Channel 16 is known as the Hail and Distress Channel. An emergency may be defined as a threat to life or property. In such instances, be sure the transceiver is on and set to CHANNEL 16. Then use the following procedure:
1. | Press the microphone | ||||||||
| day. This is |
| , |
| , |
| ” (your vessel’s name). | ||
2. | Then repeat once: “Mayday, |
| ” (your vessel’s name). | ||||||
3.Now report your position in latitude/longitude, or by giving a true or mag- netic bearing (state which) to a
4.Explain the nature of your distress (sinking, collision, aground, fire, heart attack,
5.State the kind of assistance your desire (pumps, medical aid, etc.).
6.Report the number of persons aboard and condition of any injured.
7.Estimate the present seaworthiness and condition of your vessel.
8.Give your vessel’s description: length, design (power or sail), color and other distinguishing marks. The total transmission should not exceed 1 minute.
9.End the message by saying “OVER”. Release the microphone button and listen.
10.If there is no answer, repeat the above procedure. If there is still no re- sponse, try another channel.
10.9 CALLING ANOTHER VESSEL (CHANNEL 16 OR 9)Channel 16 may be used for initial contact (hailing) with another vessel. However, its most important use is for emergency messages. This channel must be monitored at all times except when actually using another channel. It is monitored by the U.S. and Canadian Coast Guards and by other vessels. Use of channel 16 for hailing must be limited to initial contact only. Calling should not exceed 30 seconds, but may be repeated 3 times at
Prior to making contact with another vessel, refer to the channel charts in this manual, and select an appropriate channel for communications after initial contact. For example, Channels 68 and 69 of the U.S. VHF Charts are some of the channels available to
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