MT-550
7
3. BASIC RADIO COMMUNICATION PROCEDURE
Distress or emergency calls may be made either manually or automatically.
Sending distress calls automatically uses the Digital Selective Calling (DSC)
functions of your transceiver and requires an operating and properly connected
navigation receiver. The following procedures are for sending voice distress
messages manually. Sending an automatic distress call is described in the DSC
section of this manual.
3.1 Using Channel 16
Channel 16 is the Calling and Distress channel. An emergency may be defined as
a situation that threatens human life or property. In such situations, make sure
your transceiver is turned On and set the channel selector to Channel 16. Then use
the following procedure to make a distress call. The total transmission should not
exceed 1 minute.
1.
Press the microphone Push To Talk button. Speak slowly and clearly
into the microphone: “Mayday, Mayday, Mayday, this is your vessel’s
name, your vessel’s name, your vessel’s name”.
2.
Then repeat once: “Mayday, your vessel’s name”.
3.
Continue by reporting your position in latitude and longitude or by
reporting your bearing (true or magnetic, specify which) and distance
from a prominent or well known landmark, geographic feature or aid to
navigation.
4.
Explain the nature of your emergency (fire, sinking, collision, grounding,
health condition, injury, etc.).
5.
Report the kind of assistance you require (fire, medical aid, pumps,
etc.).
6.
State the number of people aboard and the condition of any injured.
7.
Estimate the seaworthiness and condition of your vessel.
8.
Describe your vessel: length, type, color and any distinguishing
feature.
9.
End the message by saying “Over”. Release the Push To Talk button
and listen for a reply.
10.
If there is no reply, repeat the above message procedure. If there is
still no response, try another channel.
3.2 Calling Another Vessel
Channel 16 may be used to establish initial contact with another vessel. However,
its most important use is for voice emergency messages. Channel 16 must be
monitored at all times except when engaged in actual communication on another
channel. Channel 16 is monitored by international search and rescue (SAR)
authorities, National Coast Guards and by other vessels. Use of Channel 16 for
calling or hailing must be limited to initial contact only. Calling should not exceed
30 seconds and may be repeated 3 times at 2 minute intervals.
Prior to making contact with another vessel, determine which channel will be used
for continued communication after the initial contact. Monitor the desired channel
for traffic and, when clear, switch to Channel 16 to make initial contact.
Listen for traffic on the Calling Channel (16). If clear, press the Push To Talk (
PTT
)
