Beyond 6 miles from the coast and in international waters, VHF radio has become an essential ally for safety at sea. Its use is strictly regulated, and requires the holder of a Radiotelephone Operator's Restricted Certificate (CRR), attesting to mastery of radio equipment and essential emergency procedures.
Channel 16: the vital frequency at sea
Channel 16 is the universal calling and distress frequency, active worldwide. It is essential to listen to it at all times when sailing, as this is the channel through which safety alerts and emergency messages are transmitted.
Emergency calls: Mayday, Pan Pan and Security
Communications at sea are governed by precise codes depending on the seriousness of the situation:
- MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY this is the most critical alert, used in the event of immediate danger to the crew, such as major water ingress, a fire on board or a man overboard in peril.
- PAN PAN, PAN PAN, PAN PAN emergency call: an emergency call signalling a serious, but not life-threatening, problem requiring rapid assistance, such as engine damage or injury.
- SAFETY, SAFETY, SAFETY a warning message informing of a danger to navigation, such as a floating obstacle, a forecasted storm or a military exercise in progress.
Repeating emergency calls three times in a row (MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY...) is essential for clear, efficient radio communication. At sea, weather conditions, interference and distance can affect transmission quality. Repeating three times ensures that the message is clearly understood from the very first words, and immediately attracts the attention of listening stations and nearby vessels. This international standard avoids confusion and ensures rapid reaction in emergency situations.
