Distress Communications

For grave and imminent danger when assistance is required, send the VHF DSC distress alert on Channel 70 by pressing and holding the covered control until the set confirms it has sent. The alert identifies the vessel by MMSI and can include position and time when valid navigation data reaches the radio. It carries the selected nature of distress, or an undesignated distress if none was selected.

On receiving a DSC acknowledgement, or after about 15 seconds, transmit the voice distress call and message on Channel 16 when circumstances permit. Give MAYDAY three times, vessel name three times, call sign or other identity and MMSI, then repeat MAYDAY and give vessel identity, position, nature of distress, assistance required, number of people on board and other useful information before OVER.

PAN PAN is for an urgent concern about the safety of a person or vessel that does not meet the MAYDAY threshold. Current MCA small-boat guidance uses a DSC All Ships Urgency call with a nominated working channel, an announcement on Channel 16 and the full message on that working channel. Safety information follows the radio's supported safety-call procedure or a voice call on Channel 16 before moving as directed.

An EPIRB transmits a 406 MHz distress alert by satellite; GNSS-equipped units can include position. An EPIRB or 406 MHz PLB carried on a UK-registered ship or watercraft must be registered with the UK Beacon Registry and kept up to date. A radar SART is a close-range locating aid. VHF range depends strongly on antenna height, so use the appropriate available alerting and locating methods rather than assuming one device guarantees contact or immediate rescue.