21
MARINE DISTRESS PROCEDURE
Speak slowly – clearly – calmly.
1. Make sure your radio is On.
2. Tune to Channel 16.
3. Press the PTT button on the microphone and say: "MAYDAY–
MAYDAY– MAYDAY."
4. Give your ship ID.
5. Say "MAYDAY[your ship name]."
6. Give your location: (what navigational aids or landmarks are
near).
7. State the nature of your distress.
8. Give the number of persons aboard and the conditions of any
injured.
9. Estimate present seaworthiness of your vessel.
10. Give a brief description of your vessel (meters, type, color, hull).
11. Say: "I will be listening on Channel 16".
12. End message by saying "THIS IS [your ship name or call sign]
OVER."
13. Release the PTT button and listen. Someone should answer.
If not, repeat call, beginning at Item 3 above.
POLARIS_UT888ZL_UT01888ZA_0 10/3/02 4:18 PM Page 21