Appendix: Maritime Radio Use In The Vhf Frequency Range; Special Channel Assignments - Motorola ASTRO XTS 5000 III User Manual

Appendix: Maritime Radio Use in the
VHF Frequency Range

Special Channel Assignments

Emergency Channel
If you are in imminent and grave danger at sea and require
emergency assistance, use VHF Channel 16 to send a distress call
to nearby vessels and the United States Coast Guard. Transmit the
following information, in this order:
1 "MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY."
2 "THIS IS _____________________, CALL SIGN __________."
State the name of the vessel in distress 3 times, followed by the
call sign or other identification of the vessel, stated 3 times.
3 Repeat "MAYDAY" and the name of the vessel.
4 "WE ARE LOCATED AT _______________________."
State the position of the vessel in distress, using any information
that will help responders to locate you, e.g.:
• latitude and longitude
• bearing (state whether you are using true or magnetic north)
• distance to a well-known landmark
• vessel course, speed or destination
5 State the nature of the distress.
6 Specify what kind of assistance you need.
7 State the number of persons on board and the number needing
medical attention, if any.
8 Mention any other information that would be helpful to
responders, such as type of vessel, vessel length and/or
tonnage, hull color, etc.
9 "OVER."
10 Wait for a response.
11 If you do not receive an immediate response, remain by the radio
and repeat the transmission at intervals until you receive a
response. Be prepared to follow any instructions given to you.
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