Mayday, Pan-Pan and Securité: Emergency Radio Calls
This content is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional maritime safety advice, navigation guidance, or emergency response training. Always follow official Coast Guard regulations, NOAA weather advisories, manufacturer instructions, and certified training programs. In emergencies, contact the Coast Guard immediately on VHF Channel 16 or call 911. Sonark Marine is an authorized retailer of marine electronics and does not provide professional maritime certification, safety training, or emergency response services.
What this page answers: "how to make a Mayday call", Mayday vs Pan-Pan vs Securité, DSC distress procedure (Channel 70 + voice on Channel 16), what to say (position/lat-long, nature of distress, POB), and the short script you can read under stress.
Three priority levels exist for serious marine radio traffic: Mayday, Pan-Pan, and Securité. Understanding when to use each call type can save lives and prevent channel congestion during actual emergencies. Get them wrong and you either undercall real trouble or clog the emergency frequency when others desperately need it.
Understanding the Three Priority Levels
The maritime distress communication system uses French-origin terms recognized internationally on VHF Channel 16 and other emergency frequencies. Each signal type has specific use cases and legal implications under international maritime law.
Mayday – Grave and Imminent Danger
Definition: Mayday indicates immediate danger to human life or the vessel itself.
Use Mayday when:
- Vessel is sinking, capsizing, or taking on water uncontrollably
- Fire onboard
- Man overboard with immediate risk
- Medical emergency requiring immediate evacuation
- Collision or grounding with imminent danger
Pan-Pan – Urgent but Not Life-Threatening
Definition: Pan-Pan indicates an urgent situation affecting vessel safety, but not immediate danger to life.
Use Pan-Pan when:
- Mechanical failure drifting toward hazards
- Lost in fog or low visibility
- Injuries requiring assistance but not immediate evacuation
- Fuel shortage while still afloat and stable
Securité – Safety Information Broadcast
Definition: Securité is used for important safety warnings to all stations.
Use Securité for:
- Hazards to navigation (floating debris, derelict vessels)
- Severe weather warnings
- Restricted visibility warnings in a specific area
How to Make a Proper Mayday Call (Voice)
Use VHF Channel 16. Speak slowly and clearly. If your radio supports DSC and is properly configured, send DSC distress first (Channel 70 data), then make the voice call on Channel 16.
Mayday Call Script (Read This)
- "Mayday, Mayday, Mayday" (three times establishes priority)
- "This is [vessel name], [vessel name], [vessel name]"
- "Mayday [vessel name]"
- Position: Latitude/longitude or distance and bearing from known landmark
- Nature of distress: "Taking on water," "Fire onboard," "Man overboard," etc.
- Type of assistance required: Pump, tow, rescue, medical evacuation
- Number of persons on board
- Description of vessel: Length, type, color, distinctive features
- Any other relevant information
- "Over"
Example Mayday Call
"Mayday, Mayday, Mayday. This is Sea Breeze, Sea Breeze, Sea Breeze. Mayday Sea Breeze. Position 29 degrees 32.5 minutes North, 90 degrees 05.2 minutes West. We are taking on water and sinking. Require immediate assistance. Four persons on board wearing life jackets. 24-foot white center console with blue stripe. Over."
Pan-Pan Call Script
Use the same structure but replace "Mayday" with "Pan-Pan" and state the urgent problem.
Securité Broadcast Script
Open with "Securité" three times, identify yourself, then describe the hazard or warning clearly with location details.