Marine radio emergency procedure
An alarm signal is used to attract the attention of operators to the incoming message. It produces a two-toned warbling sound which can be easily distinguished, even in poor reception conditions.
How to call for help
Distress call
Distress messages prefixed "MAYDAY" repeated three times are used only in grave and imminent danger.
Urgency call
Urgency messages prefixed "PAN PAN" repeated three times are used when you or your vessel are not in grave and imminent danger.
Safety signal
Safety signals prefixed "SECURITE" repeated three times (pronounced SAY-CURE-E-TAY) are used when a station wants to pass important information concerning safety such as navigational warnings or weather warnings.
Emergency channels
Distress and urgency communications can be made on the following channels:
| Radio type | Channel/frequencies |
|---|---|
| VHF | 16 (67 alternative) |
| 27MHz | 88 (86 alternative) |
| HF (frequency) | 4125, 6215 and 8291kHz |
Radio stickers
If you would like us to send you a VHF marine radio sticker, email your name and full postal address to education@transportsafety.vic.gov.au
Note: MSV no longer produces 27MHz marine radio stickers.