Solitaire
Active member
I know, been there done it - had to use a mobile to get the buggers attention. Ask Jez.
Changes to Mayday call
- Thread starter Solitaire
- Start date
I know, been there done it - had to use a mobile to get the buggers attention. Ask Jez.
MapisM
Well-known member
Not sure about "automatically", IIRC the receiver must acknowledge the request.
Anyway, I found the previous thread where we discussed all that.
With apologies to Dave for the o/t...
Csail
N/A
Did the dsc course but hate it so back to vhf and epirb.
Elessar
Well-known member
correct of course....
I meant a mayday call. I thought for pan pan you pressed red and selected a menu? Obviously not you'd know.
And I'd forgotten that pan pan doesn't send position. Why not??
Proves the point that the system is hopeless, too complicated.
Press red button, transmit sensible message. Out.
gjgm
Active member
If this is an advised procedure, why the hell do you need to say you need immediate assistance- if that is always going to be said , its blimmin' obvious, isnt it?!
You are hardly going to call a mayday- a threat to life- and say "dont bother to help me" !
You are hardly going to call a mayday- a threat to life- and say "dont bother to help me" !
PoRL9
New member
It's not a lot of use if you're in a position where the only radio you can use is your non-DSC handheld (e.g. Battery fire causing total electrical failure)!!
Solitaire
Active member
Don't shoot the messenger! It is the protocol as laid down by the International body that governs these things and it is a requirement to making the "correct" call.
It should also be remembered that it may not be you that has to make the Mayday call and the whole reason why I have had the procedure produced in that A5 format so it can be laminated and kept by the radio. All clients who attend a VHF course with us in fact get given a copy on laminated card so they can fill in their details and always have it to hand.
The MCA produce a version on sticky backed paper which in my view is to complicated and the voice message ends up being tuckied away at the bottom of the piece.
It should also be noted that if you ever have to make a PAN Pan call (urgency) then the call should include the phrase "I require urgent assistance"
I didn't make the rules and I and all other VHF assessors are required to teach the correct format.
david_bagshaw
Well-known member
thanks for that, suggestion could you make the name mmsi & callsign editable so it can be typed in, just to make it neater.
Thanks
Solitaire
Active member
I did think about that and have in fact put that process in place. May not be up today, but I'll advise when it is.
Thanks for the suggestion. I have used a dymo printer to put the details on but it would make it easier for those looking to download.
David
Grunter
New member
Not a clue about most of this as I am only starting out, but even I can see major headaches when trying to pass a nine digit number over the air in a panic situation. That is without adding in the odd regional dialect issue!
Reverend Ludd
New member
You may not be talking to someone who's first language is English.
The clearer the message the better your chances.
Because I was taught VHF as a pilot first I always add the type of vessel, I'd include the colour as well if I thought it would help.
It's up to you guys
fireball
New member
Thanks for the info - I'm afraid that for the moment it will not make a jot of difference to my distress procedure, nor that of the instructions given to guests onboard who may just have to hit that red button ...
I can sort of understand where they are coming from - but it's another of these compromises which IMHO reduces the effectiveness of the call.
1st off - the receiving party are going to want to know that the DSC alarm they have just received is related to the audio call - as there is no automatic audio tagging then it relies on the sender to read out a long digit. Once it is confirmed then they know they are dealing with one incident... if not then there is some dialog until the identity is confirmed/denied ...
2ndly - the receiving party need time to process the information received - which if you're receiving from another vessel without dedicated vhf watch then it will take you a short while to sort out a notebook to jot details down on - having a drawn out audio procedure will help with getting that information down....
But - whilst I can see that in some areas, this level of detail may be appropriate, for the vast majority of us in UK waters or even across into Europe - this mantra is superfluous and delays getting the nature of distress across - in some extreme cases it could prevent the complete message being sent....
I can see a huge benefit in a digital sqwark at the beginning of every audio transmission that sends your identification (mmsi number would be fine) - this has uses outside the obvious distress identification issue - it would enable every transmission to be identified and targeted response in the case of misuse - isn't this already available (ATIS?)
Anyway - back to the mayday call ... by the time you've finished calling your mayday, the kettle will have boiled and your coffee ready - which is just as well, because after all that lot you'll have a dry mouth ...
Solitaire
Active member
It is actually quite easy. If you break the number down into groups of 3 for example -
235 456 789 - you will find it easier to pass on than trying to either say the whole 9 leters together or to break it down into say 235456 789 or what ever combinations. It also easier for anybody writing down the MMSI number. Although, in a Distress alert sent using the red button the MMSI number of the vessel will appear on the receiving radios display.
When I run the course, I ask students to write down the voice message and MMSI number and then ask them to comment on what they wrote down and the speed at which the voice message was sent. It is a case of more haste less speed and you can be amazed at how much info you can get out as long as you don't panic!
I had to put a Pan Pan call out for real once while crossing the North Sea at night. I had a crew member who had also been on one of my VHF courses and he was amazed that when I gave out the call he said "You said it just as we did it in the classroom" I know I would do the same in a Mayday situation - but I do know the call inside out and upside down - I have said it enough times over the years and even this new change does not present a problem. BUT, the vast majority of boaters will never give out a Mayday call and it's why having such an "aide memoir" near the radio is a comfort, not just for you, but anybody else who may have to make the call. In my view everybody who goes onboard your boat should be given a quick debrief on how the radio works.
colingr
Active member
gjgm
Active member
Reverend Ludd
New member
At the CG, you mean
Where is that German CG spoof on Youtube...!
Could be that Greek bulk carrier that everyone is scared of round Ushant.
gjgm
Active member
Interesting point that raises... are foreign commercial vessels bound by these procedures.. do they vary each time you cross territorial waters?
timgriffin
New member
At the CG, you mean
Where is that German CG spoof on Youtube...!
Vot are you sinking is that the one
If you know where to find it let me know and the other funny one about the warship and the lighthouse .
Tim
Reverend Ludd
New member
Reverend Ludd
New member
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