Cockpit Companion

Radio Distress Procedure

MAYDAY

This distress signal is for use only where there is grave and imminent danger to a vessel or person.

MAYDAY MAYDAY MAYDAY

This is -............. yacht's name spoken three times followed by immediately by

MAYDAY (once)

This is- ................... yacht's name spoken once. My position is - lat. and long., or range and bearing from known point, or named spot (see p.23).

Nature of distress - eg. 'sinking' or 'crew injured'.

Assistance required. This is normally obvious.

Number of People on board.

Any other information.

Over

PAN PAN

This is for when help may be needed, but the danger is no grave and imminent.

PAN PAN PAN PAN PAN PAN

Hello al stations - Hello all stations - Hello all stations

This is  -........ yacht's name spoken three times.

My position is - as for MAYDAY (seep.23).

Assistance required. Over