MAYDAY Procedure

Byadmin

The maritime environment can be a fantastic playground to sail in. But is can also be a challenging and dangerous place. Knowing how to make a MAYDAY call is an important skill for you as a skipper.

It should only be used in case of grave imminent danger. That would be a risk to life or vessel, such as a fire onboard, man overboard or potential sinking.

Radio Preparation

  1. Ensure that the radio is switched on.
  2. Lift the cover of the RED distress button.
  3. Press the RED distress button ONCE and release.
  4. Use the keys to scroll to the distress message (Fire, MOB, Sinking…)
  5. Press and Hold the Red Button for 5 seconds to send.

Voice Message

Now transmit on the radio:

MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY

THIS IS ‘Vessel Name’, ‘Vessel Name’, ‘Vessel Name’, MAYDAY

MAYDAY THIS IS ‘Vessel Name’

MMSI ‘Number’

MY POSITION IS – LAT & LOG or BRG and RANGE from a distinctive point.

WE ARE ‘Nature of the Emergency’

I NEED IMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE

THERE ARE ‘Number’ PERSONS ON BOARD

Add additional information if relevant.

OVER

Hopefully you will been overheard by a rescue co-ordination centre or another vessel and help is on its way.

It is worth practicing this procedure so that you are familiar if the time ever comes.