VHF Marine Radio Protocols
Emergency Messages and Distress Procedure
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
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.
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