Distress Call

Are you in distress?

'Distress' means that a vessel, aircraft or person is in grave and imminent danger.
It does not (for instance) apply to a vessel which is disabled but is in no immediate danger, or to one which is aground but is likely to float off safely in a few hours time.

Radio Checklist

Check that the power is on (circuit breaker or main battery switch).

Switch the radio on.

Turn the volume well up.

Adjust the squelch control until the crackling noise just disappears.

Check that Dual Watch is switched OFF.

Turn to channel 16.

Switch to High Power.

Press the 'Press To Talk switch' (on the microphone or handset) to talk. Speak slowly and clearly, with the microphone about two inches from your mouth.

Don't shout.

Avoid jargon.

Send distress call.

Release the 'Press To Talk' switch to listen for a reply.

MAYDAY - MAYDAY - MAYDAY

THIS IS (the name of your boat) - (the name of your boat) - (the name of your boat)

DO NOT WAIT FOR A REPLY BUT CARRY ON WITH THE DISTRESS MESSAGE

MAYDAY - (the name of your boat)

Give you position. Ideally, give your direction and distance from a charted object (eg '185 degrees from Start Point, three miles'). Alternatively, give you latitude and longitude (as shown by GPS).

Briefly explain the problem (eg 'on fire', 'sinking', ''man overboard').

Request immediate assistance.

Give the number of people involved (don't discriminate between men, women and children and remember to include yourself!)

Give any other information which might help rescuers (such as a brief description of your boat)

OVER