Knowing how to raise the alarm in an emergency is critical. While a mobile phone might work near shore, the most reliable method at sea is a VHF radio.

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⛵ 1. Before You Speak: Prepare

Quickly gather key information to make your call clear and speed up rescue:

✔ Vessel Name – Identify your boat clearly.

✔ Exact Position – Latitude and longitude from GPS.

✔ Number of People on Board – So rescuers know how many lives are at risk.

✔ Nature of the Emergency – For example, sinking, fire, man overboard.

Having this info ready ensures a fast and accurate distress call.

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🌊 2. Using DSC (Digital Selective Calling) – The Quick Way

If your VHF has DSC:

✔ Lift the plastic cover over the red distress button (not the regular Channel 16 button).

✔ Press and hold for about 5 seconds.

✔ A menu appears; select the type of distress or choose a general Mayday.

Then follow up with a voice call on Channel 16.

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📍 3. Voice Mayday Call on Channel 16

Press and hold the microphone button (keep pressed while speaking). Speak slowly and clearly:

✔ MAYDAY - MAYDAY - MAYDAY

✔ This is [Vessel Name], calling Mayday.

✔ My position is [Latitude and Longitude].

✔ The nature of distress is [e.g., sinking, fire, man overboard].

✔ I require immediate assistance.

✔ I have [number] persons on board.

✔ Add any other relevant info, e.g., taking to liferaft.

Release the microphone button only after finishing your message, so others can respond.

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🛠 4. Additional Tips for Effective Distress Calls

Keep these tips in mind to improve your chances of a prompt rescue:

✔ Share your MMSI number and call sign if asked, but not essential initially.

✔ Always use your actual position from GPS, not the cursor on a chart plotter.

✔ Keep a log of the time and content of your distress call.

✔ Ensure more than just the skipper knows how to send a distress call, start the engine, and handle sails in an emergency.

✔ After broadcasting, listen carefully for any response or instructions.

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🏆 Final Reminder: Stay Calm & Act Fast

Use Channel 16, clearly state “Mayday,” give your vessel’s name and position, and describe the emergency. This starts the rescue process. Stay calm, stay clear, and act fast!