Mayday vs Pan-Pan vs Sécurité

Marine safety & etiquette

Mayday vs Pan-Pan vs Sécurité

Exactly when to use each one on VHF Channel 16, how to say it, and what to do next (includes ready-to-read scripts).

On this page

Quick differences • Word-for-word scripts • Step-by-step procedure • Useful VHF channels • Etiquette & tips • FAQ

Quick differences at a glance

MAYDAY — Distress

Immediate danger to life or vessel. Use on Ch. 16. Expect Coast Guard & nearby boats to respond.

  • Fire, sinking, person overboard, medical emergency
  • Say “MAYDAY” three times, give position, nature, people on board
PAN-PAN — Urgency

Urgent but not life-threatening. Use on Ch. 16 to alert others; they may offer assistance.

  • Mechanical failure, low fuel, minor injury, drifting
  • Say “PAN-PAN” three times, then details
SÉCURITÉ — Safety

Safety information for others. Often to warn traffic or share hazards/notice to mariners.

  • Debris field, fog bank, dredging ops, nav hazard
  • Say “SÉCURITÉ” three times, then message

Copy-and-use scripts (Channel 16)

MAYDAY (Distress)

MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY. This is <vessel name>, <vessel name>, <vessel name>. My position is <lat/long or bearing & distance from known point>. We are experiencing <nature of distress: fire onboard / taking on water / person overboard / medical emergency>. We have <number> persons on board. We require immediate assistance. We are a <vessel type, color, length>. Over.

PAN-PAN (Urgency)

PAN-PAN, PAN-PAN, PAN-PAN. All stations, all stations, all stations. This is <vessel name>. My position is <lat/long or reference point>. We have <urgency: engine failure / disabled & drifting / minor injury>. Requesting non-emergency assistance and traffic awareness. Standing by on Channel 16. <vessel name>, out.

SÉCURITÉ (Safety)

SÉCURITÉ, SÉCURITÉ, SÉCURITÉ. All stations, all stations, all stations. This is <vessel name>. Safety message: <hazard/information: large logs adrift near inlet / visibility under 1 NM in fog / dredging ops>. Area: <location/range>. Advise caution. Standing by on Channel 16. <vessel name>, out.

Step-by-step: what to do (every time)

  1. Monitor 16. Listen first so you don’t talk over another call.
  2. Transmit the correct proword (Mayday / Pan-Pan / Sécurité) three times, then your vessel name three times.
  3. Give location (lat/long preferred; otherwise bearing & distance from a known landmark/buoy).
  4. Describe the situation clearly (concise, factual). Add people on board for Mayday.
  5. Await instructions. You may be asked to switch to a working channel (e.g., Ch. 22A with USCG).
  6. Keep 16 clear. Move to the working channel when told; return to 16 after.
Tip: If your radio supports DSC (Digital Selective Calling), lift the cover and press the red distress button for 3–5 seconds to send an automated distress with GPS position (if wired/embedded). Then make the voice call on 16.

Common VHF channels you’ll actually use

Channel Use Notes
16 (156.8 MHz) Distress, safety, calling Always monitored; hail first, then shift when directed.
22A (157.1 MHz) USCG working channel Often moved here after initial contact on 16.
13 (156.65 MHz) Bridge-to-bridge Navigation/meeting/passing arrangements for vessels.
9 (156.45 MHz) Secondary calling Common for marinas/locks/bridges in some areas.
68 / 69 / 71 / 72 / 78A Non-commercial working Recreational boat-to-boat chat once hailed on 16.
70 DSC (digital) No voice here; for DSC signaling only.

Etiquette that keeps everyone safe

  • Be brief, clear, and calm. Plain language beats jargon.
  • Identify yourself and listen. Avoid stepping on other traffic.
  • Keep 16 clear. Shift to a working channel for conversations.
  • No profanity or false distress calls. Both are illegal.
  • Practice. Do a radio check on an appropriate working channel—not on 16.

VHF Radios | Antennas | Antenna Mounts | Handheld VHF

⬅ Back to Home
This guide is for general boating safety education. Always follow current Coast Guard, FCC, and local authority rules for your waters.