1.13 The four priorities of maritime radio communication
Maritime radio communication is divided into four priority categories, depending on the senerity and urgency of the situation:
1 Distress(Mayday)Used when the situation is critical and there is danger for lifeExamples:Man over board
Fire on board
The vessel is sinking
Fire on board
The vessel is sinking
2 Urgency(Pan Pan)Used when assistance is required, but there is no immediate danger to lifeExamples:Engine failure close to shore in rough seas
Drifting in a busy traffic area without control
In contact with persons on a vessel in difficulty, but where the situation is not life-threatening
Drifting in a busy traffic area without control
In contact with persons on a vessel in difficulty, but where the situation is not life-threatening
3 Safety(Securitè)Used to prevent danger and to provide information about conditions that may affect the safety of navigationExamples:Navigational warnings
Reports of drifting objects or adverse weather conditions
Notices of closed waterways or navigation channels
Reports of drifting objects or adverse weather conditions
Notices of closed waterways or navigation channels
4 Routine Used for all routine communcation that do not involve safety, urgency or distressExamples:Ship-to-ship conversations
Telephone calls to shore via a coast radio station
Practical coordination and exchange of information
Telephone calls to shore via a coast radio station
Practical coordination and exchange of information
⚠️ Important to understand
- Being able to distinguish between these categories is important to ensure the appropriate response and to prevent unnecessary congestion on distress and safety frequencies