Mayday basics: how to radio for help like a cool-headed mariner, not a reality show contestant

First things first: the VHF radio is how we call for help if things go sideways. It’s not for jokes, casual chatter, or dramatic breakups. It’s a legal distress tool, and misusing it gets you in big, international trouble.

If you witness or experience a real emergency—life in danger, vessel sinking, fire, person overboard—you can make a Mayday call.

Here’s the basic process (memorize or keep handy):

Turn on the radio (if it’s not already on)

Set it to Channel 16 – This is the international distress and calling frequency.

Hold down the button on the microphone and say:

“Mayday, Mayday, Mayday” “This is [Boat Name], [Boat Name], [Boat Name]” “Mayday [Boat Name]” “We are located at [GPS position or description of location]” “We are experiencing [type of emergency]” “We have [number] people on board” “We require immediate assistance” “Over” Release the button and wait. Listen for a reply. Be ready to repeat details calmly and clearly.

Example:

“Mayday, Mayday, Mayday. This is sailing vessel Nuvola, Nuvola, Nuvola. Mayday Nuvola. We are located one mile west of the south tip of Mljet. We are taking on water. We have 4 people on board. We require immediate assistance. Over.”

Important:

Only use “Mayday” for serious, life-threatening emergencies.

Use “Pan-Pan” (pronounced "pahn-pahn") for urgent but not life-threatening situations (e.g., engine failure with no immediate danger).

Channel 16 is monitored by other boats, the coast guard, and rescue services. Help will come—but the clearer and calmer you are, the faster and more effectively they can assist.

And remember: Captain Mike and Skipper Lena will handle most of this if they’re available. But if it falls to you, now you know what to say—and how not to sound like a panicked cruise ship magician.