Boating Emergency Information

Emergency Information

United States Coast Guard

VHF radio : Use VHF Channel 16 (156.8 MHz)

Mobile phone : Call 911

United States Coast Guard

BOAT/US Dispatch Center : 800-391-4869 (open 24/7)

SeaTow National Dispatch Center : 800-473-2869 (open 24/7)

VHF RADIO EMERGENCY CALLING PROCEDURES

Note: Emergency-Related Calls Always Have Priority Over Routine Messages.

Turn on your VHF radio. Select Channel 16 (the primary hailing and distress frequency) or Channel 9 (the backup frequency).
Set the squelch so you don’t hear any static or “white noise.”
Listen for 30 seconds (or more) to ensure there’s not a conversation in progress.
If the channel is clear, push the “Talk” or “Transmit” button.
State the name of the boat (or marine resource) you’re calling. Repeat that name 2-3 times. Next, state your boat name.
If you don’t receive a response, keep trying until you get one.
When you make contact, provide all details about the emergency.
For a “Mayday” call, state the type of emergency and the type of assistance you need. State the condition of the boat, along with the number and condition of the people on board.

VHF DISTRESS SIGNALS

(Pronounced pahn-pahn.) Use a “Pan-Pan” signal when a person’s or boat’s safety is threatened, but the situation’s not serious enough for a MAYDAY call. In other words, the boat’s in trouble, but it’s not in immediate danger of sinking. For example, use this signal when your boat’s engine is disabled, and you’re drifting near a rocky shore. Maybe the boat has a slow leak, is hung up in fishing gear, or is lost in fog. Or, if the boat’s steering system is broken, and you can’t control the boat, a “Pan-Pan” signal is appropriate.

Use a “Mayday” call only for true emergencies. If you’re facing an immediate risk of loss of life, or the boat is actively sinking, burning, or coming apart, a “Mayday” call is appropriate. For example, use this signal when you have an engine room fire. If the boat has hit the rocks or a reef, and is obviously sinking, it’s time to broadcast a “Mayday” message. If someone has a serious illness or injury, or has become unconscious, make that “Mayday” call without delay.

NEVER make a “Mayday” or other distress call unless you have a true on-the-water emergency. The U.S. Coast Guard takes these calls very seriously, and will use all available resources to assist that boater. If you issue a “Mayday” call or other distress message, and you don’t have an actual emergency, your antics are preventing authorities from responding to a real crisis. If the Coast Guard determines that you broadcast that fake distress message, you could face some very stiff penalties. First, you’ll likely be charged for the full cost of the Coast Guard search. You could be fined up to $250,000 for your actions, and may receive up to six years’ prison time.

(Pronounced say-cure-it-tay.) Use a “Security” signal for navigation safety messages. A “Security” signal pertains to navigational hazard warnings, weather alerts, and boat-related operations. For example, use this signal to report a navigation hazard, such as a partially sunken boat in a major channel. Or, advise fellow boaters of a nasty thunderstorm that’s about to hit a popular sailing/boating area.

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