MAYDAY - PAN-PAN - SECURITÉ
MAYDAY, PAN-PAN, and SECURITÉ are three internationally recognised maritime radio signals; each used for a specific level of urgency or communication purpose. Here’s how they differ:
1. MAYDAY
- Definition: A distress call for a grave and immediate danger to life, vessel, or crew.
- Priority: Highest priority—all other communications must cease immediately.
- Purpose: Signals a situation where urgent assistance is required.
- Examples:
- Vessel sinking.
- Fire onboard.
- Man overboard.
- Collision with severe damage.
How to Use:
- “MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY.”
- Provide vessel name, position, nature of distress, number of people onboard, and assistance required.
2. PAN-PAN
- Definition: An urgent call indicating a problem that is not immediately life-threatening but requires assistance or attention.
- Priority: The second-highest priority is used to alert nearby vessels or authorities.
- Purpose: Highlights a potentially dangerous situation that could escalate.
- Examples:
- Engine failure near hazards.
- Minor medical emergencies.
- Lost navigation equipment in busy areas.
How to Use:
- “PAN-PAN, PAN-PAN, PAN-PAN.”
- Provide vessel name, position, nature of the problem, and any assistance needed.
3. SECURITÉ
- Definition: A safety message broadcast to warn of navigation hazards or weather conditions.
- Priority: The lowest of the three signals, but still significant, are used for general safety communication.
- Purpose: Alerts mariners to conditions that could pose a danger.
- Examples:
- Floating debris in a shipping lane (Traffic Separation Scheme), such as a semi-submerged shipping container.
- Extreme weather warnings.
- Navigational aids (e.g., buoys) out of position.
- People on Jetskis (just kidding).
How to Use:
- “SECURITÉ, SECURITÉ, SECURITÉ.”
- Typically issued by authorities or vessels, followed by details of the hazard or safety concern.
Key Differences
| Aspect | MAYDAY | PAN-PAN | SECURITÉ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Urgency | Immediate, life-threatening | Urgent but not life-threatening | Important safety information |
| Priority | Highest | Second-highest | Lowest (general safety) |
| Examples | Sinking, fire onboard | Engine trouble, minor injuries | Weather warnings, hazards |
| Response Needed | Immediate rescue | Standby and assist if possible | Awareness and preparation |
Practical Usage Example:
- MAYDAY: Your boat is sinking rapidly. You call for immediate help.
- PAN-PAN: Your engine has failed near rocks, but you’re not yet in danger. You request a tow.
- SECURITÉ: A Coast Guard warning announces severe fog in your area, advising caution.
Sample MAYDAY Call:
Scenario: Your yacht is taking on water rapidly, and the situation is life-threatening.
- Switch to Channel 16 (VHF).
- Speak slowly and clearly:
“MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY.
This is Sailing Vessel Pinocchio, Sailing Vessel Pinocchio, Sailing Vessel Pinocchio (repeat 3 times).
My position is 37 degrees 43 minutes north, 72 degrees 14 minutes west (or “2 nautical miles southeast of Cape Disaster”).
We are taking on water and sinking.
We have six people onboard, all wearing life jackets.
We need immediate assistance.
The vessel is a 29-foot white yacht with a pink stripe on the hull.
Over.”
Sample PAN-PAN Call
Scenario: Your engine has failed near a rocky shoreline, but there is no immediate danger.
- Switch to Channel 16 (VHF).
- Speak clearly:
“PAN-PAN, PAN-PAN, PAN-PAN.
This is Sailing Vessel Pinocchio, Sailing Vessel Pinocchio, Sailing Vessel Pinocchio(repeat 3 times).
My position is 37 degrees 43 minutes north, 72 degrees 14 minutes west (or “2 nautical miles southeast of Cape Disaster”).
We have lost engine power and are drifting slowly towards a rocky shoreline.
There are four people onboard, no injuries, and we are not in immediate danger.
Requesting assistance for a tow to safety.
Over.”
Sample SECURITÉ Call
Scenario: You’ve spotted a large floating log in a busy channel that could pose a hazard to other vessels.
- Switch to Channel 16 (VHF) (or a designated safety channel if advised).
- Speak clearly:
“SECURITÉ, SECURITÉ, SECURITÉ.
This is Sailing Vessel Pinocchio, Sailing Vessel Pinocchio, Sailing Vessel Pinocchio (repeat 3 times).
Attention all vessels in the area of 37 degrees 43 minutes north, 72 degrees 14 minutes west (or “2 nautical miles southeast of Cape Disaster“).
A small simi-submersed shipping container in the channel poses a navigational hazard.
Please be sure to proceed with caution.
Over.”
Key Elements in All Calls:
- Preface: Start with the proper distress signal (MAYDAY, PAN-PAN, or SECURITÉ) repeated thrice.
- Identify Yourself: Provide your vessel’s name and call sign.
- Position: State your location clearly (latitude, longitude, or a known reference point).
- Nature of the Situation: Explain what’s happening.
- Request for Assistance (if needed): Specify what kind of help is required.
- Additional Information: Add relevant details (e.g., number of people onboard, vessel description).
- End with “Over”: Indicate you’re done speaking and await a response.
