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Guide to Onboard Radio Etiquette

Patrick Levitzke is from Port Macquarie, Australia. He left in 2019 to begin yachting, and found his first job on a private 82-foot Horizon, cruising the U.S. East Coast, with just the captain. Currently, he’s a deckhand on a 210-foot private yacht and has plans to complete his 200-ton license this year.

The radio is perhaps one of the most valuable and often overlooked tools in every crewmember’s toolkit. It’s a highway for communication and information across the vessel. Knowing how best to use it will serve you and your crewmembers well and ensure peak guest experience.

Proper radio etiquette can be broken down into two parts: Ensuring proper radio function and maintenance and the communication being delivered and received.

Ensuring Proper Radio Function: You and your trusty radio may often find yourselves in inclement climates. Check for corrosion, bent antennas, and water in the speaker. If it has suffered a salty tender ride, remember to rinse it afterwards with freshwater — otherwise it may not see the end of charter.

When transmitting, remember you’re on loudspeaker throughout the vessel. If in a leadership position or head of department, as the saying goes, “Praise in public and give discipline/feedback in private; never over the radio.” 

As you go about your day (and night), be aware of your battery, volume, and channel. If any of these three are out, you’re running deaf to the vessel happenings. This especially becomes important before undertaking any kind of docking, fire drills, or tender operations where clear lines of communication are a must.

If your vessel doesn’t have them already, invest in radio lanyards that are able to hook onto your belt loops. It will save many would-be radio-overboard incidents, as well as preventing dents on deck and having to get that infamous clothing iron out.

As a final touch, turn down your radio when guests are about. It’ll make it that much easier for them to enjoy those aft deck sunsets if they’re not overhearing the endless logistics of crew.

Communication Delivery: When carefully constructing your message, include vital info:

/ What are the actions/information you’re requesting?

/ What actions/information are you conveying?

The goal is to make communication as clear and concise as possible. It’s a get-from-point-A-to-B type of deal; distinctly different than having a conversation. Identify who you’re addressing, then await confirmation that your intended recipient(s) are listening. Most radios will have a slight delay between when you press the button to transmit and transmission, so give it half a second before you start speaking to avoid those, “Sorry, could you repeat” moments.

• 101 Words You Need to Know as Crew

If you’re being given information — perhaps along the lines of “Guests are requesting three snack-packs, books from their cabin, and a bottle of wine with ice” — repeat that information back before acting on it to ensure both parties have the information correct.

As a final touch, turn down your radio when guests are about. 

When transmitting, remember you’re on loudspeaker throughout the vessel. If in a leadership position or head of department, as the saying goes, “Praise in public and give discipline/feedback in private; never over the radio.” When on charter, always assume guests will hear what you have to say over the radio. If it’s banter, make sure it’s family friendly.

While the humble radio is often overlooked, it plays a central part to any vessel. It’s entertaining to think of how you would run any modern superyacht without them.

This article originally ran in the August 2021 issue of Dockwalk.

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How To Talk On A Marine VHF Radio [Radio Etiquette]

What is the correct way of talking on a marine VHF radio? You must use the proper channel for the given situations, communications must follow protocol, and the right language and terminology must be used for every transmission.

A key aspect of being at sea is safety . A VHF marine radio is a means of communication for all situations, particularly emergencies.

And in urgent situations, the last thing you want is for your calls to be lost in translation.

Talking on a VHF marine radio requires you to use the correct channels relative to your needs and know how to communicate your location. Using appropriate vocabulary, knowledge of the NATO (phonetic) alphabet, and following step-by-step protocol for conveying messages is vital.

When using VHF radios for marine communication , finding a channel, tuning in, and starting a conversation is not straightforward.

Below, I will explain the correct procedure , the language and terminology used while talking on a marine VHF radio, the appropriate channels , and what is considered bad etiquette .

How Should You Talk On A Marine VHF Radio?

First of all, you should be aware of who can use a marine VHF , and then you can follow protocol for VHF radio comms at sea.

This is true for emergencies and other communication. The steps are listed below for non-emergency-related communications. 

1️⃣ Identify Your Needs

Why are you trying to establish communication? Even for non-urgent matters, you must know the best and most concise way to verbalize your needs via marine VHF radio.

2️⃣ Identify Your Point Of Contact

Who are you trying to communicate with? This may be another vessel, the marina, or anyone else in the vicinity with a VHF radio.

You also cannot make a general call to anyone in particular and hope for a response. This is not only bad etiquette but also an incorrect procedure. A call must be made to a specific station or vessel.

3️⃣ Call Your Point Of Contact

Use VHF channel 09 to establish initial contact, and be sure to use the correct contact call sign. Be sure to repeat their station name three times, followed by “this is” and your vessel’s name, and end by saying “OVER” and wait for a response.

When contact has been made, move the conversation to the “working” channel and continue.

📻 Example:  “Port Royal, Port Royal, Port Royal. This is The Black Pearl. Over”

4️⃣ Identify Yourself

Once your conversation has been moved to a mutually agreed working channel, repeat the first part of step three by saying the station name three times and your vessel’s

5️⃣ Communicate Your Needs

Communicate your needs with the other contact clearly and use the correct terminology, call signs, numbering, and NATO alphabet if required.

6️⃣ Communicate Your Location

Make the location of your vessel known. An approximate location can be given by providing distance and bearing from the nearest landmark.

If you have a GPS, then provide your contact with the coordinates. Exact coordinates only need to be provided in an emergency situation. If moving, then give your heading and your speed in knots.

7️⃣ Wait For A Response

Communication may be slow or stagnant in some instances. If no further response or contact has been made after fifteen minutes, return to channel 09 and repeat the process until a stable line of communication has been established.

8️⃣ Communicate Further Information If Required

When conversing with the contact, provide any further information required by the other vessel or enquire about anything that needs further clarification from your end.

9️⃣ Sign Off And End Communication

When ending a VHF radio call and leaving a specific channel, do not say “OUT”. End the communication by saying, ” Standing by on one (1) six (6)”.

🔟Proceed As Instructed

After you have made contact and communicated your needs, you are free to set sail as you were.

How To Make An Urgent Or Emergency Call On Marine VHF Radio

Distress or emergency calls made on marine VHF radios can change the predicament that you may find yourself in for the better or worse.

Follow the steps below to ensure that your call gets heard, understood, and responded to in time:

1️⃣ Identify the type of emergency you are in. Will you be using “Mayday,” “Securité,” or “pan-pan”? These terms are clarified in the table further down.

2️⃣ Tune your radio to channel 16

3️⃣ Repeat your signal three times. (e.g., ” Mayday. Mayday. Mayday”)

4️⃣ Next, follow with “This is” once, and your vessel name repeated three times.

5️⃣ State your position or location

6️⃣ State what kind of situation you are in (e.g., sinking)

7️⃣ Clarify how many people are on board the vessel and also if any require medical attention

8️⃣ Specify the kind of assistance you would need.

9️⃣ Say “over” once you are done communicating your requirements, but stay near the radio for as long as possible.

🚨 Example of a distress call: “Mayday! Mayday! Mayday! This is The Black Pearl, The Black Pearl, The Black Pearl. I am 5 miles east of Davy Jones’ Locker. We are sinking. Seven people are on board. Over.”

🗣️ Marine VHF Lingo: What It Means And When To Use It

Specific words, codes, phrases, and numbers must be utilized while talking on a marine VHF radio.

Speaking over the radio in your everyday vernacular will confuse people and will likely not be taken seriously. Furthermore, you could end up with a citation or a fine.

Specific Words To Use While Talking On A Marine VHF Radio:

• Mayday: used for distress calls. Only to be used in grave and imminent danger.
• Pan-pan: used for potentially dangerous situations but not yet at “mayday” level.
• Securité: used to alert and bring attention to nearby boaters of something. Such as urgent marine information broadcasts.
• Affirmative: used instead of “yes.”
• Negative: used instead of “no.”
• WILCO: used to say “will confirm.”
• Roger: indicative of agreement and compliance
• Over: indicates the end of the transmission message
• Hear/ read/ copy: shows that your transmission has been heard
• Stand by: end transmission, but continue to monitor channel
• Repeat: repeat the last transmission

The NATO Alphabet And How To Use It On A Marine VHF Radio

When required to spell out something, the traditional ABCs you learned in school will be useless here.

At sea, the NATO alphabet is utilized with “I spell” prefacing the word. So, for example, if you were to spell out “whale,” the communication would go as follows: “I spell Whisky, Hotel, Alpha, Lima, Echo.”

The same applies to any letters of the alphabet that need to be relayed. “A” would be Alpha, “B” would be Bravo, and so on.

The Proper Way To Communicate Numbers Over Marine VHF Radio

The numerical system only goes from 0-9 in maritime communications. Therefore, numbers above 9 will be conveyed by first saying “figures” and then the individual numbers.

So if you wanted to say 35 (thirty-five), it would be said as “figures three five.”

Marine VHF Channels: What They Are For And When To Use It

Below are some examples of the channels that are most important and frequently used for maritime communications.

Channel 09 is not to be used for conversational purposes. Instead, it is there to make initial contact after you move to a working channel, such as 68.

You can also check out The United States National Cast Guard’s complete list of channels and what they are used for.

Bad Etiquette When Talking On A Marine VHF Radio

Being at sea is a risk within itself. It is, therefore, important that the rules of maritime communication are respected and adhered to.

Communicating via marine VHF radio is no exception. The items listed below are considered bad etiquette and can lead to the perpetrator being fined.

• Swearing. Keep in mind these channels are open and can be heard by anyone.
• Not releasing the push-to-talk button.
• Using casual language or language that does not follow marine protocol.
• Not monitoring emergency channels and other important ones for the area.
• Having a casual conversation on an emergency or working channel.
• Making a fake distress call.

Frequently Asked

How do you call a coast guard on vhf.

• Try to remain calm
• Turn your radio channel to 16
• Say “coast guard” three times, followed by “this is” and the name of your vessel
• State your location
• State your emergency
• Describe your needs

📢: The Coast Guard can only be contacted in an emergency or urgent situation.

How Do I Make A VHF Call?

1️⃣ Switch on the VHF unit and adjust the “squelch” until there is no more static

2️⃣ Do a radio check , but not on emergency channels. “open channels” such as 68, 69, and 72 can be used for radio checks.

3️⃣ Repeat “radio check” three times, followed by the name and location of your vessel.

4️⃣ Await confirmation from another station that your call has been heard and that your VHF radio is in working order.

5️⃣ Proceed to use the correct channels and terminology to communicate your needs.

You can also check out the YouTube video posted by Sailing Vagabond Epicurean featuring an interview with a US Coast Guard outlining basic procedures and information.

What Is A Push-To-Talk System?

Push-to-talk communication refers to a system whereby a button needs to be pushed to switch between voice reception and voice transmissions. This is a two-way communication mode, but only one person may speak at a time.

📃 Final Words

Understanding and using the correct terminology at sea is vital in boating, especially when communicating with other vessels via marine VHF radios.

Remember the most important channels for emergencies (09, 16, 1022) and the terms you would use for each situation.

If you would feel more comfortable having a “cheat sheet” of numbers and terms near your VHF radio, then, by all means, have one!

Be sure to brush up on the NATO alphabet, register your VHF radio , and familiarize yourself with the terminology so that your transmissions are copied loud and clear!

Written by:

I’m the founder and chief editor here at Sailing Savvy. I spent a decade working as a professional mariner and currently, I mix those experiences with digital publishing. Welcome, and I hope that we can be the hub you need for safe passage.

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The importance of proper radio etiquette

Effective radio communication is crucial for safety and efficiency while sailing the open seas. Discover the importance of proper radio etiquette and how it can save lives in our latest blog post.

The Importance of Proper Radio Etiquette

Sailing the open seas with your family is an incredible experience, but it’s essential to stay connected and communicate effectively with other vessels and authorities. One of the most critical aspects of communication at sea is proper radio etiquette. In this article, we’ll explore the importance of radio etiquette, the different types of marine radios, and how to use them effectively and responsibly.

Table of Contents

Why radio etiquette matters, satellite radios, making a call, receiving a call, emergency calls, radio etiquette tips.

Proper radio etiquette is crucial for several reasons:

• Safety: Clear and concise communication can prevent misunderstandings and accidents. In an emergency, proper radio usage can save lives.
• Efficiency: Using the correct procedures and language helps ensure that your message is understood quickly and accurately, reducing the need for repetition and clarification.
• Courtesy: Marine radios are a shared resource, and following proper etiquette shows respect for other users and helps maintain a positive atmosphere on the airwaves.

Types of Marine Radios

There are three main types of marine radios used for communication at sea: VHF, SSB, and satellite radios. Each has its advantages and limitations, so it’s essential to understand their differences and choose the right one for your needs.

Very High Frequency (VHF) radios are the most common type of marine radio and are used primarily for short-range communication between vessels and coastal stations. VHF radios operate on a line-of-sight basis, meaning their range is limited by the curvature of the Earth and any obstacles in the way. In general, VHF radios have a range of about 20-60 nautical miles, depending on the height of the antenna and atmospheric conditions.

VHF radios use designated channels for different purposes, such as hailing other vessels, communicating with marinas, or contacting the Coast Guard. Some channels are reserved for specific uses, like Channel 16, which is the international distress, safety, and calling frequency.

Single Sideband (SSB) radios are used for long-range communication and can reach distances of up to several thousand miles. SSB radios use High Frequency (HF) bands, which allow signals to bounce off the Earth’s ionosphere and travel much further than VHF signals. SSB radios are more complex and expensive than VHF radios, but they’re essential for cruisers who venture far from shore and need to stay in touch with other vessels, weather stations, and emergency services.

Satellite radios use satellites to relay signals between users, providing global coverage and reliable communication regardless of location. Satellite phones and devices like the Iridium GO! allow sailors to make voice calls, send text messages, and access the internet from anywhere in the world. While satellite communication is the most reliable and versatile option, it’s also the most expensive, with high upfront costs for equipment and ongoing subscription fees for service.

Basic Radio Procedures

Regardless of the type of radio you’re using, there are some basic procedures and etiquette rules to follow when making and receiving calls.

• Choose the appropriate channel: Consult your radio’s channel guide or a local cruising guide to determine the correct channel for your intended purpose. Remember that some channels are reserved for specific uses, like Channel 16 for distress and safety calls.
• Listen before transmitting: Before making a call, listen to the channel for a few moments to ensure it’s not already in use. Interrupting an ongoing conversation is considered rude and can cause confusion.
• Speak clearly and slowly: When you’re ready to make your call, press the transmit button and speak directly into the microphone. Use a clear, calm voice and speak slowly to ensure your message is understood.
• Identify yourself and the recipient: Begin your call by stating the name of the vessel or station you’re calling, followed by your own vessel’s name. Repeat this process three times to ensure it’s heard and understood.
• Wait for a response: Release the transmit button and wait for the other party to respond. If you don’t receive a reply within a reasonable time, try your call again.
• Acknowledge the call: When you hear your vessel’s name being called, press the transmit button and respond with your vessel’s name, followed by the word “over” to indicate you’re waiting for their message.
• Listen carefully: Pay close attention to the caller’s message and take notes if necessary. If you need clarification, ask them to repeat the information.
• Respond appropriately: Once you’ve received the message, reply with any necessary information or confirm that you’ve understood their message. End your response with the word “over” to indicate you’re finished speaking.

In an emergency, proper radio usage can be the difference between life and death. Follow these steps to make an emergency call:

• Switch to Channel 16: Channel 16 is the international distress, safety, and calling frequency. In an emergency, switch to this channel and listen for a moment to ensure it’s not already in use.
• Send a distress signal: Press the transmit button and clearly state “MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY” followed by your vessel’s name and position. Repeat this process three times.
• Describe the emergency: After sending the distress signal, provide details about the nature of the emergency, the number of people on board, and any other relevant information.
• Wait for a response: Release the transmit button and wait for a response from the Coast Guard or another vessel. If you don’t receive a reply within a reasonable time, repeat your distress call.
• Use plain language and avoid jargon or slang. While some nautical terms are widely understood, it’s best to stick to clear, simple language to ensure your message is understood.
• Keep your conversations brief and to the point. Marine radios are a shared resource, and lengthy conversations can tie up channels and prevent others from using them.
• Avoid using profanity or engaging in arguments on the radio. Treat other users with respect and maintain a professional tone at all times.
• Regularly check and maintain your radio equipment to ensure it’s in good working order. A poorly functioning radio can cause interference and make communication difficult for others.

Proper radio etiquette is an essential skill for sailors, ensuring clear communication, safety, and courtesy on the water. By understanding the different types of marine radios, following basic procedures, and adhering to etiquette rules, you’ll be well-equipped to communicate effectively and responsibly during your sailing adventures.

VHF Marine Radio Etiquette

10 basic rules of radio etiquette when using your yacht’s vhf radio.

If you’re new to the boating community , familiarizing yourself with some simple radio etiquette will help you feel more confident when out on the water. Van Isle Marina has you covered with our handy beginner’s guide to VHF radio etiquette.

But before we get to the etiquette, there are 2 main housekeeping rules:

1. Never Leave Shore without a VHF-FM Radio Onboard

Motorboat operators, and especially yacht operators, should never leave the shore, dock, or marina without a VHF-FM radio on board their vessel. VHF stands for Very High Frequency, and when you’re out at sea, a VHF radio is your primary way to send and receive distress calls to and from the Coast Guard and other boaters.

Why Your Cellphone Won’t Cut It – VHF radios are still the preferred communication method for boaters, despite everyone having a smartphone these days. They are more reliable than cell phones out on the open sea because they can withstand rough weather, are wired to your boat’s battery so they are always charged, and consistently provide more reception than cellphones. They are of large benefit to boaters because they can reach a larger audience than a cellphone, and you don’t have to memorize any phone numbers to communicate with other boats.

2. Take a VHF Course & Get Certified

It’s better for all boaters if every operator of a VHF marine radio is trained up on how to use one. That’s why, as required by the Radio Communications Act, all VHF marine radio operators must carry a Restricted Operator

Certificate (Maritime). Get your certificate, often referred to by its abbreviation – ROC(M) – through the Canadian Power & Sail Squadrons (CPS), which handles training and testing for Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada.

Find a VHF marine radio course in your area. The training course will prepare you for a short exam and go more in-depth on the etiquette mentioned here, as well as show you how to use the device.

Note that an ROC(M) is required to operate a radio, this includes the act of turning it on.

>> Read our complete boating safety checklist .

Now, let’s move on to radio etiquette.

10 Basic Rules to Marine Radio Etiquette

1. keep chatter to a minimum on open channels..

On a VHF radio, channel 16 is an open channel, where all conversations are essentially public and overheard by other boats. You’re not on a private phone call when you’re speaking over a VHF radio. Keep side conversations about dinner plans on general-use channels like 68 or 72. Or better yet, use your cell phones for these types of plans.

2. Be aware of the working channels for your area and keep the right ones clear.

For example, a local water taxi company might use a specific channel to run their business, so try and keep it clear, simply out of courtesy. This will happen naturally if you abide by rule #1 regarding keeping chatter to a minimum in general. Commercial craft and drawbridge operators will also have their own dedicated channels they prefer, so keep them clear as well.

Channel 16 is for International Distress, Safety and Calling, which includes maydays and other warning calls, so it’s also definitely one to keep clear.

3. To indicate you’re done speaking and awaiting a response, say “over”.

The word over is used to signify that your sentence is over and that you are now waiting for a reply. Of all the radio etiquette out there, this might be the one rule you already knew about, as it’s featured on TV and the movies constantly. However, it’s easy to forget to say it after awhile, so make it a habit right from the start.

4. When you are finished with the conversation, do not say “over and out.”

Contrary to popular belief, “OVER” and “OUT” are never used at the same time, since their meanings are mutually exclusive.

5. When you’re first calling on another boat, repeat the name of the boat you’re calling three times.

…Then repeat the name of your boat three times as well. For good measure, also mention the channel you’re using, and remember to conclude with “over”. For example, this would be a proper way to contact a vessel named Annabelle: “Annabelle, Annabelle, Annabelle, this is Christine, Christine, Christine, channel 1-6, over.” It may seem wordy, but it’s proper VHF radio etiquette.

6. When responding to another boat who has called you, state their name, then your name.

The other boater will know right away that you received their message and are now responding. Saying their name back right away grabs their attention immediately. There is no need to state their name and then your name three times each. Once is fine when you’re responding to a call.

For example, to respond to Christine, the response would simply be, “Christine, this is Annabelle. Over.”

7. Learn and use the NATO phonetic alphabet.

When you’re having to communicate single letters, use the NATO phonetic alphabet so that the person receiving your message is absolutely clear on each letter you’re speaking. This means familiarizing yourself with the “Alpha”, “Bravo,” “Charlie,” “Delta,” names that refer to letters. It’s a universal language when out on the water.

8. Read numbers as single digits.

Another universal standard for VHF radio use is reading out single digits instead of longer more complex numbers. So, it’s clearer and easier to understand “one-six” to refer to channel sixteen, and “six-eight” referring to channel sixty-eight. This especially helps when there is a language barrier amongst boaters.

9. Know about the types of calls you’ll hear

There are  three main types of calls you’re likely to overhear on your VHF radio: Safety, urgency, and distress calls. Knowing the severity of each one of these calls and how they affect you is important. Likewise, when making these types of calls, using the right call at the right time is more than just proper etiquette – it’s proper efficiency!

• Safety calls, as recognized by the spoken phrase Securité (a French word, pronounced “securitay”)  are meant to alert all nearby boaters to something. This is an informational call or message, and nothing more. For example, a commercial ship leaving a dock might broadcast on channel 16 the fact that they are on the move. Other times, the Coast Guard will broadcast securité messages too, such as missing navigation marks, upcoming storms, or debris in the area. There is no true danger, but something to be mindful of.
• Urgency calls, as recognized by the spoken phrase pan-pan (pronounced pahn-pahn) are meant to alert all nearby boaters when there is an emergency onboard a vessel, but it is not a life or death situation. Pan-pan calls are not a call for help, although they do signify that something significant has happened on board, which may lead to an all-out mayday call. The Coast Guard and other nearby boats are made aware of the situation but do not provide immediate rescue.
• Distress calls, as recognized by the spoken phrase mayday are broadcast when there is a catastrophic event, such as a sinking vessel, a fire on board, or someone on board requiring immediate medical assistance. The proper etiquette here is to not abuse the use of a mayday call. Use it as a last resort only! If you hear a mayday call and are close enough to respond, you must do so.

10. Watch your language

While we’re on the topic of etiquette, we thought it would be worth it to mention avoiding foul language. Remember, your conversations on VHF radio are heard by other boaters, so it’s best to be respectful and watch your language. Keep it clean out there!

The above guide to radio etiquette covers the basics and is a good place to start if you haven’t spent much time operating a vessel before. However, there is still much to learn when it comes to the use of your radio and yacht’s navigational system. (See housekeeping rule #2 above about taking a course and getting certified).

Van Isle Marina’s yachting experts will be happy to provide you with more radio tips for any of the boats you’re interested in at our marina. Contact us to learn more about touring our marina and our new and used boats .

250 656 1138

2320 Harbour Road, Sidney, British Columbia V8L 2P6 [email protected]

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The lowly VHF radio remains the most versatile communication device for a boat. It is the only communication device many pleasure boats are equipped with, and it is required by law before you can put any other marine radio aboard. Due in part to its universality, the VHF is arguably the most valuable piece of safety gear aboard, delivering any call for assistance to dozens or hundreds of nearby listening ears.

Modern hand-held VHF radios are full featured and extremely convenient, and they have the significant advantage in an emergency of being independent of the boat's electrical system. Where maximum range and/or continuous use are more important, you will want a fixed-mount unit. If your budget allows, having both offers additional advantages, such as two-way communications with an excursion party (but transmissions from ashore are prohibited without a coast-station permit).

Not a Telephone

Cellphones work aboard as long as you are not out of range of a shoreside tower, but the cell phone is not a substitute for the VHF. Well away from shore a cellphone will not work at all, and even within cell coverage the quickest aid in a real emergency will come from another vessel nearby. Unless someone you know is aboard, you cannot get their attention with a cellphone.

Cellphones aboard are great for calling someone ashore--probably the only way you can place a telephone call now that all U.S Marine Operators have ceased operation. Cellphones are also an excellent choice near shore for conversations with friends on other vessels, providing a private conversation and leaving the VHF airwaves free for other traffic. However, many boaters use the VHF much like a telephone, calling other boats to relay information, to set up a rendezvous, or often just to chat. Before you join in, however, you should recognize the differences between VHF radio and telephone communication.

Radio conversations are not private. When you talk on the VHF, everyone within range tuned to that channel is listening.

Regulations require radio conversations to be for "operational" purposes, which is interpreted liberally by most pleasure boat operators. Sharing weather information, confirming a date, even obtaining a recipe for fish stew are defensible uses, but social chit-chat--say, talk about sports, movies, or shoreside activities is not. This regulation is widely ignored in many areas, but if someone calls you down about it, he or she is right.

A radio conversation ties up the channel you are using. No one else within a 25 to 30 mile radius can use it until you sign off. This is significant because only five channels are legitimately available for pleasure-boat-to-pleasure-boat communication. Think of this situation as an airport terminal with a single bank of five pay phones. If callers are lined up three-deep while some blockhead drones on and on about the size of the mosquitoes in Maine, you can be sure he won't be the only unhappy camper. In high-traffic areas, keep VHF conversations short.

Radio Etiquette

Using a VHF radio is as easy as announcing yourself on an apartment intercom. Turn the power on, set the channel to 16, and listen for a few seconds. If Channel 16 isn't in use, key the microphone--meaning squeeze the transmit button on its side--and say the name of the boat you are calling twice, followed by the name of your boat, and then "over." Release the mike button. A typical call transmission would sound like this.

When Cowboy does respond, key your mike and say "Six eight?" Channel 16 is reserved exclusively for calling and distress. Once contact is established, you must switch immediately to a working channel. The five channels designated for non- commercial ship-to-ship communications are 68, 69, 71, 72, and 78A. Channel 9 used to be in this group, but has been redesignated as an alternate calling (but not distress) channel. Cowboy confirms your channel selection by repeating it. By either rotating a knob or pushing a button, you select channel 68 on your radio, key the mike, and say "Cowboy. Tambourine." When Cowboy responds, you have your conversation, ending each transmission with "over" so Cowboy will know when you are finished and it is time to respond. When your conversation is complete, your last transmission should be "Tambourine, out." Cowboy will likewise say "Cowboy, out." "Out" lets anyone waiting to use the channel know you are finished with it.

Sometimes when you switch to a working channel, you find it occupied. In that case, check the other four to find an empty one, then go back to 16 and say, "Cowboy. Tambourine. Seven one." If you and Cowboy speak regularly, saying just "seven one" may be adequate. Either way, Cowboy will respond "seven one." You both switch to Channel 71 and have your conversation.

Use Low Power

All fixed-mount VHF radios can transmit at either 25 watts or 1 watt. The maximum power from a handheld is typically 5 watts. With either type, if your radio contact is nearby, set the power setting to low (1 watt) to reduce the distance the signal carries beyond your target. Also watch your language; not only is profanity over the air against the law, it will be particularly offensive to other boaters with children aboard.

Digital Selective Calling

The DSC operating mode that is a feature of all fixed-mount marine radios built since 1999 can, with the push of a single button, send out an automatic distress call to the Coast Guard's Rescue 21 system as well as to all DSC-equipped radios on vessels within your transmission range. That transmission can include your exact position, provided you have connected the radio to your onboard GPS. Unfortunately, as of 2011 the Coast Guard estimates that 90 percent of boats have not made this connection. The message here is that if you have a DSC radio and a GPS on board and they are not connected to each other, making that essential connection should be your highest priority. You also need a Marine Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) number, which you can obtain through BoatUS.

Once you have an MMSI number programmed into your VHF, the DSC feature has other uses some boaters find convenient. The most common is to hail your friends without announcing on Channel 16. Instead you essential dial their MMSI number and your call is announced only on their radio, along with a notice of which channel on which you wish to communicate. Any voice exchange that follows will still be transmitted to all radios monitoring the designated channel, but at least you have not announced to all listeners on Channel 16 your intention to have that conversation. Using selective calling is easier on some radios than on others.

Emergencies

If you have a life-threatening emergency and you have a DSC radio aboard, activating the Distress button is where to start. However, as there is no requirement for nearby vessels to have DSC capability, your DSC distress may go unanswered, in which case you will need to broadcast your distress on Channel 16. There is a "procedure" for sending out a distress call, but all you really need to know is to turn your VHF to Channel 16 and to high power, key the mike, and say "Mayday, Mayday, Mayday. This is the Tambourine. Our position is 24°33' north and 74°56' west and we are sinking." Try to speak slowly and clearly, and repeat this information three times. The essential information is Mayday, your position, and your emergency. If you have time, describe your boat and how many are aboard: "We are a 23' Mako, green hull, white decks, with two adults and two children aboard." If someone is injured, mention that.

If you don't get an immediate response keep periodically sending out a Mayday broadcast as long as the radio will function, taking care to give your position with every transmission. If time permits, scan through the other channels and interrupt any radio traffic you hear with your Mayday broadcast. If you don't hear traffic, try transmitting on Coast Guard Channel 22A.

If your emergency isn't immediately life threatening, activating the DSC distress button may not be appropriate. Try raising the Coast Guard and/or other vessels in the vicinity on Channel 16, saying Pan-Pan instead of Mayday. This is the urgency call--Pan-Pan, Pan-Pan, Pan-Pan (pronounced pahn-pahn). Make this call just like a distress call, except state exactly what assistance you want. For example, maybe you have a controllable leak, and you just want help standing by in case it gets worse.

Navigation and Safety

Channel 13 is for navigational use between vessels. It is on this channel that large vessels in close proximity announce their intentions to one another. This is also the primary channel used at bridges and locks. Use this channel to announce your arrival to a bridge or lock tender or to communicate with a nearby ship or other large vessel. You do not need to call on Channel 16 first; Channel 13 serves both as a calling and a working channel. Transmission power on this channel is restricted to 1 watt, so be sure to switch your radio to low power.

Channels 6 and 22A are also important to pleasure boaters. Channel 6 is reserved for ship to ship safety use, primarily during search and rescue operations. Channel 22A is reserved for communications with the Coast Guard. By the way, it is illegal to contact the Coast Guard for a radio check. Call another boat instead.

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How to Use a VHF Radio

A VHF radio is a critical piece of safety equipment that should be on board every powerboat , and knowing how to use it could save the life of you and your passengers, so read the owner’s manual for your radio to become familiar with its functions. That same VHF marine radio can be used to communicate with other boats, with draw bridges and locks, and with marina operators. 

Basics Steps for Using a VHF Radio

• Turn on the VHF unit and adjust the squelch by turning the knob until the static stops.
• Tune to channel 16, the channel monitored by the U.S. Coast Guard.
• Perform a radio check to ensure your unit is functioning properly—do not use channel 16 this.
• Use an "open channel" to performance the check (channels 68, 69, 71, 72 and 78A).
• Turn radio to one-watt power setting, and key the microphone.
• Call "radio check" three times, followed by your boat name and location.
• Wait for a reply confirming someone has heard your transmission.
• For general communications, always use channel 16.

Start by turning on the VHF unit and adjusting the squelch. Turn the squelch knob until you hear static, and then turn the knob back just until the static stops. Tune the radio to channel 16, which is the channel the Coast Guard constantly monitors. Keep your unit set to channel 16 so you can hear emergency calls or transmissions from the Coast Guard.

You’ll want to confirm that your radio is functioning by performing a radio check. Do not use channel 16 for a radio check. Instead, use one of the “open channels” (68, 69, 71, 72 and 78A) which are designated for conversation. Turn the radio to its one-watt power setting, key the microphone and call “radio check” three times followed by your boat name and location; so for example “radio check radio check radio check this is Big Daddy in North Harbor Marina.” Then wait for a reply confirming that someone has heard your transmission. Sea Tow operates a network of automated radio-check stations in many parts of the country as a public service (check at Sea Tow to find the correct frequency in your area).

For general communication, start by hailing the other party on channel 16; for example to reach your buddy on Some Fun you’d call their boat name twice, followed by your boat name and “over” so it would so like this:

• “Some Fun Some Fun. Big Daddy. Over.”
• Then Some Fun should respond “Big Daddy this is Some Fun. Over.”
• You’ll reply with an open channel to switch to, for example “69.” Then both parties will switch to channel 69 to exchange information.
• After your initial transmission on channel 16, wait at least two minutes before hailing the other party again. If you still don’t get a reply wait 15 minutes and try again. The point is not to pollute channel 16 with unnecessary transmission.
• If the other party is close by, switch your radio to 1 watt (low power) so that your transmission does not travel so far. This lets distant boaters also use the channel.

The open VHF frequencies are intended for operational messaging, so it’s OK to share weather info, but not to talk sports. End each transmission with “over” and when you are done with the conversation say your boat name and out, “Big Daddy out,” which let’s everyone know you are done using that channel.

Using a VHF Radio in an Emergency

• Tune the radio the channel 16 and full power.
• If lives are in danger transmit “Mayday Mayday Mayday” and your vessel name.
• Wait for the Coast Guard to respond and be ready to reply with your location, ideally with latitude and longitude from GPS.
• If your situation is bad but not life-threatening, use the call “pan-pan.”

Types of VHF Marine Radios

A VHF marine radio may be hand-held or fixed-mount.

• A fixed-mount VHF unit is permanently installed on the boat and powered by the boat’s electrical system.
• The hand-held version is portable and is battery-powered, so it will still function if the boat’s battery is dead or the electrical system fails, and can be used if you are forced to abandon ship.

Many hand-held units are also waterproof and will float. For this reason a hand-held unit is a great back-up to a more-powerful fixed-mount VHF.

Digital Selective Calling

Digital Selective Calling (DSC) is a feature on all fixed-mount radios that with the push of one button sends a signal with your location to the Coast Guard. However, for DSC to work the radio must either have its own internal GPS receiver or be linked to another GPS on the boat, such as a chart plotter. Many boat owners are not aware that the radio needs to be linked to GPS, so make sure you handle this task right away.

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VHF RADIO BASICS: RULES AND GOOD MANNERS

• December 22, 2015

A proper use of Vhf radio is first of all a safety matter  and the respect of few basic rules also contributes to describe our education and nautical culture.

It will certainly have happened to everyone, especially in summer, to listen to everything on channel 16 : long conversations occupying the emergency channel, background music transmitted by putting the microphone close to the stereo, teasing and quarrels, all to the detriment of those who should use this channel for more serious reasons.

The rules we must respect are few . The first one is also the most ignored: while the ship is sailing, Vhf must be on and tuned on channel 16 . This is an important rule for our own and other people’s safety.

Channel 16 is in fact an emergency channel which must be used to send help messages and it must be always open.

If you don’t know which is the channel of the station you are calling (a harbour, another boat, a ship), you must first call channel 16 and then, after the first contact, the desired channel.

Vhf is not a telephone, so the call must follow a precise and concise procedure. The correct way to make a call is to repeat the name of the called station and his own one three times . For example : “ Red boat, red boat, red boat, here green boat, green boat, green boat, change”.

Today, nobody repeats the station’s name three times. But two times are necessary and usual.

If you receive no answer , rules and good manners force us not to persist on the microphone. You must wait two minutes before making the second call and other two minutes for the third one.

In theory, for the fourth call, you should wait 15 minutes, but it is not a problem if you try after only few minutes.

On channel 16 you can also send storm or ceased storm notices, messages to sailors, bulletins, help and safety messages, such as mayday or pan-pan signals.

The service is extremely important. And the respect of it is another important rule sailors should observe. The navigation code establishes that in the first three minutes of every half-hour, sailors must respect total silence on channel 16. For example: from 08:00 to 08:03 and from 08:30 to 08:33 and so on every 30 minutes. This way, everyone in trouble can use this time to send his help message.

Anyway, communications must always be short and concise and they must not include false or deceptive messages . Phonetic alphabet must be used for acronyms and spellings. For example, the word ALFA will be said this way: Alfa – Lima – Foxtrott – Alfa.

Vhf must be used also for mayday signals in case of extreme danger for people or for the boat itself.

They must be sent on channel 16 only by the captain or under his authorization, by repeating the word mayday, pronounced in French, three times: “medé medé medé, here white boat, position…., emergency reason, number of people on board”.

The receiver must use Vhf radio if he thinks to be close to the boat in trouble; law and morality oblige him to give help. He must repeat the name of the boat in trouble three times, his own name three times and then “ mayday received”.

If, on the contrary, you think a mayday message has not been listened, you can act as “bridge”, by transmitting a mayday relais : Medé relé, medé relé, medé relé…” followed by the received help message.

The urgency call or pan must be sent if there is no danger for human life or the boat but it is a demand for urgent help anyway. It must be transmitted the same way than maydays.

A securité is usually transmitted by ground stations to send notices about something which could compromise sailing, such as storm notices or other important news.

An advice, not a rule : fixed Vhf radios are 25 W, all necessary to cover the maximum 10-mile range. But if you want to make a short range communication , for example with a coast or a near boat, it is better to reduce the emission to 1W. This way, you will save your batteries and the other communications will be not disturbed.

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Know Your VHF Radio Etiquette

You know you want it...

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The ocean is accessible to anyone brave enough to meet the challenge. That is my favorite thing about boating. My least favorite thing: improper vhf radio etiquette.

A VHF radio is a must-have on even the smallest of pleasure boats – more reliable than a cell phone and nowadays cheaper than one. If you ever truly need it in an emergency, the Coast Guard will be thankful if you at least sound like you know what you’re talking about. And other boaters will certainly take you more seriously.

Proper calls on the VHF Radio start with repeating the name of the boat you’re calling and the name of your own boat a full three times.

It’s long, and sometimes annoying, but it’s correct. “Arcturus, Arcturus, Arcturus, this is Sojourner, Sojourner, Sojourner, channel 1-6, over.” I like to repeat the channel as well , as many commercial craft monitor multiple channels and might not necessarily understand that it’s 16 you mean.

The VHF Radio Distress Call: Digital Selective Calling (DSC)

When you’re done speaking into the mic, say “over.”

This is by far the simplest part of radio etiquette, and probably the most abused. It’s easy – just say it.

Use the NATO phonetic alphabet when speaking letters .

Here’s a useful link for making sure you have the right corresponding phonetic word .

Numbers are perhaps the worst culprit behind letters. (‘A’ is ‘Alpha,’ not ‘Adam.’) Radio numbers are always read in single digits for complete clarity . ‘Six-eight’ is easier to understand as channel 68 than simply saying ‘68.’

K now the working channels for the area you’re in .

If the local water taxi uses channel 68 to run their business, try and keep that channel clear, simply out of courtesy. And channels 09, 11 and 13 are usually reserved for commercial craft and drawbridges, so keep them clear as well. And I shouldn’t have to mention keeping 16 clear, save for hailing and distress. But you hear people abuse it all the time, and the Coast Guard will remind you.

The serious ones: securité, pan-pan and mayday calls:

Securité (pronounced securitay) calls are made to alert boaters to something – for example, when a commercial ship is leaving the dock, they will usually call on channel 16 “Securtié, Securité, Securité, this is the cargo vessel Asphalt Commander, Asphalt Commander, Asphalt Commander leaving the dock at Baltimore Harbor. Any concerned traffic please call on channel 16.”

This is just an informational message, nothing more. The Coast Guard often broadcasts things like missing navigation marks or any hazards to navigation in the same manner.

Pan-pan (pronounced pahn-pahn) calls are when there is an emergency onboard but it’s not life or death . It’s to signify urgency, but it’s not a call for help. The pan-pan call lets other people out there know that something has happened on board. You should announce your position and what exactly happened, how many people onboard, type and color of boat, etc, but the Coast Guard won’t drop everything and rescue you.

With mayday calls, the US Coast Guard WILL come rescue you, and that’s the point. With a Mayday Call , the boat is going down, on fire or something else catastrophic, and the vessel (or a seriously injured person onboard) needs immediate assistance. Be careful with mayday calls, as sometimes they’ll require you to abandon the boat if help arrives. It’s a last-resort. Don’t abuse it either, as it can result in the classic cry wolf scenario.

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Free PDF Download: A Guide to VHF Channels

By: Zeke Quezada, ASA Cruising Tips , Learn To Sail , Safety , Sailing Tips

For coastal cruising sailors, the VHF radio serves as the foremost lifeline. It also plays a crucial role in sharing safety-related information both with fellow vessels and the shoreline. Cell phones, on the other hand, are primarily useful for everyday communication and contribute to safety by reducing non-urgent transmissions on radio frequencies.

VHF radio is the preferred method for calling for help on the water because it broadcasts signals that nearby radios can receive. This means that authorities like the Coast Guard and other vessels in your vicinity might hear your call and provide assistance promptly. The USCG VHF network can pinpoint the source of a transmission, improving response effectiveness. However, in contrast to telephone calls, radio communications require users to follow established etiquette and regulations to prevent interference when multiple users attempt to talk simultaneously.

Appropriate VHF Channels for Specific Communications

VHF (Very High Frequency) radio communication uses specific channels for various purposes, and the allocation of these channels may vary by region or country. However, there are standard VHF marine channels that are commonly used worldwide for specific types of communication. 

Here are some of the standard VHF channels and their purposes:

• Recreational Boating and Commercial Vessel Working Channel.
• Used for ship-to-ship and ship-to-shore communication, as well as bridge-to-bridge communication.
• Navigation Safety Channel.
• Used for navigation and safety-related communication, such as passing arrangements, collision avoidance, and other vessel movements.
• International Hailing and Distress Channel (Emergency Channel).
• Used for making distress calls (Mayday), urgent calls (Pan-Pan), and initial contact with other vessels or authorities.
• Always monitor this channel for emergency communications, but avoid unnecessary chatter.
• U.S. and Canadian Coast Guard Liaison Channel.
• Used for non-distress coordination with the Coast Guard.
• Non-commercial Vessel Working Channel (Marinas and Harbors).
• Used for communication between recreational boaters, marinas, and harbors for routine operations.
• Non-commercial Vessel Working Channel (Recreational Boating).
• Used for communication between recreational boaters for non-commercial purposes.
• Digital Selective Calling (DSC) Channel.
• Used for sending automated distress alerts and other digital communications.

It’s important to note that some of these channels, like Channel 16, are designated for specific purposes and should not be used for routine or non-emergency communication to keep the channel clear for distress calls and emergencies.

Always consult local regulations and guidelines, especially if you are operating in a specific region or country, as channel allocations and usage may vary. Additionally, when using VHF radios, adhere to proper radio etiquette and avoid unnecessary transmissions to ensure efficient and effective communication.

Common VHF Calls

Several common VHF calls are standardized for effective communication. Here are some of them:

• Mayday Call: A Mayday call is used in emergencies when a vessel is in distress and requires immediate assistance. It is used for life-threatening situations and is repeated three times: “Mayday, Mayday, Mayday.” The distress signal is followed by the vessel name, position, nature of distress, and any other relevant information.
• Pan-Pan Call: A Pan-Pan call is used for urgent situations requiring assistance but not immediately life-threatening. It is also repeated three times: “Pan-Pan, Pan-Pan, Pan-Pan.” The message includes the vessel name, position, and the nature of the problem.
• Securité Announcement: This is used to make important safety announcements, such as warnings about heavy shipping traffic, navigational hazards, or weather updates. It begins with “Securité, securité, securité” and is followed by the announcement.
• All Stations Call: Used to make a call to all vessels on the same channel. It can be used for general announcements or to request information from other nearby vessels.
• Bridge-to-Bridge Communication: Common in maritime use, this communication is typically used for vessel navigation and safety discussions between ship bridges. It includes conversations about passing arrangements, navigation intentions, and collision avoidance.
• Position Report: Vessels often provide regular position reports to update their location and course to nearby vessels. These reports are crucial for collision avoidance and safety.
• Traffic Report: Used to report unusual traffic conditions or events, such as a vessel navigating in a manner that may pose a hazard.
• Routine Call: Used for non-urgent, routine communication between vessels. It includes sharing information like vessel names, positions, and intentions.
• Weather Updates: Vessels may broadcast weather information, such as current conditions, forecasts, and storm warnings, especially in areas prone to rapidly changing weather.
• Request for Assistance: In non-distress situations, vessels may request assistance with tasks like obtaining weather information, medical advice, or equipment repair.

It’s essential to follow proper procedures and adhere to established protocols when using VHF radio communication to ensure safety and effective communication, especially in maritime environments where lives and assets are at stake. Additionally, these calls may vary slightly in format or terminology depending on local regulations and international conventions.

Proper Procedures for Making VHF Calls

Proper procedures for making VHF radio calls are essential to ensure effective and clear communication, especially in critical situations. Below are guidelines for making common VHF calls:

Mayday Call:

• In emergency situations where life or property is in immediate danger, declare “Mayday” three times: “Mayday, Mayday, Mayday.”
• Clearly state your vessel name, current position, nature of distress, and any other relevant information.
• Maintain open communication with rescue authorities and follow their instructions closely.

Example: “Mayday, Mayday, Mayday. This is [Your Vessel Name] in position [Your Position], experiencing a fire in the engine room. We have [number] persons on board. Request immediate assistance.”

Pan-Pan Call:

• For urgent but non-life-threatening situations, declare “Pan-Pan” three times: “Pan-Pan, Pan-Pan, Pan-Pan.”
• Provide your vessel name, current position, and a brief description of the problem or urgency.
• Await further instructions or assistance as needed.

Example: “Pan-Pan, Pan-Pan, Pan-Pan. This is [Your Vessel Name] at [Your Position], experiencing engine trouble and requesting assistance. No immediate danger to life.”

Securité Announcement:

• Begin by announcing “Securité” three times: “Securité, securité, securité.”
• Relay the safety announcement, such as warnings about navigational hazards or adverse weather conditions.
• Include essential details for the safety of other vessels/aircraft in the area.

Example: “Securité, securité, securité. This is [Your Vessel Name] reporting a large drifting log in [Location], which poses a hazard to navigation. Exercise caution in the area.”

All Stations Call:

• Address “All Stations” before your message.
• Deliver your message or announcement to all vessels on the same channel.

Example: “All Stations, this is [Your Vessel Name] with an update on the weather conditions in the [Area].”

Routine Calls:

• Address the specific vessel you wish to communicate with.
• Begin the call with the name of the vessel you are calling.
• State your vessel/aircraft name, your position, and the purpose of your communication.

Example: “[Recipient’s Vessel Name], this is [Your Vessel Name] at [Your Position]. Requesting permission to pass on your port side.”

Remember that proper radio etiquette includes listening for a response, using clear and concise language, and maintaining a professional and calm demeanor during communications. Always monitor the appropriate VHF channel for your area and comply with local regulations and international conventions.

Source: https://www.navcen.uscg.gov/us-vhf-channel-information

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Mayday and Pan Pan calls

Knowing how to correctly operate your vhf radio and when to make a mayday or pan pan call saves lives.

Being able to keep a calm head in emergency situations at sea will save lives. Correctly operating your VHF radio and understanding when to make a mayday call or a pan pan call, is fundamental to this.

Even if you’re not going far offshore and have a mobile phone, a radio is an important piece of safety equipment to have on board. There’s no guarantee you’ll have reception and wet phones generally don’t operate well.

Good radio etiquette is critical. Understanding the correct procedures will not only help to keep you safe, but will also ensure you don’t block a mayday call from another vessel and compromise their safety.

It is a legal requirement to have a license to use a VHF radio. The Short Range Certificate (SRC) is the minimum qualification required by law to operate VHF and VHF Digital Selective Calling (DSC) on any British flagged vessel with a radio. This includes both fixed and hand-held equipment.

Mayday! Mayday! Mayday!

A mayday call is the international signal to notify life-threatening distress.

A mayday call is only to be used in the case of “grave and imminent danger to a vessel or persons, such as fire, sinking, man overboard etc.” A mayday call is very serious and, in many countries, anyone making a false mayday call could be prosecuted under criminal law.

All new VHF sets are either fitted, or can be interfaced, with DSC allowing calls to specific vessels. If you hold the ‘old’ VHF licence (pre-1999) you’ll need to upgrade your qualification when purchasing new equipment.

There are three parts to a mayday call – the DSC distress alert, the distress voice call, and the distress message itself.

In the distress alert stage, the DSC or red button on your VHF is key. It is the first signal to the coastguard that you are in distress, with most models sending your location via GPS too.

Part two is the instantly recognisable ‘Mayday Mayday Mayday’ voice call which includes the vessel name, call sign and Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI), a nine-digit registered number used to identify your boat.

Channel 16 is the universal emergency channel, monitored by coastguards and nearby vessels. With this channel, everyone in the area will hear you rather than just the one person you try to contact by phone.

Finally, the distress call repeats the word mayday, the name of your boat, call sign and MMSI. As well as your position, the nature of your distress and number of people on board.

When identifying your position, it is common to use your latitude and longitude. But in some situations, a location by name or relative to a known point may be better. For example, Carrick Roads, 3 miles south of Portland Bill. Using a named location makes it easier for local boats to know you are in their vicinity without having to reference it on a chart.

There is a lot of information to remember, so always keep a mayday cockpit card near your VHF DSC radio. This acts as a prompt to both the distress signal and distress message procedures. It also gives you somewhere to note your MMSI, call sign and vessel name so they are to hand.

Top tip – if you know the phonetic alphabet use it!

Using a pan pan call

Maybe you’ve broken down, suffered significant structural damage to your boat, or someone on board is ill but their condition is not immediately life threatening. These are the kinds of incidents that warrant a pan pan call.

Repeating pan pan three times says, ‘it’s serious, we need help but there isn’t a critical and imminent danger to the boat or anyone on board.’

For a pan pan call the red button should not be activated. Instead an urgency DSC call should be sent from the radio’s DSC menu. This should be followed by a voice pan pan call and message sent over channel 16 to all stations, or a specific coastguard station on high power.

Much of the information provided in a mayday call should also be included in a pan pan call. For example, the boat’s name, call sign, MMSI, location and the nature of the situation.

For a mayday you would request immediate assistance, but for a pan pan you would state your intended action or the type of assistance you are requesting.

Getting to grips with your radio

Mayday and pan pan are at the extreme end of when good VHF understanding, and procedural knowledge are needed. However, a situation doesn’t have to be dire for your radio communications skills to help with your safety at sea.

The RYA’s Marine Radio Short Range Certificate (SRC) course complies with European Conference of Postal and Telecommunications Administrations (CEPT) requirements. It is also accepted internationally as recognition of certified VHF proficiency.

The one-day course and exam covers radio operation, distress, medical assistance procedures and everything you need to know to be able to operate the radio. It is suitable for anyone who owns a fixed or handheld marine VHF radio. However, to sit the final exam candidates must be 16 or over.

For more information about calling for help visit the RYA’s safety hub .

Yachting Monthly

• Digital edition

How to make a VHF radio Mayday call & Pan Pan call

• Andy Du Port
• December 4, 2021

When you need help, make sure you and your crew know exactly what to say when making a Mayday or distress call, says Andy Du Port

When making a Mayday call or Pan Pan call, always reads off the GPS position from the radio

If you are in trouble and need help, you should follow the exact format for a MAYDAY call and PAN PAN call.

Andy Du Port is a Yachtmaster Offshore, a former RN navigating officer and author of the Reeds VHF Handbook

Sadly, such calls are frequently made unnecessarily, which just wastes valuable search and rescue assets which could be more usefully employed, so make sure you fulfil the criteria for each:

Distress (MAYDAY call)

A vessel or person is in grave and imminent danger and requires immediate assistance.

A man overboard incident may warrant a Mayday call

Note the underlined words. ‘Grave’ implies a risk of serious injury, death or loss of the vessel; ‘Imminent’ and ‘Immediate’ are self-explanatory but equally important. If your situation doesn’t meet all these criteria, consider an Urgency call instead.

A man overboard (MOB) may well justify a Distress call but, whatever you may think, a dog overboard would not!

Urgency (PAN PAN call)

A vessel or station has a very urgent message concerning the safety of a ship or person.

This is just one step down from a Distress call, and your safety needs to be at risk.

Although you may not need immediate assistance, your situation must be serious enough to warrant a PAN PAN call.

If things deteriorate, you can always ‘upgrade’ to a MAYDAY call.

A format for a Mayday call and raising a DSC alert is useful near the radio

If none of the above applies, you can always make a routine call to the Coastguard or another station to alert them to your problem.

I am not for one moment saying that you should hesitate to make a Distress or Urgency call when necessary, just don’t abuse the system.

It is not uncommon to overhear Distress calls from yachts who are becalmed and have an engine failure, but are in no imminent danger or, in some cases, no danger at all.

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Earlier this year, I heard a MAYDAY call from a small yacht which was drifting in calm conditions in Portsmouth Harbour just off Portchester Castle.

The Coastguard acted appropriately, as always, but I do hope the skipper was later given a thorough ‘debrief’.

As for an example of an unwarranted Urgency call, while leaving Studland Bay and heading for Poole on a calm summer’s afternoon a yacht was snagged by some fishing gear and put out a PAN PAN.

Engine failure on a calm day where you are not in immediate danger is unlikely to warrant a Pan Pan call. Credit: Alamy Stock Photo

She was in less than 10 metres of water and could have anchored to prevent her very slow drift to the east.

She was in no danger whatsoever.

It turned out that the skipper and crew were absorbed by the chartplotter and failed to see any of the fishing markers in the area.

She was later towed into Poole by a tourist boat.

Mayday Relay

If you hear a Mayday call and there is no obvious response, or if you detect someone in distress who is unable to put out a call, you are obliged to render assistance if possible.

A range and bearing from an easily-identifiable landmark helps others to locate your position

However, in a yacht this will often be impracticable so you should send a MAYDAY RELAY instead.

There is no fixed format for this as it will depend on whether you are relaying an actual message or simply describing what you have seen.

However, your call should include:

MAYDAY RELAY MAYDAY RELAY MAYDAY RELAY

All stations, all stations, all stations

This is yacht Capella, Capella, Capella

MMSI 235 123 456

Received following MAYDAY from yacht Snowgoose :

(Repeat the message from Snowgoose or describe what you have seen)

If you are within VHF range of the Coastguard, call them instead of ‘All stations’. To avoid giving the impression that it is you who is in Distress, you should not send a DSC Alert before your voice call.

MAYDAY call and PAN PAN call formats

MAYDAY MAYDAY MAYDAY

Callsign Mike Alfa Bravo Six

MAYDAY Capella

My position is 50° 40’·39 North 001° 40’·73 West.

My vessel is dismasted, without power and being set onto the Shingles Bank.

There are two adults on board.

I require immediate assistance.

PAN PAN PAN

My position is 50° 40’·39 North 001° 40’·73 West

My vessel has been dismasted and I am just making way under power in heavy seas.

I may require a tow into the Solent

Two adults and one child on board.

• The position above would be spoken as: ‘Five zero degrees, four zero decimal three nine minutes north; zero zero one degrees, four zero decimal seven three minutes west.’
• If time is pressing, your callsign is not vital but your MMSI will help, particularly if you have already sent a DSC Alert.
• Be careful to say your position carefully to avoid having to repeat it. If you can, also give a general position. In this case, it is about two and a half miles west of the Shambles.

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How to Properly Make a Distress Call on Your VHF Radio

Our friends at Soundings have published one of the best guides to emergency communications we’ve seen:

Call of Duty

Any boater worth his salt should know how to make a distress call and what to do when he hears one. Just because everyone has a cell phone in their pocket doesn’t mean the VHF radio is a quaint relic of past technology. Onboard, a VHF is an essential part of your safety kit. If you need help or want to broadcast critical information, there are established procedures depending on the urgency of the situation. Here’s what to do when you hear one and how to make an efficient call should you need to.

VHF channel 16 is dedicated to calling and distress messages. It’s the time-proven method to broadcast your situation to everyone around you. In a real distress situation, it might even make the difference between life and death. Because VHF radio waves are line-of-sight, limiting your signal range, another mariner hearing your call can relay your plight to the Coast Guard and come to your assistance while rescuers are rallying their response. Using the VHF taps you directly into the community of mariners all around you.

Remember, channel 16 is for distress, safety and hailing communications only. The law prohibits any form of communication on this channel that might adversely affect the transmission or reception of distress, urgency or safety calls. That means channel 16 is not for radio checks, idle chatter or broadcasting the national anthem on Independence Day. Any of these uses interferes with the availability of this channel to remain open for the important things. There are three safety VHF channel 16 categories, listed here in increasing levels of importance: Sécurité, Pan-Pan and Mayday. Each one is dedicated to particular types of announcements or requests.

Sécurité (pronounced sea-cur-i-tay) is exactly what it sounds like, security. This type of call is used to broadcast information about the safety of navigation. It is used to transmit significant weather information and exceptional vessel maneuvers or report particular hazards to navigation, such as a dangerous object adrift. I like to think of a Sécurité call as a heads up safety announcement.

Pan-Pan (pronounced pahn-pahn) is the international urgency call for a situation onboard that is significant but not an immediate threat to either the vessel or those onboard.  Panne means “breakdown” in French. Most often, we hear a Pan-Pan message broadcast by the Coast Guard on behalf of another vessel, asking anyone nearby to render assistance or to help look for someone overboard. If you lose propulsion or navigation ability, get fouled or if you’ve developed a controllable leak, if there’s someone overboard and in sight, or any other situation onboard that is not life-threatening, you may make a Pan-Pan call on VHF channel 16. When you make your call, slowly and clearly communicate your boat’s name, your position, the nature of the problem/request for assistance and the number of people onboard.

A typical Pan-Pan announcement might sound like this: “Pan-Pan, Pan-Pan, Pan-Pan. This is the 30-foot fishing boat  Josie ,  Josie ,  Josie . Located 8 miles due south of Montauk Point in position 40 degrees 56.4 minutes North and 71 degrees 51.3 minutes West. We are leaking slowly with four people onboard. Requesting standby assistance.”

Mayday is the real deal—the distress message requiring the most urgent response. A Mayday call is only to be used if the vessel or someone aboard is in grave or imminent danger and requires assistance. Mayday comes from the French  M’Aidez , meaning “help me.” If the vessel is sinking, on fire, disabled and being swept onto a dangerous lee shore, or if someone is gravely injured or in need of critical medical assistance, a Mayday call on VHF channel 16 is in order. Identify the vessel, its location, the nature of the emergency and the number of people onboard. Repeat the word Mayday and your vessel’s name three times. If no response is raised, continue the Mayday periodically, listening for a reply in between transmitting. Do so for as long as it takes, or until the radio fails. A Mayday call might sound like this: “Mayday, Mayday, Mayday. This is the 30-foot fishing boat J osie, Josie, Josie. Located 8 miles due south of Montauk Point in position 40 degrees 56.4 minutes North and 71 degrees 51.3 minutes West. We are sinking with four people onboard and require immediate assistance.”

When making a Pan-Pan or Mayday call, I recommend you also include a description of your location in addition to your GPS coordinates. You could say something like this: “I’m located 8 miles due south of Montauk Light.” This information can help other mariners form an immediate idea of your proximity.

Ensuring the radio is on high power will extend the call’s range. Speak slowly and annunciate clearly, to enhance your recipient’s ability to copy your information down. It’s a good idea to have a prepared pro-forma Mayday card or written distress procedures prepared. This helps a panicked user stay calm. As in all seamanship, make sure your watch standers know how to use the VHF, understand the proper etiquette and procedures and know the fastest way to produce your present GPS coordinates in an emergency.

If you hear a Mayday call, listen carefully to the details and write the information down. Acknowledge that you copy the Mayday on channel 16, determine the caller’s proximity, and assist if needed. Listeners are required to cease any transmissions that might interfere with distress traffic and continue to monitor until satisfied that assistance is being rendered. Relay the distress call if you conclude the sender has not received help.

New radios come equipped with Digital Selective Calling (DSC) to establish automatic radio distress calling. DSC gives your VHF a Mayday button, labelled “distress.” When set up properly, it’s like an automated 911 response system for boaters. If the button is activated, the VHF automatically broadcasts a coded distress call, including your position and vessel description, that will be received by nearby vessels’ DSC radios and the U.S. Coast Guard.

If you have an older VHF that doesn’t have GPS already integrated for DSC, your electronics technician can easily connect it to your stand-alone GPS.

To use the DSC feature, you must first obtain a Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) number. Your MMSI is your boat’s assigned 9-digit identification code, like a phone number for your vessel, specific to your boat and maintained in the national emergency database. If yours is a U.S. flagged recreational boat used in domestic waters, you may acquire your free MMSI with BoatU.S. or the U.S. Power Squadron, both authorized by the FCC. Or use the paperwork provided with a new DSC radio purchase to register for a MMSI. Your VHF manual will give instructions on programming in your MMSI.

Here’s an important note: If you use your VHF radio’s DSC button, you need to make a voice follow-up distress call on channel 16 that includes your MMSI number.

It’s worth mentioning that commercial vessels routinely use VHF channel 13, the channel dedicated to ship-to-ship working communications, to make Sécurité calls. Ships broadcast their location, their particular navigation restrictions—like backing out of a berth or maneuvering in a turning basin—and when any safety information is of interest to others. I often monitor channel 13 when on narrow rivers where visual contact is obscured, when crossing heavily trafficked shipping channels or in darkness while in proximity of a big port’s entrance.

Along with AIS, it’s the best way to stay abreast of the movements of commercial vessels. There’s nothing wrong with making your own responsible Sécurité call on channel 13. A ship’s bridge has a lot of information to track, and pilots are often thankful to get a brief update on a recreational vessel’s impending proximity and intentions.

Experienced boaters probably hear VHF messages in their sleep. But however commonplace, coming to the aid of someone in need is one of the most satisfying elements of seamanship. And if you’ve ever been in need yourself, it restores your faith in humanity when someone hears your call and becomes a seagoing Good Samaritan.

Monitor channel 16, and know how to communicate effectively in an emergency. And please do register your DSC radio. Your life might depend on it someday. 

By Pat Mindus for Soundings, 5/10/21

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