How to Call Mayday from a Marine Vessel

How to Call Mayday from a Marine Vessel. Using a Mayday call is critical during maritime emergencies where there is an imminent threat to life, vessel, or property. Properly following the Mayday protocol ensures prompt and accurate assistance. Here’s a detailed guide:

Steps to Call Mayday

1. Stay Calm and Assess the Situation

• Evaluate the emergency: Use Mayday for life-threatening situations such as sinking, fire, or serious injury. For non-critical issues (e.g., mechanical failure), use the Pan-Pan signal.
• Calmness matters: Staying composed allows you to communicate clearly and act decisively.

2. Set the Radio to Emergency Channel

• Primary channel: Use VHF Channel 16 (156.8 MHz) or MF/SSB 2182 kHz, the international distress frequencies.
• DSC feature: If your radio has a Digital Select Calling (DSC) button, press it to send your GPS location and distress signal automatically.
• Monitor the channel: Ensure no ongoing emergency communication before transmitting.

3. Prepare Your Message

• Structure your Mayday call: Include critical details in a specific order.
• Speak clearly: Use the phonetic alphabet (e.g., Alpha, Bravo) for clarity when spelling names or callsigns.

4. Transmit the Mayday Signal

Hold the talk button and speak slowly and clearly:

1. Start with the distress signal:arduinoCopy code"Mayday, Mayday, Mayday."
2. Identify your vessel:cssCopy code"This is [vessel name repeated 3 times], callsign [your callsign or MMSI]. BREAK."
3. Provide your location:cssCopy code"Mayday, [vessel name]. Position [latitude and longitude], speed [in knots], bearing [compass direction]."
4. Describe the emergency:cssCopy code"[Vessel type] experiencing [distress situation, e.g., fire, flooding, man overboard]. Immediate assistance required."
5. State onboard details:cssCopy code"[Number of people onboard], [any injuries or medical conditions]."
6. Repeat identification:arduinoCopy code"This is [vessel name], callsign/MMSI. Over."

5. Wait for a Response

• Pause and listen: Release the talk button and wait for a reply.
• Repeat every 15 seconds if no response: Monitor nearby channels or ask other vessels to relay your distress call if needed. How to Call Mayday from a Marine Vessel

6. Prepare for Assistance

• Deploy safety equipment: Ready life vests, flares, and life rafts.
• Follow instructions: If the Coast Guard or another rescue authority responds, they may direct you to switch to another channel.
• Provide updates: Inform rescuers if your situation changes.

Relaying a Mayday

If you hear a Mayday and no one responds after two minutes, you should relay the call:

1. Announce:arduinoCopy code"Mayday relay, Mayday relay, Mayday relay. This is [your vessel name and callsign]."
2. Provide details of the original distress call, including the vessel name, position, and nature of the emergency.

Using Pan-Pan for Non-Critical Emergencies

For non-life-threatening issues, use the Pan-Pan signal:

1. Transmit:arduinoCopy code"Pan-Pan, Pan-Pan, Pan-Pan. This is [vessel name, callsign]."
2. Include your position, the issue (e.g., engine failure), and intended actions.

Tips

• Keep one person at the radio: Ensure someone monitors the channel at all times.
• Familiarize with VHF radio etiquette: Knowing proper usage improves communication efficiency.
• Document your MMSI: If using DSC, ensure your radio is registered with your Maritime Mobile Service Identity.

By understanding and practicing these steps, you can efficiently signal for help and enhance your safety on the water.