In a serious emergency, your VHF radio is your lifeline. The "Mayday" call is the international distress protocol. Use it, and Maritime Rescue and every nearby boat will come to your aid. You need to know when, and how, to use this sacred word.
The Hierarchy of Calls (When to Use Each One)
- MAYDAY (Distress): Grave and imminent danger (a leak, fire, abandoning ship).
- PAN-PAN (Urgency): Serious but not imminent danger (engine failure with no drift risk, severe seasickness, loss of steering).
- SÉCURITÉ (Safety): An important safety message (a hazard to navigation, a change to lights/beacons, a severe weather warning).
The MAYDAY Protocol (Broadcast on Channel 16)
- "MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY"
- "This is (boat name, repeated 3 times, and call sign)"
- "POSITION" (exact coordinates, or a bearing from a known landmark).
- "NATURE OF DISTRESS" (leak, fire, etc.).
- "TYPE OF ASSISTANCE REQUIRED" (tow, medical help, etc.).
DSC (Digital Selective Calling)
On many modern radios, all you have to do is lift the cover and press the DSC button. This automatically sends a distress signal with your position to every nearby vessel and to the authorities. It's vital!
Practise your radio skills!
Using the radio is a mandatory practical session for the PNB and PER. Come and run emergency drills with us to build real confidence! (Practical training runs in Spanish.) See Radio Practice