Section 12: Communications Afloat 141
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• Also be prepared to provide the information
on the Vessel Information Data
Sheet, Figure 12-7.
• Again, as much information as possible
on both forms should be filled out before
leaving port.
3. SÉCURITÉ (Pronounced say-cure-ittay)
—the safety signal. This signal is
used for naviga tion safety messages.
You’ll hear it used with:
• Weather alerts
• Operational signals (such as when a boat
Distress Communications Form
Instructions: Complete this form now (except for items 6 through 9) and
post near your VHF Radio
Speak Slowly-Clearly-Calmly
1. Make sure your VHF radio is on.
2. Select either VHF Channel 16 (156.8 MHz) or 2182 kHz
3. Press the microphone button and say
MAYDAY — MAYDAY — MAYDAY
4. Say This is __________, ___________, ___________.
(your boat name) (your boat name) (your boat name)
5. Say MAYDAY: ____________. Stop and listen for answer.
(your boat name)
6. Tell where you are:________________________________________________
(What navigational aids or landmarks are nearby?)
7. State the nature of your distress. Stop and listen for answer.
8. State the number of adults and children aboard, and the condition of
anyone injured.
9. Estimate the present seaworthiness of your boat.
10. Briefly describe your boat:
State Registration Number: ________________________;
Type of Boat: __________; Length: ________ feet;
Draft: _____ feet; No. of Masts: ___; Hull Color: ________;
Trim Color: ________; Hull Material: ________________;
No. Engine(s): ______
_______________________________________________________
(Anything else you think will help rescuers find you)
11. Say: I will listen on Channel 16/2182. (cross out number that does not apply)
12. End message by saying: This is ______________________ (boat name), Over.
13. Release Microphone button and listen. Someone should answer. If
they do not, repeat call, beginning at item 3. If there is still no answer,
switch to another channel and begin at item 3 again.
Figure 12-6. Distress communications form