Maritime Radio Use in the
VHF Frequency Range
Special Channel Assignments
Emergency Channel
If you are in imminent and grave danger at sea and require
emergency assistance, use VHF Channel 16 to send a
distress call to nearby vessels and the United States Coast
Guard. Transmit the following information, in this order:
1 “MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY.”
2 “THIS IS _____________________, CALL SIGN
__________.” State the name of the vessel in distress 3
times, followed by the call sign or other identification of
the vessel, stated 3 times.
3 Repeat “MAYDAY” and the name of the vessel.
4 “WE ARE LOCATED AT _______________________.”
State the position of the vessel in distress, using any
information that will help responders to locate you, e.g.:
• latitude and longitude
• bearing (state whether you are using true or
magnetic north)
• distance to a well-known landmark
• vessel course, speed or destination
5 State the nature of the distress.
6 Specify what kind of assistance you need.
7 State the number of persons on board and the number
needing medical attention, if any.
8 Mention any other information that would be helpful to
responders, such as type of vessel, vessel length and/or
tonnage, hull color, etc.
9 “OVER.”
10 Wait for a response.
11 If you do not receive an immediate response, remain by
the radio and repeat the transmission at intervals until
you receive a response. Be prepared to follow any
instructions given to you.
Non-Commercial Call Channel
For non-commercial transmissions, such as fishing reports,
rendezvous arrangements, repair scheduling, or berthing
information, use VHF Channel 9.
English
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