Cobra Electronics MR HH330 owner manual Marine Emergency Signals, If You Hear a Distress Call

Emergency Messages

and Distress Procedure

VHF Marine Radio Protocols

Marine Emergency Signals

The three (3) spoken international emergency signals are:

MAYDAY

The distress signal MAYDAY is used to indicate that a station is threatened by grave and imminent danger and requests immediate assistance.

PAN

The urgency signal PAN is used when the safety of the vessel or person is in jeopardy. (This signal is properly pronounced pahn.)

SECURITE

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.

Emergency Messages

and Distress Procedure

VHF Marine Radio Protocols

Marine Distress Procedure

Speak slowly — clearly — calmly.

1.Make sure your radio is On.

2.Select Channel 16.

3.Press Talk button and say: “MAYDAY — MAYDAY — MAYDAY.” (Or “PAN — PAN — PAN,”

or “SECURITE — SECURITE — SECURITE.”)

4.Say:

“THIS IS [your vessel name or call sign],” repeated three (3) times.

5.Say:

“MAYDAY (or “PAN” or “SECURITE”) [your vessel name or call sign].

6.Tell where you are:

(what navigational aids or landmarks are nearby).

7.State the nature of your distress.

8.State the kind of assistance needed.

9.Give number of persons aboard and conditions of any injured.

10.Estimate present seaworthiness of your vessel.

11.Briefly describe your vessel (length, type, color, hull).

12.Say:

“I WILL BE LISTENING ON CHANNEL 16.”

13.End message by saying:

“THIS IS [your vessel name or call sign]. OVER.”

14.Release Talk button and listen. Someone should answer. If not, repeat the call, beginning at step 3 above.

Keep the radio nearby. Even after your message has been received, the Coast Guard can find you more quickly if you can transmit a signal for a rescue boat to hone in on.

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