MayDay
An internationally recognised distress signal used in voice communication to indicate a grave or imminent, life-threatening emergency at sea.
The term “Mayday” is a critical part of maritime communication and one of the pro-words in the Standard Marine Communication Phrases. Originating from the French phrase “m’aider,” which means “help me.” It is used exclusively in situations where there is an immediate danger to life or the vessel, such as sinking, fire, or man overboard. When a Mayday call is made, it is broadcast over the ship’s radio on the emergency frequency, typically VHF Channel 16 (156.8 MHz), which is monitored by coastguards and other vessels. The call is repeated three times (“Mayday, Mayday, Mayday”) to ensure clarity and to distinguish it from less urgent communications.
A Mayday call must include essential information such as the vessel’s name, position, the nature of the distress, and any other relevant details that could assist rescuers. It is the most urgent type of distress call and takes precedence over all other radio traffic. Once a Mayday is declared, all other vessels and stations in the vicinity are required to maintain radio silence unless they can assist.
Mayday is part of a broader system of maritime distress signals, which also includes “Pan-Pan” for urgent but non-life-threatening situations and “Securité” for navigational warnings. The use of Mayday is governed by international regulations, and misuse of the term is considered a serious offence, as it can divert critical resources from real emergencies.
From the French, M’aider.
Mayday and Pan Pan calls
Knowing how to correctly operate your VHF radio and when to make a mayday or pan pan call saves lives
Keeping a cool head in an emergency saves lives. Using your VHF correctly—and knowing when to make a Maydayversus a Pan Pan—is fundamental.
Even on short coastal hops with a mobile to hand, a VHF set is essential safety kit. Coverage isn’t guaranteed and wet phones rarely work well.
Good radio etiquette matters. Following the correct procedures keeps you safe and ensures you don’t block a Mayday from another vessel.
It’s a legal requirement to hold a licence to use VHF. The Short Range Certificate (SRC) is the minimum qualification required by law to operate VHF and VHF DSC on any British-flagged vessel, including both fixed and hand-held sets.
Whats the difference between a MayDay and a Pan Pan?
A MAYDAY is a distress call used when there’s immediate danger to life or the vessel (e.g., fire, sinking, person overboard in severe conditions) and demands the highest priority response. A PAN PAN is an urgency call used when a situation is serious but not yet life-threatening (e.g., engine failure near hazards, minor medical issue, lost but safe), signalling the need for prompt assistance without full distress traffic. Both are announced three times (“MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY” / “PAN PAN, PAN PAN, PAN PAN”) and normally made on VHF Channel 16 (or by DSC), but MAYDAY takes precedence. If conditions deteriorate, a PAN PAN should be escalated to MAYDAY; the Coastguard may also upgrade or stand down calls as appropriate.
Example MayDay Message
MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY.
This is yacht SEA SPRITE, SEA SPRITE, SEA SPRITE.
Call sign MXYZ9, MMSI 235123456.
MAYDAY SEA SPRITE.
Call sign MXYZ9, MMSI 235123456.
Our Position is 50 degrees, 45 decimal 2 minutes North, 001 degrees, 05 decimal 8 minutes West, half a mile east of No Man’s Land Fort.
We are taking on water after striking a submerged object; vessel sinking.
Four persons on board; one minor injury.
We Require immediate assistance; we are preparing to abandon to liferaft.
All wearing lifejackets; EPIRB activated; orange smoke ready.
Over.
