So you have a marine band radio, let's find out how to use that same radio to call for HELP in an emergency.
An emergency call is addressed to any and all stations (other radios) within your transmitting range. Channel 16 is the Emergency Broadcast Channel. When an emergency transmission is made, all other radio traffic should cease immediately!
There are three levels of emergency calls.
First Level Emergency:
The "distress" signal is "MAYDAY". This word should be said three (3) times: "MAYDAY - MAYDAY - MAYDAY!" This signal is to be used only when there is grave danger (you're gonna die) to your crew or your boat.
Second Level Emergency:
The "urgency" signal is "Pan-Pan" (pronounced "pon-pon").
- This should be stated three (3) times: "PAN-PAN - PAN-PAN - PAN-PAN!". This signal should be used when you have a serious, but not life threatening, situation that requires assistance. Some examples are serious illness or injury to a crewmember, or if the captain himself becomes incapacitated. Running out of gas is not a Pan-Pan situation, unless you are in danger of being swept ashore in high seas.
Third Level Emergency:
The "safety" signal is "Security" (pronounced as "SAY-CURE-IT-TAY").
- This word should also be said three (3) times: "SECURITY - SECURITY - SECURITY!". This signal should be used to warn of conditions that may affect boaters in that area. Some examples are storm warnings, hazards to navigation (such as a huge log or other objects that could damage a boat) or alerts from large ships when they are going to be in a narrow channel. ("Security - Security - Security, this is the car ferry Badger. We will be at the Ludington pier head in 20 minutes.")
As an aside, while you are calling for help, the rest of the crew should be doing whatever they can do to attract attention for help - signaling with distress flags, flares, orange smoke, waving both arms up and down at their sides, etc. - although, heaven help us, it sometimes seems that scantily-clad dancers and a flashing neon "Free Beer" sign might get your vessel noticed more quickly.
Now, let's talk about the information that an emergency rescue service needs from you when you are calling in a MAYDAY:
- Your vessel's name, repeated 3 times.
- The position of your boat! The importance of knowing where you are at all times can't be overemphasized. Keep track of the course you are steering, how much time has passed since you left your departure point and your speed. If you have a GPS, use its latitude & longitude coordinates. If you don't know how to do any of these things, get a book or take a boating class as soon as possible. I've listened to people in real trouble who, when asked what their position was, said things such as "I'm off the coast of New Jersey" or "I'm kinda north of Manistee". One guy, when asked what his position was, said "I'm Senior Vice-President of the _______ Bank." Never waste time in this situation! Remember no one can help you if they don't know where you are.
- The nature of your problem.
- The number of persons on board and if there are any injuries.
- A description of your boat, meaning its size, color, type of design, manufacturer, etc.
The description of your boat and its location are the only means that the Coast Guard has of locating you at the present time. A new system is being implemented that automatically transmits your position, boat name and description when you press the emergency button. But, as of this writing, the USCG does not have this type of equipment available in all locations. My best guess is that the system should be complete and in place by maybe 2005 or 2006. So, my point is, you've got to know where you are!!
In closing, would everyone please repeat The Golden Rule of Marine Radiotelephones after me: "Operate your radio as you would have others do. Remember it is our radio service and our lives might depend on it."
