals
priority over any other messages. ALL stations MUST remain silent on
Channel 16 for the duration of the emergency unless the message relates
directly to the emergency.
If you hear a distress message from a vessel, stand by your radio.
If it is not answered, YOU should answer. If the distressed vessel is
not nearby, wait a short time for others who may be closer to acknowledge.
Even if you cannot render direct assistance, you may be in a position to
relay the message.
Emergency Messages
and Distress Procedure
Customer
Warranty
Assistance
Customer
Assistance
Caution
Warning
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