Section 4: Distress, Urgency and Other Signals

4
Distress, Urgency and Other Signals

Contents
INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................................................................... 2
DISTRESS SIGNALS ................................................................................................................................... 2
URGENCY SIGNALS .................................................................................................................................. 3
SAFETY SIGNALS ...................................................................................................................................... 4
SIGNAL FLAG RECOGNITION ................................................................................................................... 4
USE OF SIGNALS TO WARN OF DANGER ................................................................................................. 5
The use of light signals ........................................................................................................................ 5
The use of fog signals .......................................................................................................................... 6
Divers’ Signals ..................................................................................................................................... 6
DAY/NIGHT SIGNALS ............................................................................................................................... 6
Vessel day signals ................................................................................................................................ 6
ADDITIONAL GUIDANCE: DISTRESS & SIGNALS ...................................................................................... 8
Flares and Smoke signals .................................................................................................................... 8
Sound Signals ...................................................................................................................................... 9
EXAMPLES OF DISTRESS, URGENCY AND SAFETY RADIO MESSAGES ..................................................... 9
Mayday................................................................................................................................................ 9
Mayday Relay .................................................................................................................................... 10
Pan-Pan ............................................................................................................................................. 10
Securité ............................................................................................................................................. 10

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Section 4: Distress, Urgency and Other Signals

INTRODUCTION
Whilst most communications at sea are by radio a wide range of other sound and visual signals
remain in use to alert a distress or urgency situation or to ensure safe navigation. Even when a radio
message is being transmitted, vessels will sometimes employ a second visual back up in case their
radio transmission goes unheard or to alert other vessels within visual range.
You need to be able to recognise a distress and urgency signal, in whatever form it is sent, as well as
any locally important day and night signals used by vessels to prevent collision.

DISTRESS SIGNALS
‘Distress’ is the most serious form of emergency and means that a vessel, vehicle, aircraft or person
is in grave and imminent danger and requires immediate assistance. Distress flares and radio are
the most obvious ways of signalling distress but there are several others and you should be familiar
with the internationally recognised signals below.

Radio distress voice messages are prefixed by the word MAYDAY spoken three times - this indicates
that the sender is in grave and imminent danger and requires immediate assistance. A Mayday
message has absolute priority over all other transmissions.

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Section 4: Distress, Urgency and Other Signals

The sequence of a MAYDAY is as follows:

Distress Call: MAYDAY MAYDAY MAYDAY

This is ….vessel name (repeated three times)

Distress Message:
Mayday Mayday!
Identity This is ...vessel name and MMSI
Position Lat/long or bearing and distance from a charted position
Distress e.g. on fire, sinking, man overboard
Assistance Required Request Immediate assistance
Number of persons Number of people involved
Information Other information which might help rescuers
Over Over

See also the examples starting on p. 4:9.

Distress flares and smoke signals serve two purposes: to raise the alarm and to pinpoint the
casualty’s position.
Further information on the various types of flares and smokes is given in the Additional Guidance
notes in this section.
Unofficial means of signalling distress include a piece of material waved on the end of an oar or
similar and the national flag hoisted upside down. The last is a practice that is often quoted but one
that in reality may be difficult to spot and probably rarely used! Shouts for ‘HELP!’, flashing lights
(torch at night, mirror or strobe in daylight), repeated blowing of a whistle and a variety of other
methods may all be used to attract attention and so it is important to bear in mind that any unusual
activity you observe could well be a distress sign or signal. If in doubt contact the Coastguard.

URGENCY SIGNALS
Urgency is a lesser degree of emergency than a distress and means that a vessel, vehicle, aircraft or
person is in urgent but not imminent danger, i.e. the danger is not immediately life threatening, but
could become so if assistance is not forthcoming. It would apply to a vessel which is disabled but not
sinking or in any immediate danger, or when urgent medical advice or attention is needed.
Urgency messages given over the radio are prefixed by the words PAN PAN spoken three times and
indicate that a vessel or station has a very urgent message concerning the safety of a ship or person.

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Section 4: Distress, Urgency and Other Signals

The sequence of a PAN PAN is as follows:

Urgency Call: PAN PAN PAN PAN PAN PAN

All stations, all stations, all stations (or _ _ _ _ _ Coastguard x3)
This is…. vessel name (repeated three times)
Urgency Message:
Pan Pan Pan Pan!
Identity Name of vessel and MMSI
Position Lat/long or bearing and distance from a charted position
Distress e.g. engine failure and drifting onto rocks
Assistance Required e.g. Request a tow
Number of persons Number of people involved
Information Other information which might help rescuers
Over Over

See also the examples starting on p. 4:9.

SAFETY SIGNALS
Safety messages given over the radio are prefixed by the word SECURITÉ (pronounced
SAY-CURE-E-TAY) spoken three times (or the displayed words ’All Ships’ Safety’ when digitally alerted
on the DSC radio). They indicate that the station - usually a Coastguard Centre - is about to transmit
an important navigational or meteorological warning.
The message is transmitted on a working channel after an announcement on VHF Channel 16. You
should note the message content if the event is within our watch sector and log any relevant
information.
Safety messages may be broadcast by a vessel at sea, either to warn that the activities/position of
the sender pose a risk to other vessels in the vicinity, or to warn of a local navigational hazard.
Typical examples include vessels engaged in underwater operations or survey work, live firing in the
case of warships and warnings of floating obstructions such as a partially submerged container.
See also the examples starting on p. 4:9.

SIGNAL FLAG RECOGNITION

The International Code of Signals (ICS) lists over six hundred single letter and two-letter signals,
which can be sent in morse code, by light, sound, or arm signals; or by using the dedicated
International Code flags.
The almost universal use of marine radio means that nowadays the ICS flags, other than flags Alpha
and Bravo, are not regularly seen. However, nearly all ships and many leisure vessels carry flags and
they may be used if radio communications cannot be established.
International Code flags can be identified using quick reference charts in the Lookout. Try and
memorise the most relevant flags shown overleaf. These include those that denote urgency
situations, i.e. Foxtrot, Oscar, Victor and Whiskey.

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Section 4: Distress, Urgency and Other Signals

USE OF SIGNALS TO WARN OF DANGER

The use of light signals
In addition to the SOS distress signal (page 2 ) you should know the Morse code for, and the
meaning of, the single letter signal U:

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Section 4: Distress, Urgency and Other Signals

The station is equipped with an Aldis Signalling Lamp and you can flash the ‘dot, dot, dash’ warning
to a vessel which is observed to be on a course that will bring it into danger, e.g. drifting onto rocks
or shoals. (Even if the recipients do not know the meaning of the signal, the fact that they are being
signalled to may alert them to the danger.) Point the lamp directly at the target using the sight - just
a few degrees off target can greatly reduce its effectiveness - and operate the trigger in a positive
manner.
The Aldis lamp may be used to indicate to an already stricken vessel that its situation has been seen
and help is on the way. This should only be done after the Coastguard has been contacted and SAR
assets have been tasked. Follow the instructions of the Coastguard. The usual signal is three long
flashes.
The use of fog signals
For information on sound signals used by vessels in poor visibility and when manoeuvring etc., see
Additional Guidance.
Divers’ Signals
The recognised ‘I require assistance’ signal used by divers is
one arm extended with a clenched fist waved from side to
side over the head.
If this signal is observed you should look for
the attendant dive boat which should be
flying flag Alpha. If the dive boat has clearly
not seen the diver, then the Coastguard
should be alerted immediately.
Note: many divers routinely use surface marker buoys (DSMB’s) that look like
inflated orange sausages to mark their position. The marker buoy does not indicate
that the diver is in distress.

DAY/NIGHT SIGNALS
To prevent collision all vessels must display navigation lights at night and in restricted visibility. In
addition vessels engaged in certain activities, such as towing or fishing, or in certain situations, such
as at anchor or not under command, must also show distinguishing lights by night and shapes (day
signals) by day. Identification charts regarding navigation lights are kept on the counter and the left
hand door of the secure cupboard.
Vessel day signals
Vessel Day Signals are illustrated in the diagram overleaf (note: all signals except the diver’s flag are
black). You should be able to recognise the ‘diver down’, ‘Not Under Command’ (NUC) and ‘Vessel
Aground’ day signals and also identify other locally important signals using the quick reference
material displayed in the station.

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Section 4: Distress, Urgency and Other Signals

Diver down Vessel fishing or trawling Motor sailing

A rigid International Code ‘A’ Two black cones vertically, Black cone pointing down
flag (white/blue). point to point. placed forward.

At anchor Vessel not under command Vessel aground

Black ball placed forward. Two black balls vertically. Three black balls vertically.

A handy phrase for remembering the ‘At Anchor’, ‘Not Under

Command’ and ‘Vessel Aground’ day signals is:

 ‘at anchor’ is not a balls up (1 ball),

Vessels towing/being towed  ‘not being under command’ is a definite balls up (2 balls),
Both vessels display a black
but
diamond if the tow is over
200m. An inconspicuous towed
 ‘being aground’ is a triple balls up (3 balls)!
object should display one or
more black diamonds even if
the tow is less than 200m.

Vessel restricted in ability to Vessel engaged in underwater Vessel constrained by draught

manoeuvre operation A black cylinder
Black ball, diamond, ball Black ball, diamond, ball,
vertically. vertically with two black balls
on the obstruction side and two
black diamonds on the clear
side.

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Section 4: Distress, Urgency and Other Signals

ADDITIONAL GUIDANCE: DISTRESS & SIGNALS

Flares and Smoke signals
Distress flares and smokes are used to
raise the alarm and to pinpoint the
casualty’s position.
There are a number of different types:
1. Red hand-held flares may be used
by day or by night close to shore.
They are visible up to 7 miles and
burn for one minute.
2. Red parachute rockets are visible
up to 25 miles. They rise to about
300 metres before burning and then
the red flare floats down on a small
parachute for about 40 seconds,
leaving a smoke trail behind. Note: if the rocket flares and leaves a trail as it goes up, it is
probably a firework!
3. Windsurfers, jet-skiers, kayakers, dinghy sailors and military aircrew often carry packs of mini-
flares. They rise to about 60 metres and then burn for only 6 seconds.
4. Day/night flares with smoke at one end and a red flare, which burns for 20 seconds, at the
other, are used by divers and others.
5. By day orange smoke signals are more effective than flares although the smoke disperses
quickly in a strong wind. The dense orange smoke can be seen for up to 5 miles and burns for
one minute or 3 minutes depending on the type used.
6. Occasionally, White flares are seen. These are used for illumination purposes as a collision
warning or to advise the sender of a distress signal that the signal has been seen. They are not a
distress or urgency signal but, if there is any doubt as to their colour or purpose, phone the
Coastguard.
7. Laser beam ‘flares’ are now on the market and, although not officially recognised as distress
signals, they are likely to be increasingly used because of their long life and range.
Manufacturers claim that they can operate continuously for 72 hours and have a range of 20
miles at night and 1.5 miles during the day.

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Section 4: Distress, Urgency and Other Signals

Sound Signals
Sound signals used by vessels in poor visibility

Sounded every two minutes:

1. Power vessel making way through the water (one long
blast)
2. Underway and not making way (two long blasts)
3. Power/sailing: all vessels with 'restricted
manoeuvrability’ (one long and two short blasts)
4. Vessel under tow (if manned)
NOTE
1) A vessel is underway when not at anchor or moored to the shore.
2) A short blast = one second; a long blast = 4 to 6 seconds.
3) A fog signal with a deep bass tone will be from a large vessel; a higher pitch tone is likely to
be from a vessel of less than 20 metres.
4) Small craft under 12 metres may use any sort of noise to attract attention including
shouting!

EXAMPLES OF DISTRESS, URGENCY AND SAFETY RADIO MESSAGES

The following are examples of how these messages should be broadcast on Ch. 16. In practice the
correct format may not always be followed.

Mayday
“Grave and imminent danger to a person, ship, aircraft or other vehicle requiring immediate
assistance”

Information Example
Mayday MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY
Identity THIS IS Yacht Calamity, Calamity, Calamity, MMSI 234001234
MAYDAY Yacht Calamity
Position My position is 50° 11’N 003° 46’ W
Danger Swamped in a rough sea and sinking
Assistance I require immediate assistance
Number of persons I have five persons on board
Information Abandoning to life raft
Over OVER

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Section 4: Distress, Urgency and Other Signals

Mayday Relay
Where the station transmitting is not the vessel in distress.

Information Example
Mayday Relay MAYDAY RELAY, MAYDAY RELAY, MAYDAY RELAY
Identity THIS IS Yacht Vigilant, Vigilant, Vigilant MMSI 234003456
MAYDAY Yacht Calamity MMSI 234001234
Position Position 50° 11’N 003° 46’ W
Danger Swamped in rough sea and sinking
Assistance Require immediate assistance
Number of persons Five persons on board
Information Abandoning to life raft
Time (optional) 1245 UTC
Over OVER

Pan-Pan
“A very urgent message concerning the safety of a ship, aircraft or other vehicle, or the safety of a
person” but no grave and imminent danger.

Information Example
Pan-Pan PAN-PAN, PAN-PAN, PAN-PAN
All ships, All Ships, All Ships [or UK Coastguard x 3]
Identity THIS IS Motor Yacht Unfortunate, Unfortunate, Unfortunate,
MMSI 234002345
Position My position is 50° 10’N 003° 45’ W
Danger Total engine failure and drifting
Assistance I require a tow
Number of persons I have five persons on board
Information I am a 20 metre motor yacht with a flying bridge and a white hull
Over OVER

Securité
A safety message such as a navigational or meteorological warning. Details follow on a working
channel.

Example of the Channel 16 message

SECURITÉ, SECURITÉ, SECURITÉ
All Stations, All Stations, All Stations
THIS IS Falmouth Coastguard, Falmouth Coastguard, Falmouth Coastguard
For an urgent navigational warning listen Channel 67. OUT

Example of the working channel message that follows

SECURITÉ, SECURITÉ, SECURITÉ
All Stations, All Stations, All Stations
THIS IS Falmouth Coastguard, Falmouth Coastguard, Falmouth Coastguard
Large drifting container reported in position 50° 10’N 003° 45’ W
Considered to be a danger to surface navigation
Time of origin 1230 UTC. OUT

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