MAYDAY

Use MAYDAY when the vessel or a person is in distress and immediate assistance is required.

A practical USCG-format voice call:

Select Channel 16.

Say MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY.

Say THIS IS.

State vessel name three times.

Give call sign or registration if useful.

Repeat MAYDAY and vessel name.

Give position.

State nature of distress.

State assistance required.

State number of persons aboard.

Give useful vessel description or other information.

Say OVER.

Listen and remain available.

If DSC is available, use it as part of the distress process as described below.