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Learn the Sea
Mayday — VHF distress call
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Grave and imminent danger to a vessel or a life. Press the red DSC distress button first if fitted, then make the voice call on Channel 16 — slowly, and repeat until answered.
Say, in this order
| Say | What it means / example |
|---|---|
| MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY | The distress signal — said three times |
| THIS IS … | Your vessel’s name, three times |
| MAYDAY … | Your vessel’s name once, plus callsign / MMSI |
| POSITION … | Lat/long, or true bearing & distance from a known mark |
| Nature of distress | e.g. sinking, fire, person overboard, dismasted |
| Assistance required | Usually “immediate assistance” |
| Number on board | How many people, including any injured |
| Any other information | Liferaft? EPIRB? Time to sink? Casualties? |
| OVER | Release the button and listen |
Pan-Pan (×3) is the urgency call — serious, but no immediate danger to life. Sécurité (×3) is a safety / navigation message. Channel 16 (156.800 MHz) is the distress & calling channel.