8 MT-500
3. BASIC RADIO COMMUNICATION PROCEDURES
Distress or emergency calls may be made either manually or automatically.
Sending distress calls automatically uses the Digital Selective Calling (DSC)
functions of your transceiver and requires an operating and properly con-
nected navigation receiver. The following procedures are for sending voice
distress messages manually. Sending an automatic distress call is described
in the DSC section of this manual.
3.1 Using Channel 16
Channel 16 is the Calling and Distress channel. An emergency may be de-
fined as a situation that threatens human life or property. In such situations,
make sure your transceiver is turned On and set the channel selector to Chan-
nel 16. Then use the following procedure to make a distress call. The total
transmission should not exceed 1 minute.
1. Press the microphone Push To Talk button. Speak slowly and clearly
into the microphone: “Mayday, Mayday, Mayday, this is your vessel’s
name, your vessel’s name, your vessel’s name”.
2. Then repeat once: “Mayday, your vessel’s name”.
3. Continue by reporting your position in latitude and longitude or by
reporting your bearing (true or magnetic, specify which) and distance
from a prominent or well known landmark, geographic feature or aid
to navigation.
4. Explain the nature of your emergency (fire, sinking, collision, ground-
ing, health condition, injury, etc.).
5. Report the kind of assistance you require (fire, medical aid, pumps,
etc.).
6. State the number of people aboard and the condition of any injured.
7. Estimate the seaworthiness and condition of your vessel.
8. Describe your vessel: length, type, color and any distinguishing fea-
ture.
9. End the message by saying “Over”. Release the Push To Talk button
and listen for a reply.
10. If there is no reply, repeat the above message procedure. If there is still
no response, try another channel.
