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NOTE: If you release the DISTRESS key before 3 seconds have passed, the Distress call will not
be sent; if you hold down the DISTRESS key for more than 3 seconds, the Distress call will be
sent whether channel 70 is busy or not. When a Distress call is sent, the acoustic alert sounds
as a continuous tone until acknowledgement is received or you cancel the Distress call.
5. During the distress call sequence, the radio simultaneously watches Channel
70 (for a DSC acknowledgement) and Channel 16.
6. When the distress call is acknowledged, the acoustic alert will stop and the radio
will return to normal operation on Channel 16, with high transmit power set.
7. If no acknowledgement is received, the unit continues to transmit the distress
call at random intervals of 3.5 to 4.5 minutes until a response is received or the
call is manually cancelled (by pressing the CANCEL/WX key for two seconds).
In an emergency situation, when there is no DSC response, you should make
manual MAYDAY distress calls between the automatic DSC calls as described
in the next step.
8. Make sure that the radio’s transmit power is set to High by pressing the
HI/LOW/MEM key if necessary.
9. Press and hold the PTT key and speak slowly, clearly, and calmly into the
microphone and communicate the following information:
• MAYDAY MAYDAY MAYDAY.
• This is [name of your vessel, spoken three times and your call sign or boat
registration number, spoken once].
• Repeat MAYDAY and [your ship’s name], spoken once.
• Describe where you are, providing latitude or longitude, or by bearing (true or
magnetic, state which) and any information such as distance to nearby
landmarks. Include any information on vessel’s course, speed and
destination.
• Describe the nature of your distress (FIRE, FLOODING, COLLISION,
GROUNDING, LISTING, SINKING, ADRIFT, ABANDONING, PIRACY,
MANOVERBD).
• Describe the kind of assistance required.
• Provide the number of people onboard.
• Provide any additional information that may facilitate your rescue, such as the
current condition of your vessel, your vessel’s size, color, hull type, number of
people onboard needing medical attention.
• Say that you will be monitoring Channel 16.
• End your distress message by saying “This is [your ship’s name/call sign] OVER.”