VHF Marine Radio Protocols
45
Nothing
Comes Close to a Cobra
®
Emergency Messages and
Distress Procedure
Marine Emergency Signals
The three (3) spoken international emergency signals are:
The distress signal
MAYDAY
is used to indicate that a station is threatened by grave
and imminent danger and requests immediate assistance.
The urgency signal
PAN
is used when the safety of the vessel or person is in
jeopardy. (This signal is properly pronounced pahn.)
The safety signal
SECURITE
is used for messages about the safety of navigation or
important weather warnings. (This signal is properly pronounced see-cure-ee-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.
VHF Marine Radio Protocols
44 English
Radiotelephone Calls, Emergency
Messages and Distress Procedure
Radiotelephone Calls
•
Boaters may make and receive radiotelephone calls to and from any number on the
telephone network by using the services of public coast stations. Calls can be made —
for a fee — between your radio and telephones on land, sea and in the air. See the
Appendix for the public correspondence (marine operator) channels.
If you plan to use these services, consider registering with the operator of the
public coast station that you plan to work through. These services can provide
you with detailed information and procedures to follow.
NOTICE
You may disclose privileged information during a radiotelephone call.
Keep in mind that your transmission is
NOT
private, as it is on a regular
telephone. Both sides of the conversation are being broadcast and can be
heard by anyone who has a radio and tunes to the channel you are using.
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 coastguard 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,
coastguard or coastguard auxiliary craft may be dispatched.
In any event, communicate with the coastguard 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. 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 marina to bring the fuel you need or to give
you a tow.
MAYDAY
PAN
SECURITE
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