Pan Pan
An internationally recognised maritime urgency signal used in radio communications to indicate a situation that is urgent but does not pose an immediate threat to life or the vessel.
The term Pan Pan originates from the French word “panne,” meaning a breakdown or failure, and is used in maritime and aeronautical radio communications to alert others of an urgent situation requiring assistance, but not an immediate distress. It is part of the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) and sits below the “Mayday” distress call in terms of severity. When a vessel issues a Pan Pan call, it signals that there is a problem that requires attention, such as a mechanical failure, a medical emergency, or a navigational hazard, but there is no immediate danger to life or the vessel’s integrity.
The Pan Pan call is transmitted three times consecutively (e.g., “Pan Pan, Pan Pan, Pan Pan”) at the start of the message to ensure clarity and to distinguish it from other communications. It is followed by the vessel’s name, position, nature of the urgency, and any other relevant information. This allows nearby vessels and maritime authorities to assess the situation and provide appropriate assistance. Importantly, a Pan Pan call does not trigger an automatic search and rescue operation, as it is considered less critical than a “Mayday” call. However, it ensures that the vessel in need can receive timely support from nearby ships or coastguard services.
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 Pan Pan Message:
PAN PAN, PAN PAN, PAN PAN.
All stations, all stations, all stations, this is yacht SEA SPRITE, SEA SPRITE, SEA SPRITE.
Call sign MXYZ9, MMSI 235123456.
Position 50 degrees 45.2 minutes North, 001 degrees 05 decimal 8 minutes West, about half a mile east of No Man’s Land Fort.
Engine failure, limited manoeuvrability under sail in light winds. Four persons on board. No immediate danger. Request assistance with a tow to Portsmouth Harbour.
Over.
