A mayday call should only be made in dire circumstances when death, serious injury, or the loss of a boat is imminent. Other emergencies, such as loss of power, or running aground, may warrant a request for assistance, but not a mayday call.
Transmit a Mayday Call on Channel 16
Both the US and Canadian Coast Guard monitor channel 16 on the VHF radio. If an emergency arises, make sure the radio is turned on and tuned to channel 16. Pick up the microphone and depress the talk button.
Information to Include in a Mayday Call
Ordinarily marine radio users are urged to make only brief transmissions. A mayday call is the exception to that rule. Depending on the emergency, it may become impossible for the caller to stay on the radio, so he should give as many details as possible. The Annapolis Book of Seamanship, by John Rousmaniere, advises making a mayday call like this:
- Begin the transmission by repeating the word “mayday” three times.
- Give the vessel’s name and description: "This is Ruby, a 28-foot sailboat, with a red hull, and white cabin."
- Tell how many people are on the boat and their condition: "There are four people aboard, two adults, a toddler and an infant, all wearing life jackets." (If anyone has a disability or has been injured, include that information as well.)
- Give your vessel’s location. A GPS reading or bouy number is the most useful, but if that is not possible, give as accurate a location as possible: "We are in President’s Channel, about a mile south of Disney Point on Waldron Island, drifting northeast." The more details you can provide the better.
- Briefly explain the emergency, what is being done to cope with it, and what you need: "We’ve hit a rock and are taking on water. The bilge pump is working, but not keeping up with the incoming water. We request immediate assistance."
End the broadcast by saying, “Over.”
Listen and Retransmit
Make sure to release the talk button after transmitting, then listen for a response. If there is no response within 10 seconds, retransmit until you receive a response. When someone—usually the Coast Guard--does reply, answer all questions as calmly and clearly as possible, and end each transmission with the word, “over.” Stay by the radio until help arrives unless it is unsafe to do so.
Safe boating includes being prepared for emergencies of all kinds, and knowing how to summon help when it is needed.
More information about Marine Radio Usage:
Marine Radio Channels Available to Recreational Boaters
Specialized Vocabulary Used on Marine Radio Broadcasts
