Appe
ndix:
M
a
ritime Radio Use
in the
VHF Fre
que
ncy
Ran
g
e
English
140
Appendix: Maritime Radio Use in the
VHF Frequency Range
Take a moment to review the following:
Special Channel Assignments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 140
Operating Frequency Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 141
Declaration of Compliance for the User of Distress and SAfety
Frequencies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 143
Special Channel Assignments
Emergency Channel
If you are in imminent and grave danger at sea and require
emergency assistance, use
VHF Channel 16
to send a distress
call to nearby vessels and the United States Coast Guard.
Transmit the following information, in this order:
1
“MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY.”
2
“THIS IS _____________________, CALL SIGN
__________.”
State the name of the vessel in distress
3 times
, followed
by the call sign or other identification of the vessel, stated
3
times
.
3
Repeat “MAYDAY” and the name of the vessel.
4
“WE ARE LOCATED AT _______________________.”
State the position of the vessel in distress, using any
information that will help responders to locate you, e.g.:
• latitude and longitude
• bearing (state whether you are using true or magnetic
north)
• distance to a well-known landmark
• vessel course, speed or destination
5
State the nature of the distress.
6
Specify what kind of assistance you need.
7
State the number of persons on board and the number
needing medical attention, if any.
8
Mention any other information that would be helpful to
responders, such as type of vessel, vessel length and/or
tonnage, hull color, etc.
9
“OVER.”
10
Wait for a response.
11
If you do not receive an immediate response, remain by the
radio and repeat the transmission at intervals until you
receive a response. Be prepared to follow any instructions
given to you.
Non-Commercial Call Channel
For non-commercial transmissions, such as fishing reports,
rendezvous arrangements, repair scheduling, or berthing
information, use VHF Channel 9.
APX_4000_M3.book Page 140 Friday, May 31, 2013 12:41 PM