Making Synapses · Bringing Knowledge to Mankind
NavalMaking a Mayday call by voice radio
The vessel is in distress. You take the radio and make the Mayday call exactly as the posted emergency instructions spell it out: the frequency, the words, the position, the people on board and how to listen for the answer. Making a voice radio distress call is one of the contingencies every crew drills each month, and an essential action someone must take in an emergency.
Free to startScenarios
- The monthly drill, run on board as if it were a real emergency.
- A person overboard who is not located right away.
- A fire the crew cannot control.
The steps
- Make sure the communication equipment is on.
- Select 156.8 MHz (VHF channel 16), 2182 kHz or the other distress frequency used in your area.
- Press the microphone button and, slowly, clearly and calmly, say: Mayday, Mayday, Mayday.
- Say: This is the M/V and the vessel's name three times, Over.
- Release the button briefly and listen for acknowledgment; if no one answers, repeat the Mayday and the vessel's name.
- If there is still no answer, or if the Coast Guard or another vessel responds, say: Mayday, this is the M/V and the vessel's name.
- Describe the position in latitude and longitude, or as range and bearing from a known point.
- State the nature of the distress.
- Give the number of people aboard and the nature of any injuries.
- Estimate the present seaworthiness of the vessel.
- Describe the vessel: length, color, hull type, trim, masts, power and any other distinguishing feature.
- Say: I will be listening on channel 16 or 2182, or the channel you will monitor.
- End the message with: This is, and the vessel's name and call sign.
- If the situation permits, stand by the radio for further communication with the Coast Guard or another vessel; if no answer, repeat, then try another channel.
Safety rules that stop the station
- VHF channel 16 and 2182 kHz on SSB are for emergency and calling purposes only.
To pass
- Mayday on the distress frequency, the vessel identified, position, nature of the distress, people aboard and injuries, seaworthiness, description, listening channel and call sign, all given.
- The distress call procedure is posted in the emergency instructions where the crew can see it.
- Every person on board drilled and instructed on making a voice radio distress call at least once a month.
Official source
U.S. Coast Guard · 46 CFR 28.265 and 28.270
46 CFR Part 28: Requirements for Commercial Fishing Industry Vessels (28.265 Emergency instructions, 28.270 Instruction, drills, and safety orientation)
The eCFR publishes 46 CFR Part 28 free: the emergency instructions every commercial fishing vessel posts, its lifesaving equipment and the monthly drills.
Making Synapses is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by the U.S. Coast Guard or any maritime authority. Regulations are named only to describe the content.