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Radio Communication
Radio is the boat operator's main method of receiving safety information and summoning aid. VHF-FM radio is
the primary means of short-range communication. Single sideband radio (SSB) is used for longer range
communication.
VHF-FM Channel 16 and SSB 2182 kHz are designated for emergency use. Such situations can be categorized as:
• Emergency — "MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY" — Used when a life or vessel is in imminent danger.
• Urgency — "PAN-PAN, PAN-PAN, PAN-PAN" (pronounced PAHN-PAHN) — Used when a person or vessel is in
some jeopardy less than indicated by a Mayday call.
• Safety — "SECURITY, SECURITY, SECURITY" (pronounced SAY-CURE-IT-TAY) — Used for navigational safety or
weather warning.
An emergency situation will be hectic and there will not be time to learn proper radio procedure. LEARN WHAT
TO DO BEFORE YOU NEED TO DO IT.
If you hear a distress call, stop all radio transmissions. If you can directly assist, respond on the emergency fre-
quency. If you cannot assist, do not transmit on that frequency. However, continue to monitor until it is obvious
that help is being provided.
Distress Signals
Consult your national boating law enforcement agency.
Visual Distress Signals
•
U.S. Coast Guard regulations require boats in coastal waters and the Great Lakes to carry visual distress sig-
nals for day or night use, as appropriate for the time of operation. Exempt from the day signals requirement,
but not night signals, are boats less than 4.8 meters (16 feet), open sailboats less than 7.9 meters (26 feet),
boats participating in organized events, and manually propelled boats.
•
If you are required to have visual distress signals, at least three safety-approved pyrotechnic devices in service-
able condition must be readily accessible. They must be marked with a date showing the service life, which
must not be expired.
•
Carry three signals for day use and three signals for night use. Some pyrotechnic signals, such as red flares,
meet both day and night use requirements.
•
Store pyrotechnic signals in a cool, dry location. An orange or red watertight container prominently marked
"Distress Signals" is recommended.
Pg 41
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