Mayday vs Pan-Pan vs Sécurité: Marine Radio Emergency Guide

Mayday vs Pan-Pan vs Sécurité

 

Three priority levels for serious marine radio traffic. Use the right one to get the right response fast—without clogging Channel 16.

Emergency calls work better with the right gear

Pair emergency call knowledge with a ready VHF setup and a layered safety plan.

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Gear that matters when the call is serious

A clear radio and a real beacon matter more than theory when trouble starts.

Handheld VHF Picks EPIRB vs PLB Picks

Mayday = grave and imminent danger.

Pan-Pan = urgent assistance needed, not yet life-threatening.

Sécurité = safety broadcast (hazards / warnings) to all stations.

These terms are internationally recognized and used over VHF Channel 16. The goal is simple: communicate urgency clearly so other stations (and rescue services) prioritize correctly.

When to use each one

Mayday — grave and imminent danger

Use Mayday when life or the vessel is in immediate danger.

  • Sinking / capsizing / uncontrolled flooding
  • Fire onboard or explosion risk
  • Man overboard with immediate risk
  • Life-threatening medical emergency requiring urgent evacuation
  • Collision or grounding with imminent danger

Pan-Pan — urgent, not immediately life-threatening

Use Pan-Pan when you need assistance quickly, but it is not (yet) a Mayday.

  • Mechanical failure drifting toward hazards
  • Lost in fog / unsure of position
  • Injury needing help but not immediate evacuation
  • Fuel shortage while stable

Sécurité — safety broadcast (hazard warning)

Use Sécurité to warn other vessels about hazards or dangerous conditions.

  • Hazards to navigation (floating debris, unlit object, derelict vessel)
  • Severe weather warning in a defined area
  • Restricted visibility (dense fog) with location details

DSC distress procedure (Channel 70 + voice on 16)

DSC uses Channel 70 for data alerts (no voice). After sending DSC, you still make the voice call on Channel 16.

  1. Send DSC distress alert (hold red DISTRESS button per your radio’s instructions).
  2. Go to Channel 16.
  3. Transmit the matching voice call (Mayday / Pan-Pan / Sécurité).

Mayday voice call script

  1. “Mayday, Mayday, Mayday”
  2. “This is [vessel name]” (repeat 3x)
  3. Position (lat/long or bearing/range)
  4. Nature of distress
  5. Assistance needed
  6. Persons on board
  7. Vessel description
  8. “Over”

Pan-Pan Voice Call Script

  1. "Pan-Pan, Pan-Pan, Pan-Pan"
  2. "All stations" or specific station (e.g., "Coast Guard Group [name]")
  3. "This is [vessel name]" (say once)
  4. Position (lat/long or bearing/range from known landmark)
  5. Nature of urgency
  6. Assistance needed
  7. Persons on board and vessel description
  8. "Over"

Sécurité Broadcast Script

  1. "Sécurité, Sécurité, Sécurité"
  2. "All stations"
  3. "This is [vessel name or Coast Guard station]"
  4. Location of hazard
  5. Nature of hazard (e.g., debris, shoaling, restricted visibility)
  6. "Out"

What Happens After Your Mayday Call

  1. Coast Guard or nearby vessels will respond on Channel 16 acknowledging receipt.
  2. The Coast Guard may direct you to a working channel (typically 22A) for detailed communications.
  3. Provide any additional information requested: vessel description, number of persons on board, nature of emergency, medical status.
  4. If you sent a DSC alert, your position is already transmitted — the Coast Guard will confirm receipt.
  5. Keep the radio on Channel 16. Follow all Coast Guard instructions precisely.
  6. If abandoning ship, take the VHF handheld with you. A floating EPIRB or PLB becomes your primary beacon.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Saying "Mayday" for a non-life-threatening situation — use Pan-Pan instead. False Mayday calls are a federal offense.
  • Not giving position — without a position, rescuers don't know where to go. Always give lat/long or bearing/distance from a known landmark.
  • Transmitting and not waiting — say "Over" and wait for acknowledgment. Don't keep transmitting without pause.
  • Low power — always transmit Mayday and Pan-Pan at full power (25W fixed, 6W handheld).
  • Forgetting DSC — if your radio has a DSC distress button and is connected to GPS, use it first — it transmits your position automatically before you make the voice call.

IMPORTANT SAFETY DISCLAIMER

This content is for general informational purposes only and is not professional maritime safety training or emergency response instruction. Follow official Coast Guard guidance, NOAA advisories, and certified training. In an emergency, contact the Coast Guard on VHF Channel 16 or call 911.

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