VHF Mayday Pan Pan etc

[atelford]

Maybe a silly question, in a boat I was in recently above the VHF radio I saw a laminated page that contained a "script" as such of what to say and do to make a Mayday or Pan Pan call. Seems like a handy thing if the skipper (being the only one who knows how to us it) goes overboard. Ive looked about online but cant find anything similar. Surely it would be in RYAs interest to publish such a thing. Does anyone have a link ?

 

[Dyflin]

SHIP'S NAME.................................. CALLSIGN.......................................
DISTRESS TRANSMITTING PROCEDURES

(For use only when in grave and imminent danger and IMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE is required)

1. Ensure transmitter is switched on and set to VHF Channel 16.

2. Then say:

MAYDAY MAYDAY MAYDAY

THIS IS............................................... (Ship's name or callsign 3 times)

MAYDAY followed by ship's name or callsign

POSITION............................................................................................

NATURE OF DISTRESS......................................................................

AID REQUIRED........................................................................

NUMBER OF PERSONS ON BOARD and ANY USEFUL INFORMATION......................................................................

OVER

3. Listen for a reply and if none heard repeat above procedure.

EXAMPLE:

"MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY,
This is NONSUCH, NONSUCH, NONSUCH,
MAYDAY, NONSUCH, Position 54 25 North 016 33 West,
My boat is on fire and sinking, I require immediate assistance,
4 persons on board, are taking a lifeboat, OVER."

 

[ctelfer38]

go here http://rnli.org.uk/upload/complete_eCD/fscommand/pop_up_safety.htm for everything you need and more. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[Graham66]

I have photocopies of the PBO safety procedures
pm me and I'll send you a copy

 

[KAL]

If you complete a Short Range Certificate for DSC VHF at an approved training establishment, you will receive one of these in your pack.

 

[Topcat47]

There's one on the back of small craft almanacs too....scrounge one from a buddy with last year's book.

 

[gjgm]

I think the key here is to get a transmission out on Ch 16 . Finding the position etc will probably only confuse someone already highly stressed (assuming the circumstance you suggested). Coastguard or whoever can ask for further details once contact is made.
Mayday and vessel name is the vital part, and some simple instructions about PTT on the mike...
Alot of sets are DSC now anyway, of course, so its push the red button as a first priority.

 

[fisherman]

I included stuff like 'make sure it's on ch 16' 'release the transmit button'. You never know who might be trying to use it.

 

[johnalison]

Mine is double-sided; one for ordinary VHF and the other with instructions for a DSC emergency call. I just printed my own & got it laminated.

 

[WindFinder]

[ QUOTE ]
I think the key here is to get a transmission out on Ch 16 . Finding the position etc will probably only confuse someone already highly stressed (assuming the circumstance you suggested). Coastguard or whoever can ask for further details once contact is made.

[/ QUOTE ]

I so agree. I've always thought focusing on the ettiquet of the lengthy Mayday message is crazy.

If you get the fact you're in trouble, your position and maybe the assistance you require off on Ch16 then the CG can bollock you for poor ettiquet at their leisure when you're safe and sound.

You could replace the whole lengthy mayday with:
State Mayday.
State Position.

Then the CG or receiving vessel could take control and coax the further info they require out or - if the tranmission is cut short - at least they know where to go.

Would really take the pressure off someone who is already frightened.

 

[fireball]

[ QUOTE ]
I've always thought focusing on the ettiquet of the lengthy Mayday message is crazy.

[/ QUOTE ]
Yes, however as there is more than one reason for a Mayday, by including as much critical information as possible in the opening call you hope that your transmissions are heard and help is on its way before the radio goes dead .... nothing worse than shouting off a mayday and then not being able to fill the CG in on the detail because your power has gone.
However, I do concur - if you're unsure/panicking then a partial mayday is a good starting point. Even better if you have a DSC set and can just hit the red button ...

 

[futurama]

But...... standard Mayday call has to be made after 'Red Button' is acknowledged.

 

[CPD]

[ QUOTE ]
But...... standard Mayday call has to be made after 'Red Button' is acknowledged.

[/ QUOTE ]

After the red button is pressed, not acknowledged.

 

[ShipsWoofy]

Mine came with my ships radio licence I think, though it may have arrived with my personal licence or from the school, anyhoo, I acquired it from that.

Also in the reeds

Also law I think, like solas signals to have the vhf card by the radio (citation?)

 

[futurama]

eh?

 

[Csail]

Only brief i give my crew is this is the radio. press red button and press this ptt switch and tell the coastguard what you want, then a quick brief on lifejackets, liferaft and toilet. Oh and beer fridge!

 

[markdj]

I heard a MATDAY in French one time and me no really knowing French I was still able to understand most of it because the standard etiquette was used...

 

[futurama]

A MATDAY?

 

[roly_voya]

Ther is nothing like reading a calmly ordered statement of a card to quell panic. That is the whole point about emergency drill training, it converts panic into ordered routeen and as mark pionts out if you know what to expect its easier to hear even with poor reception.

 

[ctelfer38]

Spot on. Add that the receiver of the Mayday might not be a CG station; but another vessel/yacht who will be more able to follow and understand if the message is in sequence and has the necessary info in it - particularly the position. If the original poster has not taken the course/test for the operators licence - then he should do so. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif