Changes to Mayday call

[benjenbav]

From April this year, the Mayday call now has to include both the MMSI and the call sign. not once, but twice. Remembering the correct procedure is always an issue for people when you hope you never have to use it.

The new version can be downloaded in PDF format (A5) from http://www.5starmarine.co.uk/vhfop.html all yoiu need do is fill in your own details and keep it by your radio.

David, thank you.

I think that card is really useful. Maybe not so much for me but after swmbo has whacked me over the head and phoned the life insurance people I'd like to think she can get home safely to spend the money, so I'll leave the card in a handy place.

One other thing which I confess I have either forgotten or, more likely, never knew: call sign: what is it? I have a label next to my vhf saying "Call sign XYZ12" but it was there when I bought the boat and I've never known whether it goes with the boat, or the owner, or the vhf set - which I've changed.

I've never bothered much about it on the basis that I have DSC and know what my MMSI is. But, since we're on the subject, I thought I would ask.

 

[Solitaire]

David, thank you.

I think that card is really useful. Maybe not so much for me but after swmbo has whacked me over the head and phoned the life insurance people I'd like to think she can get home safely to spend the money, so I'll leave the card in a handy place.

One other thing which I confess I have either forgotten or, more likely, never knew: call sign: what is it? I have a label next to my vhf saying "Call sign XYZ12" but it was there when I bought the boat and I've never known whether it goes with the boat, or the owner, or the vhf set - which I've changed.

I've never bothered much about it on the basis that I have DSC and know what my MMSI is. But, since we're on the subject, I thought I would ask.

The call sign will be on your radio licence which has your MMSI number on it as well. When you bought the boat did you change the details with Ofcom? The ships radio licnece is a bit like your car registration umber in that it stays with the boat. If you PM me the real number or your MMSI number I can check, or just tell me the boats name.

 

[benjenbav]

The call sign will be on your radio licence which has your MMSI number on it as well. When you bought the boat did you change the details with Ofcom? The ships radio licnece is a bit like your car registration umber in that it stays with the boat. If you PM me the real number or your MMSI number I can check, or just tell me the boats name.

The field for "Call Sign" is blank on my radio licence which is one of the Ofcom ones issued in 2009 (when they stopped doing the annual renewals). It has all the other details relevant to my current boat.

PM sent (Don't think I've ever said that before)

 

[Red]

Under new EU ruling you are only allowed to make MayDay calls during the month of May, if you need to place a Mayday call in January, call JanDay, in Feb - FebDay, in March - MarchDay etc

 

[Geoffs]

Under new EU ruling you are only allowed to make MayDay calls during the month of May, if you need to place a Mayday call in January, call JanDay, in Feb - FebDay, in March - MarchDay etc

Just have to call 'm'aidez', then!

 

[toad_oftoadhall]

It's only an issue for instructors. No one else cares......

+1.

A rescuer needs to know someone needs help and they need a position. In crowded waters they need to be able to identify the individual boat. That's it. I'd be really interested to hear of a single recorded case of incorrect Mayday ettiquet leading to a death at sea. (In a case where the position and the fact there was an emergency had been properly communicated.)

The 999 people manage without a pre-arranged ettiquet.

 

[toad_oftoadhall]

You may only get one call out, make it a good one.

Equally you could argue that you may only get half a call out, in which case the position needs to be one of the first things you want to get across!

 

[Solitaire]

Equally you could argue that you may only get half a call out, in which case the position needs to be one of the first things you want to get across!

But then if you have pushed the red button it will be the first thing that is sent! That is the idea of it!

 

[toad_oftoadhall]

But then if you have pushed the red button it will be the first thing that is sent! That is the idea of it!

I'd still rather broadcast a duplicate of my position than a duplicate of my MMSI number.

Especially since the receiving station may not have a DSC radio and may appreciate my verbal position which is likely to be a bit more human readable. "3 cables south of Lady Rock" might make a listener sit up and think "That's where I am." and put down his fishing rod to go and help. In contrast a DSC lat/long might not acheive the same result. He might not have even gone to check.

 

[LadyInBed]

Hmmm. If i heard that I'd be thinking "FFS mate will you stop fannying around with mmsi and just get to the bit where you tell me your position so I can see if I'm near and set a course towards you. The rest can wait". But the MCGA know best eh?

I agree.

Originally Posted by VicS
What's difficult about remembering your MMSI number.

I have no problem, cus I ain't got one and don't intend to get one!

 

[KellysEye]

In our VHF and SSB courses the number of times Mayday is said is three times. I can't believe the recommendation is two.

 

[Solitaire]

In our VHF and SSB courses the number of times Mayday is said is three times. I can't believe the recommendation is two.

Sorry not sure what you mean! The procedure card shows that you say mayday 3 times. Where do you get 2 from?

 

[dhobyb]

I have been following this debate with some interest, as David knows I am not the greatest fan of the coastguard, but when you find yourself having to make a mayday call, knowing your Callsign and MMSI are not high in your list of priorities.
Who you are, where you are, whats the problem is all the CG need to respond the CG will ask for further information as and when they need it.

You could spend valuable time looking for the extra information, time that would be better spent saving yourself, your crew, your boat.

I very much doubt if the CG would not accept a Mayday call that did not comply with the latest MCA recommendation. So I guess its remember to include the Callsign and MMSI to pass the exam...then after...........

Bill

 

[RIN]

From April this year, the Mayday call now has to include both the MMSI and the call sign. not once, but twice. Remembering the correct procedure is always an issue for people when you hope you never have to use it.

The new version can be downloaded in PDF format (A5) from http://www.5starmarine.co.uk/vhfop.html all yoiu need do is fill in your own details and keep it by your radio.

Where was this promulgated? (yes I was watching a repeat of Yes Minister last night). I have looked on the RYA site, they are selling the old procedure cards, I looked at MCA and had many hits, none of which seemed to show a new procedure.

FWIW I have always kept a laminated copy of the procedure together with other safety info under the cover of the chart table. I always ask visitors on the boat to read it before we set off. I'd like to think that if I had a heart attack out on the boat, someone could quickly call for help

 

[gjgm]

I very much doubt if the CG would not accept a Mayday call that did not comply with the latest MCA recommendation. Bill

In fairness, if you are going to have a CG to pick up emergency calls, the logical step is you advise how to pass what information.
As regards the time this takes.. yep, I guess you maybe up to your neck in water, but the lifeboat is still going to be 10mins-2hours, so....
Someone posted that there isnt a formal guide to 999, but AFAIK you wont get very far unless you answer their preset questions.
CG could do the same, but if we know the questions anyway....
My point is that this this could be considered best practice to get as much vital info across as quickly and simply as possible.
If you cant give a position it is of course more tricky, but if you cant give aMMSi number, well... as you say, I dont suppose they put the handset down!

 

[cliff]

So what does one do if one does not have a MMSI number?

 

[toad_oftoadhall]

Where was this promulgated? (yes I was watching a repeat of Yes Minister last night). I have looked on the RYA site, they are selling the old procedure cards, I looked at MCA and had many hits, none of which seemed to show a new procedure.

I want to know this too. What date did the procedure come into force? Why has it only come to our attention now? The original recommendation/agreement seems to have been several years ago.

 

[MapisM]

So what does one do if one does not have a MMSI number?

Just sink quietly, what else?

 

[Bosun Higgs]

From April this year, the Mayday call now has to include both the MMSI and the call sign. not once, but twice..

That was what I was told to teach when I went on my instructor course a few years ago.

For those that wonder why, the reason is straightforward. If you do the DSC call and then do the verbal call, you need to put your MMSI in the verbal so that someone who has a DSC set knows that there is just one mayday not two.

 

[Momac]

The RNLI website says this

‘Mayday, Mayday, Mayday’
This is … (name of boat said three times)
Mayday … name of boat … If the call follows a DSC alert then add the MMSI.
The distress message is:

Position … either in latitude and longitude or distance and bearing from a known point
Type of distress … (Sinking, on fire, man overboard or other distress)
Require further assistance
Total number of people on board
Further information such as … Abandoning to liferaft … Over