MARINE RADIO EMERGENCY GUIDE · UPDATED 2026

Mayday vs Pan-Pan vs Sécurité

Use the correct VHF marine radio call for the level of danger: Mayday for grave and imminent danger, Pan-Pan for urgent situations that are not yet life-threatening, and Sécurité for important navigation or weather safety information.

Boater making a Mayday Pan-Pan or Securite call on a marine VHF radio

Mayday

Use for: grave and imminent danger to life or vessel.

Examples include sinking, fire, uncontrolled flooding, man overboard with immediate danger, or a life-threatening medical emergency.

Pan-Pan

Use for: an urgent situation that needs assistance but is not yet a Mayday.

Examples include disabling mechanical failure near hazards, being lost in poor visibility, or a non-life-threatening injury requiring help.

Sécurité

Use for: important safety information for other vessels.

Examples include floating debris, navigation hazards, dangerous visibility, or a significant local weather warning.

DSC and Channel 16: the important distinction

DSC distress alerts use Channel 70 for digital distress signaling. The red DISTRESS control is for grave and imminent danger. After sending a DSC distress alert, follow with the Mayday voice call on VHF Channel 16.

Do not use the red DISTRESS control simply because you are making a Pan-Pan or Sécurité voice call. For Pan-Pan or Sécurité, use the appropriate voice procedure and consult your radio manual for any DSC urgency or safety calling features.

Mayday voice call

  1. Say “Mayday, Mayday, Mayday.”
  2. Say “This is” followed by your vessel name and call sign or other identification.
  3. Give your position as accurately as possible.
  4. State the nature of the distress and the assistance required.
  5. State the number of people aboard and any other information rescuers need.
  6. Describe the vessel, then say “Over” and listen for a response.

Pan-Pan voice call

  1. Say “Pan-Pan, Pan-Pan, Pan-Pan.”
  2. Address “All stations” or the station you are calling.
  3. Identify your vessel and give your position.
  4. Explain the urgent problem and the assistance needed.
  5. Give relevant details, then say “Over.”

Sécurité safety call

  1. Say “Sécurité, Sécurité, Sécurité.”
  2. Address “All stations.”
  3. Identify your station or vessel.
  4. State the location and nature of the navigation or weather hazard.
  5. Keep the message concise and follow applicable Coast Guard procedures.

Common mistakes that slow down help

  • Using Mayday for a problem that is urgent but not grave and imminent.
  • Failing to give a usable position.
  • Talking continuously without allowing time for acknowledgment.
  • Relying on GPS/DSC without properly configuring the radio and MMSI.
  • Waiting too long to escalate from Pan-Pan to Mayday when the situation becomes life-threatening.

Frequently asked questions

What VHF channel is used for a Mayday voice call?

VHF Channel 16 is the international distress, safety, and calling channel used for the Mayday voice procedure.

What channel does DSC use?

Marine VHF DSC signaling uses Channel 70. A DSC distress alert does not replace the follow-up Mayday voice call on Channel 16.

Can a Pan-Pan become a Mayday?

Yes. If an urgent situation deteriorates into grave and imminent danger, escalate to Mayday.

Safety note: This guide is general information, not a substitute for official Coast Guard procedures or certified marine-radio training. Follow your radio manufacturer's instructions and current U.S. Coast Guard guidance.

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