Radiotelephone Calls
VHF Marine Radio Protocols
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 situation beyond your control .
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 .
In an event, communicate with the Coast Guard as soon as you experience difficulties
and before your situation becomes an emergency . Use the emergency (distress) 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 .
Use channel 16 to communicate your emergency message . Make sure you transmit on
high power . If you are merely out of gas, do not send an emergency message . Drop your
anchor and call a friend or marine to bring the fuel you need or to give you a tow .
10 English
VHF Marine Radio Protocols
Marine Emergency Signals
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The three spoken international emergency signals are:
MAYDAY
The distress signal MAYDAY is used to indicate that a station is threatened
by grave and imminent danger and requests immediate assistance .
PAN
The urgency signal PAN is used when the safety of the vessel or person
is in jeopardy . (This signal is properly pronounced pahn .)
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 times prior to the message .
If You Hear A Distress Call
You must give any message beginning with one 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
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