In addition to the non-emergency marine radio calling done from boat to boat (bridge, marina, etc.), the Federal Communications Commission has set forth a strict protocol for emergency radio use. First, in order of priority come distress calls, which are used when grave danger threatens human life or the safety of the vessel. Distress calls always begin with the word Mayday spoken three times. Mayday is a corruption of the French term M’aidez, meaning, “help me!” After repeating it three times, the calling vessel should give its location, including coordinates if possible; the nature of the distress and type of help needed; number of persons on board and number injured, if any; and a description of the vessel. Listen carefully for a response, and if none is received repeat the message. Be prepared to go to channel 22 if the Coast Guard requests you to do so. It is a good idea to prepare a small card to be carried on the boat showing exactly what to say, since Mayday situations are usually accompanied by a high level of stress.

If the Coast Guard orders all vessels to cease using their radios, you will hear, “Silence Mayday,” (see-lonce Mayday) When it is again okay to use your radio, the Coast Guard will broadcast, “Silence fini,” (see-lonce fee-nee), meaning the need for silence is finished.

 Next in priority are Urgency calls, which are used where life is not threatened but assistance is required for illness, injury or incapacity to operate the vessel. These messages begin with the words Pan-Pan, pronounced “Pahn-pahn,” and then use the same format as Mayday calls.

 The last on the priority list is the Securite (se-coo-ri-tay) message, which is intended to warn other vessels of hazards or other dangerous conditions. A Securite message should always include instructions to all boats to switch to an intership (working) channel, such as 68, 69, 71 or 78. 

 If you hear a distress or urgency message, continue to listen to see if the Coast Guard responds. If they do not and you hear the message again, you should respond, acknowledge the message, and offer to help by relaying the message to the Coast Guard or other vessels. Prompt action on your part may mean the difference between life and death.