Ahoy, mateys! Knowing how to properly call Mayday could save your skin—or someone else’s—when things go sideways on the water. This guide breaks down the steps like a grizzled deckhand sharing hard-earned wisdom. Let’s dive in.
1. Stay Cool, Sailor
When the waves turn hostile—whether your boat’s taking on water, there’s a fire, or pirates are closing in—panic’s your worst enemy. Take a deep breath, steady your hands, and focus. You’ve got this.
When to Call Mayday:
- Immediate danger to life or vessel (sinking, explosion, mass injury).
- Pirates attempting to board.
- Sudden illness disabling the crew.
When to Use Pan-Pan (Not Mayday):
- Broken mast, engine failure, or non-life-threatening injuries.
2. Tune to the Right Frequency
Crank up your VHF radio to Channel 16 (156.8 MHz) or marine MF/SSB on 2182 kHz. This is the universal distress channel—Coast Guard and nearby boats are always listening. Newer radios? Hit the DSC button to auto-transmit your GPS coordinates. Old-school rig? Manually call it out.
Pro Tip: Keep Channel 16 open at all times. No music, no chitchat—just in case.
3. Prep Your Message
Before hitting the mic, rehearse these key points:
- Say “Mayday” three times to grab attention.
- Speak slowly, enunciate numbers (e.g., “One-Five” instead of “15”).
- Use the phonetic alphabet (Alpha, Bravo, Charlie) for clarity.
- Hold the mic a few inches from your mouth—no yelling.
4. Make the Call
Press the PTT button and bark this like you mean it:
“Mayday, Mayday, Mayday. This is [YOUR BOAT NAME] with callsign [XYZ123]. Mayday. We’re located at [LAT/LONG], drifting [SPEED/BEARING]. Vessel type: [SAIL/MEGA-YACHT]. Situation: [FIRE/SINKING/PILLAGED]. [NUMBER OF PEOPLE] on board, [INJURIES/DETAILS]. Over.”
Key Bits:
- Drop your MMSI number if using DSC.
- Describe your boat (color, length, rig) to help rescuers spot you.
5. Wait for a Response
Let go of the mic and listen. If no reply in 15 seconds, repeat the call. While waiting, prep life rafts, flares, and emergency gear. Assign roles—someone stays on the radio, others ready the life jackets.
6. Follow Orders
If the Coast Guard answers, they’ll likely switch you to a working channel. Confirm with: “Roger, switching to Channel [X].” If you’re abandoning ship, say so: “Deploying life raft now— 坐标 [LAT/LONG].”
7. Stay on the Radio
Keep someone glued to the radio until help arrives. Even if you’re in the life raft, keep the chatter going. Rescuers need updates.
Relaying a Mayday (For Other Vessels)
If you hear a distress call and the Coast Guard hasn’t responded, jump in:
“Mayday Relay, Mayday Relay. This is [YOUR BOAT]. Distress call received from [VESSEL NAME] at [COORDINATES]. Over.”
Pan-Pan Calls
For non-life-threatening issues:
“Pan-Pan, Pan-Pan. [BOAT NAME] here. Engine failure, 10 miles east of [LANDMARK]. Requesting tow. Over.”
Pro Tips
- MMSI Numbers: Register yours and program it into your radio for DSC alerts.
- Practice: Run drills with a mate—no real transmissions, just dry runs.
- Law: False Maydays land you in hot water. Only use it when lives are on the line.
Final Thought: A Mayday isn’t just a call—it’s a lifeline. Make it loud, clear, and quick. And remember, every second counts. Now, stay safe out there, and may the wind always be at your back.