What’s the difference between a Mayday, Pan Pan and a Securite’?
In marine communication, mayday, pan-pan, and securite’ are different types of distress calls that indicate varying levels of urgency and the type of emergency. This is a basic overview of what these calls represent. It would be in any boater’s best interest to take a class in the proper use of radio’s, their use and how to respond to these calls. Here is a brief explanation of each:
- Mayday: Mayday is the most urgent distress call used to indicate that the vessel or someone on board is in grave and imminent danger. It should only be used in situations where there is a threat to life, the vessel is sinking, on fire, or facing any life-threatening emergency. When transmitting a Mayday call, the distress message is repeated three times, followed by the vessel’s name, position, nature of distress, and the number of people on board. For example: Mayday, Mayday, Mayday. This is Vessel XYZ, Vessel XYZ, Vessel XYZ, we are sinking and require immediate assistance. Our position is latitude XX degrees, XX minutes, longitude XX degrees, XX minutes. There are 5 people on board.
- Pan-Pan: Pan-pan is used to indicate an urgent situation, but it is not as severe as a Mayday. It is typically used when there is a concern for safety, but there is no immediate threat to life or the vessel. Examples include engine failure, medical issues, or navigation hazards. A Pan-pan message is repeated three times, followed by the vessel’s name, position, and the nature of the urgency. For example: Pan-pan, Pan-pan, Pan-pan. This is Vessel ABC, Vessel ABC, Vessel ABC. We have a medical emergency on board and require assistance. Our position is latitude XX degrees, XX minutes, longitude XX degrees, XX minutes.
- Securite’: A securite’ call is used to relay important safety information to all vessels in the vicinity. It is not related to a specific distress or urgency situation. Securite’ messages often include navigational warnings, weather updates, or other safety-related information. For example: Securite’, Securite’, Securite’. This is Vessel DEF, Vessel DEF, Vessel DEF. There is a floating object hazard reported at latitude XX degrees, XX minutes, longitude XX degrees, XX minutes. All vessels in the area are advised to exercise caution.
It’s crucial to use these radio calls appropriately and only when necessary, as misuse of distress frequencies can cause confusion and potentially delay responses to genuine emergencies. Understanding the proper procedures for each type of call can help ensure effective communication and aid in coordinating assistance when needed.
By Captain Peter Axelrod