Cobra MR HH150 FLT MR HH150 FLT Manual - English - Page 19

Emergency Messages and Distress Procedure VHF Marine Radio Protocols IInnttrroo OOppeerraattiioonn CCuussttoommeerr WWaarrrraannttyy Emergency MessaAAgsssseiissttaasnncceeand Distress Procedure • The ability to summon assistance in an emergency is the primary reason to have a VHF marine radio. The marine environment can be unforgiving, and what may initially be a mThienoCroparsotbGleumarIInndcssttaaamllnllaattoiioornnnaiptoidrlsyCACAssuCudssssiihttsseoottmmaaavnneeneccrreenloepl into a situation beyond your control. 16, responds to all distress calls, and coordinates all search SSeeccoonnddaarryy IIccoonnss and rescue efforts. Depending on the availability of other capable vessels or commercial assistance operators in your vicinity, Coast Guard or Coast Guard Auxiliary craft may be dispatched. In any event, communicate with the Coast Guard as soon as you experience difficulties and before yourNNsoottiiitcceue ation bCCaaeuucttiiooonnmes anWWaaerrnnmiinnggergency. Use the emergency message procedures only after your situation has become grave or you are faced with a sudden danger threatening life or property and requiring immediate help. Use Channel 16 to communicate your emergency message. Make sure you transmit on high power. If you are merely out of gas, do not send an emergency message. Drop your anchor and call a friend or marina to bring the fuel you need or to give you a tow. Marine Emergency Signals The three spoken international emergency signals are: MAYDAY The distress signal MAYDAY is used to indicate that a station is threatened by grave and imminent danger and requests immediate assistance. PAN PAN The urgency signal PAN PAN is used when the safety of the vessel or person is in jeopardy. (This signal is properly pronounced pahn pahn.) SECURITE The safety signal SECURITE is used for messages about the safety of navigation or important weather warnings. (This signal is properly pronounced see-cure-ee-tay.) When using an international emergency signal, the appropriate signal is to be spoken three times prior to the message. 32 English Emergency Messages and Distress Procedure VHF Marine Radio Protocols Intro Operation Customer Warranty If You Hear a DistrAesssistasnceCall You must give any message beginning with one of these signals priority over any other messages. ALL stations MUST remain silent on Channel 16 for the duration of the emergencyInsutanllaletiosn s theCumstoemsersage Assistance relates directly to the emergency. If you hear a distress message from a vessel, stand by your radio. If it is not aSnecsowndaeryrIecodns, YOU should answer. If the distressed vessel is not nearby, wait a short time for others who may be closer to acknowledge. Even if you cannot render direct assistance, you may be in a position to relay the message. Marine Distress Procedure Notice Caution Warning Speak slowly - clearly - calmly. 1. Make sure your radio is On. 2. Select Channel 16. 3. Press Talk button and say: "MAYDAY - MAYDAY - MAYDAY." (Or "PAN PAN- PAN PAN- PAN PAN," or "SECURITE - SECURITE - SECURITE.") 4. Say: "THIS IS [your vessel name or call sign]," repeated three (3) times. 5. Say: "MAYDAY (or "PAN PAN" or "SECURITE") [your vessel name or call sign]. 6. Tell where you are: (what navigational aids or landmarks are nearby). 7. State the nature of your distress. 8. State the kind of assistance needed. 9. Give number of persons aboard and conditions of any injured. 10. Estimate present seaworthiness of your vessel. 11. Briefly describe your vessel (length, type, color, hull). 12. Say: "I WILL BE LISTENING ON CHANNEL 16." 13. End message by saying: "THIS IS [your vessel name or call sign]. OVER." 14. Release Talk button and listen. Someone should answer. If not, repeat the call, beginning at step 3 above. Keep the radio nearby. Even after your message has been received, the Coast Guard can find you more quickly if you can transmit a signal for a rescue boat to hone in on. Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra® 33