DISTRESS CALL PROCEDURE
Transmit on channel 16:
MAYDAY MAYDAY MAYDAY
This is:
NAME OF SHIP, call sign or
other identification
(THREE
TIMES), followed by:
MAYDAY - NAME OF SHIP -
Position, type of emergency,
help required and other infor-
mation which may help rescue
operations.
For clarity when SPELLING OUT
words, the following alphabet
should be used:
A -
Al
fa
B -
Bra
vo
C -
Cha
rlie
D -
Del
ta
E -
Ec
ho
F -
Fox
trot
G - Golf
H - Ho
tel
I -
In
dia
J -
Ju
liett
K -
Ki
lo
L -
Li
ma
M - Mike
NOTE:
1. The distress call should be
repeated from time-to-time
until an answer is heard.
2. If no reply is heard on channel
16, the call should be repeated
on any other available channel.
3. Speak slowly, pronouncing
each word distinctly.
16
N - No
vem
ber
O -
Os
kar
P - Pa
pa
Q - Que
bec
R -
Ro
meo
S - Si
er
ra
T -
Tan
go
U -
U
niform
V -
Vic
tor
W -
Whis
key
X -
X
- ray
Y -
Yan
kee
Z -
Zu
lu
OPERATING
The operating panel is provided
with the so-called membrane
switches instead of the traditional
pushbuttons. These require only a
light pressure and are extremely
reliable. Keyed operations appear
instantly on the large, liquid cry-
stal display in confirmation of the
keys which have been operated.
The read-out thus functions as a
positive checking device. All ope-
rating facilities are fitted with night
illumination.
SIMPLEX COMMUNICATION
All ship/ship and some ship/port
communications are carried out in
the simplex mode. This means that
the handset key switch is depres-
sed while the message is delive-
red, ending with the word „over“
The switch is now released,
allowing the other party to reply.
PRIVATE CHANNELS
There is standard provision for the
programming of up to 20 private
channels. However, it is possible
to increase the total to 67 private
channels.
A private channel is indicated on
the display with a “P“ in front of
the channel number.
Private channels include fishing
and leisure channels as well as
the special channels allocated by
post and telegraph authorities.
DUPLEX COMMUNICATION
All shipicoast station communicati-
ons and some ship/port communi-
cations are in the duplex mode
This is two-way communication
where the handset switch is de-
pressed throughout thus making
it possible to hear the other party
whilst one is speaking - just as on
an ordinary telephone.
