Mayday, Pan-Pan & Sécurité
How to use your VHF radio in an emergency. Know the signals, the call formats, and when to use each.
Channel 16 — Your Lifeline
All distress calls go on VHF Channel 16 (156.8 MHz). Keep it monitored at all times. Press transmit, speak clearly, and repeat if unanswered.
The Three Distress Signals
MAYDAY
Pronounced: "MAYDAY" — from French "m'aider (help me)"
When to Use
Grave and imminent danger — life-threatening situation requiring immediate assistance
Examples
Sinking, fire on board, person overboard, medical emergency, vessel aground in surf
PAN-PAN
Pronounced: "PAN-PAN" — from French "panne (breakdown)"
When to Use
Urgent situation that is NOT immediately life-threatening, but needs assistance
Examples
Engine failure, rigging failure, lost steering, medical issue not immediately life-threatening
SÉCURITÉ
Pronounced: "SAY-cure-ee-tay" — from French "sécurité (safety)"
When to Use
Safety alert — important navigational warning for all mariners
Examples
Submerged objects, debris, fog, weather warning, defective aid to navigation
Quick Decision Guide
Mayday — Is anyone's life in immediate danger? Is the vessel sinking or on fire? → Use Mayday
Pan-Pan — Urgent but not life-threatening? Broken down, drifting, minor medical? → Use Pan-Pan
Sécurité— Warning others about a hazard to navigation? → Use Sécurité
How to Send a Mayday — Step by Step
Switch to Channel 16
Set your VHF to Channel 156.8 MHz — the international distress, safety, and calling frequency.
Press the Transmit Button
Hold the mic button down. Speak clearly and slowly. Release to listen.
Say "MAYDAY" Three Times
"MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY." This is the universal voice distress signal for grave and imminent danger.
Identify Your Vessel
"This is [Vessel Name], [Vessel Name], [Vessel Name]." Repeat your vessel name three times.
State Your Position
Give your GPS coordinates, or bearing and distance from a known landmark. Be precise.
Describe the Emergency
State the nature of distress — sinking, fire, medical emergency, person overboard, etc.
State Number of Persons
How many people are on board and any injuries or casualties.
Describe Your Vessel
Type, length, colour, distinctive features, and any assistance needed.
Say "OVER" and Listen
End with "OVER" and release the button. Wait for a response from Coastguard or another vessel. Repeat if no reply.
Call Templates
MAYDAY Call Format
MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY. This is [Vessel Name], [Vessel Name], [Vessel Name]. MAYDAY, [Vessel Name]. Position: [latitude/longitude or bearing from landmark]. Nature of distress: [e.g. "We are sinking"]. Number of persons on board: [number]. Vessel is a [type, length, colour]. Require immediate assistance. OVER.
PAN-PAN Call Format
For medical urgency, prefix with "Médicalé" after the third Pan-Pan.
PAN-PAN, PAN-PAN, PAN-PAN. Médicalé (if medical). All stations, all stations, all stations. This is [Vessel Name], [Vessel Name], [Vessel Name]. Position: [latitude/longitude]. Problem: [e.g. "Engine failure, drifting toward shore"]. Request: [e.g. "Require a tow"]. [number] persons on board. OVER.
SÉCURITÉ Call Format
SÉCURITÉ, SÉCURITÉ, SÉCURITÉ. All stations, all stations, all stations. This is [Vessel Name]. Navigation warning: [e.g. "Submerged container sighted at position..."]. Position: [coordinates]. Time: [UTC time]. Mariners are advised to keep clear. OUT.
DSC (Digital Selective Calling)
Modern VHF radios have a red DISTRESS button. Press and hold for 5 seconds to send a digital Mayday with your MMSI and GPS position automatically. Follow up with a voice Mayday on Channel 16. Register your MMSI number — it identifies your vessel to rescue services.