Cobra Electronics MRHH475FLTBTEU Emergency Messages Distress Procedure, Marine Emergency Signals

Radiotelephone Calls, Emergency

Messages and Distress Procedure

VHF Marine Radio Protocols

Radiotelephone Calls

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Boaters may make and receive radiotelephone calls to and from any number on the telephone network by using the services of public coast stations. Calls can be made — for a fee — between your radio and telephones on land, sea and in the air. See the Appendix for the public correspondence (marine operator) channels.

If you plan to use these services, consider registering with the operator of the public coast station that you plan to work through. These services can provide you with detailed information and procedures to follow.

NOTICE

You may disclose privileged information during a radiotelephone call. Keep in mind that your transmission is NOT private, as it is on a regular telephone. Both sides of the conversation are being broadcast and can be heard by anyone who has a radio and tunes to the channel you are using.

Emergency Messages and Distress Procedure

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The ability to summon assistance in an emergency is the primary reason to have a VHF marine radio. The marine environment can be unforgiving, and what may initially be a minor problem can rapidly develop into a situation beyond your control.

The coastguard monitors Channel 16, responds to all distress calls,

and coordinates all search and rescue efforts. Depending on the availability of other capable vessels or commercial assistance operators in your vicinity, coastguard or coastguard auxiliary craft may be dispatched.

In any event, communicate with the coastguard as soon as you experience difficulties and before your situation becomes an emergency. Use the emergency message procedures only after your situation has become grave or you are faced with a sudden danger threatening life or property and requiring immediate help. Use Channel 16 to communicate your emergency message. Make sure you transmit on high power. If you are merely out of gas, do not send an emergency message. Drop your anchor and call a friend or marina to bring the fuel you need or to give you a tow.

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.

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