How to make and receive distress calls

How to make and receive distress calls

Follow the instructions below on how to make and receive distress calls.

Make a distress call using the distress button

Below shows you an easy step by step guide on how to make a distress call.

1. Press and hold the DISTRESS button for three seconds until a countdown appears. Release it when the countdown reaches zero. The radio will then switch to Channel 16, broadcasting your emergency to nearby vessels and coast stations.

2. When a DISTRESS call is made, the following information is transmitted to all vessels and stations within range:

• The position of your vessel at the time the distress call was made (this must be input manually if no position data is available).

• Your MMSI number.

• The time that the distress call was sent (this must be input manually if no position data is available).

• The nature of the distress (if designated).

1. Follow up the distress with a mayday call, say the following in the order shown:

MAYDAY MAYDAY MAYDAY

This is <state the name of your vessel three times>.

Call sign, <state your call sign>,

MMSI <state your MMSI number>.

MAYDAY <state name of vessel one time>.

Call sign <state your call sign>, MMSI <state your MMSI number>.

My position is <state latitude and longitude, or true bearings and distance from a known point>.

I am <state nature of distress i.e. sinking, on fire etc.>.

I have <state number of persons on board and any other information — drifting, flares fired etc.>.

I REQUIRE IMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE.

OVER.

If you don’t receive an acknowledgement right away, don't worry. Wait five minutes and resend the distress message. Repeating the call increases the chances of someone hearing and responding.

Make a distress call from the DSC call menu

Below shows you an easy step by step guide on how to make a distress call from the DSC call menu.

When a DISTRESS call is made, the following information is transmitted to all vessels and stations within range.

• The position of your vessel at the time the distress call was made (this must be input manually if no position data is available).

• Your MMSI number.

• The time that the distress call was sent (this must be input manually if no position data is available).

• The nature of the distress (if designated).

Follow up a distress with a mayday call, say the following in the order shown:

MAYDAY MAYDAY MAYDAY.

This is <state the name of your vessel three times>.

Call sign, <state your call sign>,

MMSI <state your MMSI number>.

MAYDAY <state name of vessel one time>.

Call sign, <state your call sign>, and MMSI <state your MMSI number> again.

My position is <state latitude and longitude, or true bearings and distance from a known point>.

I am <state nature of distress i.e. sinking, on fire etc.>.

I have <state number of persons on board and any other information — drifting, flares fired etc.>.

I REQUIRE IMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE.

OVER.

If you don’t receive an acknowledgement right away, don't worry. Wait five minutes and resend the distress message. Repeating the call increases the chances of someone hearing and responding.

Receiving a distress call

When a distress call is made it is usually the Coast Guard Radio station (CRS), and not a vessel that co-ordinates the rescue.

After receiving a distress call the X100 automatically tunes to Channel 16, to learn how to disable this click here.

When a distress message is received, an envelope icon will appear at the top of the screen, indicating that there is a new message for you to review. This helps ensure that you are aware of any urgent communications and can respond appropriately to assist in the situation.

When connected to a multifunction display (MFD), the position data from the distress call will be displayed in the Chart application. This provides a visual representation of the vessel's location during the emergency. Once the distress call is acknowledged, the radio will resume standard operation, allowing you to return to normal communication activities while staying informed of any further developments related to the distress situation.

Acknowledging a distress call

When a distress call is made it is usually the Coast Guard Radio station (CRS), and not a vessel that co-ordinates the rescue rather than a vessel. You should only acknowledge a distress call in the following situations:

• If a CRS has not answered the distress after 5 minutes.

• If you are close enough to the distress call to offer assistance.

• If you are ready to relay the DISTRESS call.

To acknowledge a distress call:

1. Press the acknowledge softkey marked ACK to listen for the distress voice message. The X100 will tune to channel 16. By tuning in, you can hear any additional details about the distress situation or any follow-up instructions from the distressed vessel or coordinating rescue authorities. Stay on this channel during distress situations to ensure you don't miss important updates.

2. Wait for the Coast Guard Radio Station (CRS) to acknowledge the distress call. The CRS will usually respond by confirming receipt of the call and providing further instructions. If no acknowledgement is received within five minutes relay the distress call.

3. Follow up the distress with a mayday call, say the following in the order shown:

MAYDAY.

State the name of the vessel in distress <repeat this three times>.

This is <State the MMSI of your vessel>, <state the name of your vessel 3 times> <state the call sign of your vessel>.

RECEIVED MAYDAY.

1. Be sure to notify the shore authorities by any means available to relay the distress call if it hasn't been acknowledged. Notify shore authorities by any available means, such as a cell phone or satellite communication. This ensures rescue services are alerted and can take action.