Most-Searched Marine Emergency Keywords

Marine Safety • Quick Reference

Most-Searched Marine Emergency Keywords

Know what people look up in urgent moments—and exactly what to do first. Quick definitions, actions, and official resources.

MAYDAY (Ch. 16)

Distress • Life in danger

Use for fire, sinking, MOB, severe medical emergency.

Action: Hail on VHF 16; if DSC-equipped, send distress (Ch. 70) then voice Mayday.
PAN-PAN (Ch. 16)

Urgency • Not life-threatening

Disabled/drifting, minor injury, low fuel, lost in fog.

Action: “PAN-PAN” ×3, give position & situation, await instructions to move to a working channel (often 22A).
SÉCURITÉ (Safety)

Broadcast safety info

Hazards, dredging ops, debris, visibility warnings.

Action: “SÉCURITÉ” ×3; state hazard, area, and advice. Monitor 16.
“Channel 16 rules”

Calling & watchkeeping

Keep 16 clear for distress/safety/calling; move when directed.

Action: Hail on 16 → shift to 22A (USCG) or 68/69/71/72/78A.
“DSC distress / Channel 70”

Digital Selective Calling

Ch. 70 is DSC only (no voice); sends MMSI + GPS.

Action: Program MMSI, wire GPS; hold red distress 3–5s.
“EPIRB / PLB 406 MHz”

Beacons & registration

406 MHz alerts satellites & SAR; U.S. beacons register w/ NOAA.

Action: Register/update beacon info; test/mount per manual.
“VHF working channels”

Move off 16

Recreational working: 68/69/71/72/78A; bridge-to-bridge: 13.

Action: Use appropriate working channel for conversations.
“Marine forecast / small craft advisory”

Weather hazards

Use NWS Marine for zone/point forecasts & warnings.

Action: Check before departure; monitor NOAA Weather Radio.

Helpful Tips

  • Monitor VHF 16 underway; keep calls brief and calm.
  • Know your position in lat/long or bearing & distance.
  • Wire GPS to your VHF (or use built-in GPS) for DSC accuracy.
  • Register EPIRB/PLB and keep contact info current.
  • Practice scripts so they’re easy under stress.
  • Share a float plan and set a check-in time.

Official U.S. Resources

USCG: Radio Information for Boaters

Distress call format, Channel 16, DSC basics.

USCG: U.S. VHF Channel Information

What each channel is for (16, 13, 22A, 68/69/71/72/78A).

U.S. Coast Guard — Contact

Emergency guidance: VHF-FM Ch. 16 or 911 near shore.

NWS Marine Portal

Zone & point forecasts, advisories, hazards.

NOAA SARSAT: Register Your Beacon

Why/how to register EPIRB/PLB (free).

NOAA Beacon Registration Portal

Update and manage your beacon registration.

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Educational guidance only. Follow the latest directives from the USCG, FCC, NOAA/NWS, and local authorities.