Issuing a MAYDAY Call

To issue a MAYDAY call on Channel 16 of your VHF radio:

1. Transmit “MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY.”
2. Say “This is (name of boat three times, call letters once).”
3. Repeat once more “MAYDAY” and your vessel’s name.
4. Report your location.
5. Report the nature of your emergency.
6. Report the kind of assistance needed.
7. Report the number of people on board and condition of any injured.
8. Describe the vessel and its seaworthiness.
9. Wait for a response. If there is none, repeat the message.