Distress call message procedure.

 

Many thanks to one of our past Boat Chairman Nigel Pype for supplying the following information.

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Mayday x 3, this is: vessels name x 3.
Mayday, vessels name, call sign (if allocated).
Position in lat & long or as a range & bearing from a prominent charted feature. E.g. Beachy Head or sovereign light tower.
Nature of distress, e.g.: holed and sinking, on fire etc. Assistance required if this is not obvious.
Number of people aboard.
Amplifying information (anything else that may help rescuers). Invitation to reply ('over').

The definition of distress = grave and imminent danger to a vessel, aircraft, vehicle or person, requiring immediate assistance.

If you receive a mayday message reply only if you are well placed to help, prefix all transmissions concerning the distress with; mayday, vessels name.