MT-700 9
3. BASIC RADIO COMMUNICATION PROCEDURE
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 connected 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 defined 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 Channel 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, grounding,
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 feature.
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.
