Distress signals
If you are in distress use the following signals:
- Marine radio/signalling
- In emergencies only:
mayday mayday mayday - A signal sent by radio consisting of the spoken works:
pan pan pan pan pan pan - A signal made by radio or by another signalling method consisting of the group SOS in the morse code.
- In emergencies only:
If other boats or aircraft are in the area, let off an orange smoke flare (daylight) or a red hand-held flare (night).
A V-sheet should be displayed to attract the attention of other boats or overpassing aircraft.
Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) should be used as a last resort. Keep it on until help arrives.
Slowly and repeatedly raise and lower arms outstretched to each side.
Continuous sounding of sound signalling equipment - SOS.- International code flags N over C.
These signals are internationally recognised and indicate distress and need of assistance. Use of these signals except for the purpose indicated is prohibited.
Last updated 03 July 2008
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