Sailing the open seas or navigating coastal waters is an exhilarating experience, but it also comes with inherent risks. In emergency situations, knowing how to properly call a Mayday can be the difference between life and death. This comprehensive guide provides detailed steps and instructions on how to effectively transmit a Mayday call from your marine vessel, ensuring that you can summon help when you need it most.
What is a Mayday Call?
A Mayday call is an internationally recognized distress signal used by mariners to indicate that a life-threatening emergency is occurring on board a vessel. It signals that the vessel and/or its occupants are in imminent danger and require immediate assistance. The term “Mayday” originates from the French phrase “m’aidez,” meaning “help me.”
When to Use a Mayday Call
A Mayday call should only be used when there is a grave and imminent danger to the vessel and/or the lives of those on board. This includes situations such as:
- Sinking or capsizing
- Fire or explosion
- Medical emergency where someone’s life is at risk
- Vessel collision
- Imminent threat of piracy or armed robbery
- Any other situation where immediate assistance is required to prevent loss of life or serious injury
Important Note: It is crucial to understand that transmitting a false Mayday call is a serious offense with severe penalties, including hefty fines and imprisonment. Only use the Mayday call when a genuine emergency exists.
Preparation Before Calling Mayday
Before an emergency occurs, take the time to prepare yourself and your vessel for the possibility of needing to make a Mayday call. This includes:
- Familiarizing yourself with your radio equipment: Understand how to operate your VHF radio, including how to switch channels, adjust the volume, and use the microphone.
- Knowing your vessel’s information: Keep a readily accessible record of your vessel’s name, call sign (if applicable), MMSI number (Maritime Mobile Service Identity), position (latitude and longitude), and a brief description of the vessel (type, size, color).
- Practicing the Mayday call procedure: Conduct drills with your crew to practice making a Mayday call, so everyone knows what to do in an emergency.
- Having a pre-prepared Mayday script: Write down a basic Mayday script that you can quickly refer to in a stressful situation. This will help you remember the essential information to include in your call.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Calling a Mayday
Follow these steps to effectively transmit a Mayday call from your marine vessel:
Step 1: Select the Appropriate Channel
The primary distress frequency for voice communications is VHF channel 16 (156.8 MHz). If you have a Digital Selective Calling (DSC) radio, use channel 70. If you are far offshore and have access to MF/HF radio, use 2182 kHz or one of the HF distress frequencies.
- VHF Channel 16: This is the most common channel for initial distress calls in coastal waters.
- VHF Channel 70 (DSC): DSC allows you to send a digital distress alert with your vessel’s identification and position automatically.
- MF/HF Radio (2182 kHz or HF Frequencies): Use these frequencies for long-range communications when you are far offshore and beyond the range of VHF radio.
Step 2: Switch on the Radio and Adjust the Volume
Turn on your VHF radio and ensure that the volume is turned up high enough to hear any incoming responses. Check that the squelch control is properly adjusted to eliminate background noise without cutting off weak signals.
Step 3: Press the Transmit Button and Say “Mayday” Three Times
Hold the transmit button down firmly and clearly speak the word “Mayday” three times. This alerts all nearby vessels and shore stations that you have an urgent distress situation.
Example: “Mayday, Mayday, Mayday”
Step 4: State Your Vessel Name and Call Sign (if applicable)
Immediately after saying “Mayday” three times, state the name of your vessel and its call sign (if applicable). Repeat the vessel name three times.
Example: “Mayday, Mayday, Mayday. This is sailing vessel ‘Serenity’, sailing vessel ‘Serenity’, sailing vessel ‘Serenity’, call sign WXYZ123.”
Step 5: Provide Your MMSI Number
If you have a DSC radio, include your Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) number. This number uniquely identifies your vessel.
Example: “My MMSI number is 123456789.”
Step 6: State Your Position
Clearly state your vessel’s position, preferably in latitude and longitude. If you don’t know your exact coordinates, provide a bearing and distance from a known landmark.
Examples:
- “My position is 34 degrees 05 minutes North, 118 degrees 24 minutes West.”
- “My position is approximately 5 nautical miles southwest of Catalina Island.”
Step 7: Describe the Nature of the Distress
Clearly and concisely describe the nature of your emergency. Be specific about what is happening and what kind of assistance you need.
Examples:
- “We are taking on water rapidly and are in danger of sinking.”
- “We have a fire in the engine room and require immediate assistance.”
- “We have a person onboard with a serious head injury and require medical evacuation.”
Step 8: State the Number of People Onboard
Provide the total number of people on board your vessel. This information is crucial for search and rescue operations.
Example: “There are four people onboard.”
Step 9: Describe Your Vessel
Give a brief description of your vessel, including its type (e.g., sailboat, powerboat, fishing vessel), size, and color. This helps rescuers identify your vessel quickly.
Example: “We are a 38-foot white sailboat with a blue stripe.”
Step 10: State Any Other Relevant Information
Include any other information that might be helpful to rescuers, such as:
- The type of assistance you require (e.g., tow, medical evacuation, fire suppression).
- Whether you have any life rafts or other emergency equipment deployed.
- The sea conditions and weather.
- Any other hazards in the area.
Step 11: Say “Over”
End your Mayday call by saying “Over.” This indicates that you have finished speaking and are listening for a response.
Step 12: Listen for a Response
After transmitting your Mayday call, listen carefully for a response from the Coast Guard or other vessels in the area. If you don’t receive a response immediately, repeat the Mayday call.
Step 13: Use the NATO Phonetic Alphabet
When providing critical information, use the NATO phonetic alphabet to ensure clear communication, especially if the signal is weak or there is background noise.
Here’s the NATO phonetic alphabet:
- A – Alpha
- B – Bravo
- C – Charlie
- D – Delta
- E – Echo
- F – Foxtrot
- G – Golf
- H – Hotel
- I – India
- J – Juliet
- K – Kilo
- L – Lima
- M – Mike
- N – November
- O – Oscar
- P – Papa
- Q – Quebec
- R – Romeo
- S – Sierra
- T – Tango
- U – Uniform
- V – Victor
- W – Whiskey
- X – X-ray
- Y – Yankee
- Z – Zulu
Example: “Vessel name is Sierra Echo Romeo Echo November India Tango Yankee”
Example Mayday Call Script
Here’s an example of a complete Mayday call script:
“Mayday, Mayday, Mayday. This is sailing vessel ‘Serenity’, sailing vessel ‘Serenity’, sailing vessel ‘Serenity’, call sign WXYZ123. My MMSI number is 123456789. My position is 34 degrees 05 minutes North, 118 degrees 24 minutes West. We are taking on water rapidly and are in danger of sinking. There are four people onboard. We are a 38-foot white sailboat with a blue stripe. We require immediate assistance. Over.”
Using Digital Selective Calling (DSC)
If your VHF radio is equipped with Digital Selective Calling (DSC), you can send a digital distress alert that automatically transmits your vessel’s identification and position to the Coast Guard and other DSC-equipped vessels.
How to Send a DSC Distress Alert
- Press the Distress Button: Locate the dedicated “Distress” button on your radio (usually red and clearly marked).
- Open the Cover (if applicable): Some radios have a cover over the distress button to prevent accidental activation.
- Press and Hold: Press and hold the distress button for the required duration (usually 3-5 seconds).
- Wait for Acknowledgment: The radio will transmit a digital distress alert containing your MMSI number and GPS position (if connected).
- Listen for a Response: After sending the DSC alert, switch to VHF channel 16 and listen for a voice response.
- Follow Up with a Voice Mayday Call: Even after sending a DSC alert, it’s crucial to follow up with a voice Mayday call on VHF channel 16 to provide more details about the emergency.
What to Do After Making a Mayday Call
After transmitting a Mayday call, take the following actions:
- Stay on the Radio: Remain on VHF channel 16 (or the channel you used to make the call) and listen for instructions from the Coast Guard or other responding vessels.
- Provide Updates: Continue to provide updates on your situation, including any changes in your position, the severity of the emergency, or the number of people onboard.
- Activate Emergency Equipment: Activate any emergency equipment you have on board, such as EPIRBs (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons), flares, and life rafts.
- Prepare for Rescue: Prepare yourself and your crew for rescue. Gather essential items like warm clothing, identification, and any necessary medications.
Other Important Considerations
- EPIRBs (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons): An EPIRB is a satellite-based emergency beacon that automatically transmits your vessel’s identification and position to rescue authorities when activated. It’s a vital piece of safety equipment for any vessel venturing offshore.
- SARTs (Search and Rescue Transponders): A SART is a radar transponder that emits a signal when interrogated by a nearby radar. It helps rescuers locate your vessel in poor visibility conditions.
- Life Rafts: Ensure your life raft is properly maintained and equipped with essential supplies, such as water, food, first-aid kit, and signaling devices.
- Flares: Carry a variety of flares (red hand flares, parachute flares, and smoke flares) to signal your position to rescuers.
- Emergency Procedures: Develop and practice emergency procedures for various scenarios, such as fire, flooding, and medical emergencies.
- First Aid Training: Ensure that at least one person on board is trained in first aid and CPR.
Maintaining Your Radio Equipment
Regularly inspect and maintain your radio equipment to ensure it is in good working order. This includes:
- Checking the Antenna: Ensure the antenna is securely connected and free from corrosion.
- Testing the Battery: Check the battery voltage and replace it if necessary.
- Cleaning the Radio: Clean the radio regularly to remove salt spray and dirt.
- Performing Radio Checks: Conduct regular radio checks with other vessels or shore stations to verify that your radio is transmitting and receiving properly.
Conclusion
Knowing how to call a Mayday is a critical skill for any mariner. By following the steps outlined in this guide and practicing your emergency procedures, you can significantly increase your chances of a successful rescue in a life-threatening situation. Remember to always prioritize safety and be prepared for the unexpected. Safe sailing!