To contact the Coast Guard, tune your VHF marine radio to Channel 16. Speak slowly and clearly, and use the internationally recognized command that matches your situation: Mayday (life-threatening emergency), Pan-Pan (urgent situation without immediate danger), or Securité (safety warnings). [1, 2]

1. Distress Calls: “Mayday”

Use this for grave or imminent danger that requires immediate assistance. [1, 2]

• Command Format: “MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY. This is [Vessel Name] said three times.” [1, 2]
• Follow-up details (M.I.P.D.O.N.):
  • Mayday [Vessel Name]
  • Identification / Position (GPS coordinates, or range/bearing from a landmark)
  • Problem (nature of distress, e.g., sinking, fire, medical)
  • Details (number of people on board, vessel description, life raft info)
  • Over [1]

2. Urgency Calls: “Pan-Pan” (Pronounced Pahn-Pahn)

Use this when you have an urgent situation (like a disabled engine or medical issue) but are not in immediate danger of sinking or loss of life. [1]

• Command Format: “PAN-PAN, PAN-PAN, PAN-PAN. All stations (or specific station), this is [Vessel Name].”
• State your position, the nature of your urgency, and what assistance you require, ending with “Over.” [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

3. Safety Broadcasts: “Securité” (Pronounced Say-cure-ee-tay)

Use this when you need to broadcast important navigational hazards (e.g., debris, unlit buoys) or weather warnings to other boaters. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

• Command Format: “SECURITÉ, SECURITÉ, SECURITÉ. All stations, this is [Vessel Name].”
• State the nature of the hazard, its exact location, and request a shift to a working channel if applicable.[1, 2]

Key Radio Channels to Know

• Channel 16: International distress, safety, and calling frequency. Only use it to establish contact, then switch to a working channel.
• Channel 22A: Restricted primarily to Coast Guard use. The Coast Guard will often ask you to switch to 22A after you hail them on 16.
• Working Channels: Used for general communications after hailing on 16. (Usually Channels 68, 69, 71, or 72). [1, 2, 3, 4]

For full guidelines and exact regulatory procedures, refer to the U.S. Coast Guard VHF Channel Informationor review the USCG Emergency Radio Procedures guide. [1, 2]

If you are currently planning a voyage or updating your safety equipment:

• What body of water are you operating in?
• Do you have Digital Selective Calling (DSC) equipped on your radio? [1]

Knowing these details helps clarify your specific local coverage and emergency capabilities.