VHF is the ideal tool to send an emergency message at sea. If your extension is not DSC (or ASN) - i.e. it does not have a Ditress button - you can still use it to report your situation.
First of all it is necessary:
- Check that the VHF is charged or connected to the current on board
- VHF must be on
- Channel 16 must be selected
- Calm down to speak clearly
PAN or MAYDAY?
There are 3 types of procedures: SECURITY and PAN PAN and MAYDAY
The SECURITY message indicates any danger related to the safety of navigation (dangerous objects, drifting wrecks, extinguished lighthouses...) or to meteorology (gale, storm, encounter of winds of force greater than 7 Beaufort not reported in the regular bulletins...) This type of message precedes any emission of Special Meteorological Bulletins (BMS) and any URgent Notices to NAVIGators (AVURNAV).
The PAN PAN procedure is used when the vessel or a person is in distress, but human life is not in immediate danger. It is primarily used to signal distress without requiring immediate assistance.
The MAYDAY procedure is used in all other situations: if the boat or a person is in serious and immediate danger and assistance is requested quickly.
PAN PAN procedure on channel 16
It must be said:
BANG, BANG, BANG ( pronounce"malfunction" )
Call to all
This is the boat... ( boat name and/or area code )
Nature of distress
Position of the boat
Number of persons on board
Here the sailboat... Completed
MAYDAY procedure on channel 16
It must be said:
MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY
This is the boat... ( boat name and/or area code )
My position is: ...
( longitude and latitude in degrees and minutes or true heading and distance from a known point )
Nature of distress ( waterways, fire, man overboard.. )
We request assistance ( type of assistance required )
Number of persons on board ( we specify if there are any wounded )
Other details ( type of boat, length, colour, launching of the life raft, rockets fired.. )
We're still listening on channel 16
This is the boat... Completed
