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 VHF 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].”

5.Say:

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

6.Tell where you are:

(what navigational aids or landmarks are near).

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 item 3 above.

Emergency Messages

And Distress Procedure

VHF Marine Radio Protocols

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.

For Example

“Mayday — Mayday — Mayday”

“This is Corsair — Corsair — Corsair” [or “Illinois 1234 AB” three (3) times] “Mayday Corsair (or Illinois 1234 AB)”

“Navy Pier bears 220 degrees magnetic — distance five (5) miles” “Struck submerged object and flooding — need pump and tow” “Four adults, three children aboard — no one injured” “Estimate we will remain afloat one-half (1⁄2) hour”

“Corsair (or Illinois 1234 AB) is 26 foot sloop with blue hull and tan deck house” “I will be listening on Channel 16”

“This is Corsair (or Illinois 1234 AB)” “Over”

It is a good idea to write out a script of the message form and post it where you and others on your vessel can see it when an emergency message needs to be sent.

Marine Distress Procedure – DSC

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Digital Selective Calling (DSC) is a semi-automated system that will allow you to press the Distress button from any routine to make a distress call. When the distress button is pressed, all other channels go to Standby mode and allow the digitally encoded “pre-programmed” message to take precedence. Important information such as your MMSI number, position and name will be transmitted on Channel 16. The distress alarm will sound for two (2) minutes or until the alarm is cleared.

The DSC system allows you to choose a “pre-programmed” distress call such as: “Man Overboard, Sinking, Collision.” There are many pre-programmed choices to choose from. If a GPS is connected to your radio, your coordinates will also be sent to the Coast Guard as well as to other vessels that are within range of the transmission. DSC calling also allows the user to initiate and receive distress, urgent, safety, routine, position request, position send and group calls between vessels equipped with DSC capable radios.

WARNING

This radio will generate a digital maritime distress and safety signal to help facilitate search and rescue. This radio must be used only within communication range of a shore based VHF station with a distress and safety watch system. The range of the signal may vary, however, under normal conditions should be approximately 20 nautical miles.

 

 

 

 

12 English

Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra® 13

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Cobra Electronics MR F75-D owner manual Marine Distress Procedure DSC, Say, Tell where you are, End message by saying
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MR F75-D specifications

Cobra Electronics has long been a name associated with reliable communication solutions, and the MR F75-D is no exception. This high-performance marine VHF radio is designed specifically for boaters, offering a blend of essential features, advanced technologies, and user-friendly characteristics that make it an excellent choice for both recreational and commercial marine applications.

One of the standout features of the MR F75-D is its Class D DSC (Digital Selective Calling) capability, which allows users to send distress calls and communicate with other vessels or coast guard stations at the push of a button. This increases safety on the water, as it provides an automated means to alert others in case of emergencies.

The radio operates seamlessly on the vital marine channels, ensuring that users have access to all the necessary frequencies for navigation and communication. With an impressive 25 watts of transmitting power, the MR F75-D provides extended range, ensuring that calls can be made even in challenging conditions.

The Cobra MR F75-D boasts an ergonomic design featuring a solid weather-resistant construction to withstand the harsh marine environment. Its large, easy-to-read backlit LCD display enhances readability in bright sunlight or low-light conditions, making it accessible under various circumstances.

Moreover, the radio includes a built-in NOAA weather radio with alerts. This feature keeps users informed about local weather conditions and forecasts, enabling them to make better decisions while out at sea. The option to scan channels and save favorites makes it easy to navigate through crowded frequencies to find the right communication line.

The MR F75-D is equipped with Dual Watch and Tri-Watch functions, allowing users to monitor two or three channels simultaneously. This increases the chances of receiving essential messages while on the water, providing greater peace of mind.

With a compact design, the MR F75-D can fit easily on most boats, while the intuitive controls enhance usability. The radio also supports external GPS connection, offering even better situational awareness.

In conclusion, the Cobra Electronics MR F75-D is a versatile, durable, and feature-rich marine VHF radio. With its DSC capabilities, NOAA weather notifications, and robust build, it proves to be an invaluable tool for safe and efficient marine communication, making it a top choice for any boating enthusiast.
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