Navigation and Seamanship

6.5.4. Operating procedure for Emergency calls

                                                                                    

The emergency calls are to be used ONLY in an emergency in which the boat and/or persons on board are in imminent danger of sinking or major injury or death. The following is the procedure for transmitting the emergency calls,

1. Tune the marine communication system to Channel 16.

2. Distress spoken word “MAYDAY",for three times.

3. The say "THIS IS", for once.

4. Name of vessel in distress (spoken three times).

5. Repeat "MAYDAY" and name of vessel, spoken once.

6. Give position of vessel by latitude or longitude and distance to a well-known landmark if available. Include any information on vessel movement such as course, speed and destination.

7. Say nature of distress (sinking, fire etc.).

8. Kind of assistance required.

9. Number of persons on board.

10. The word "OVER"

Listen for reply. If there is no reply, repeat the procedure once again till you get reply.