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3. Distress signals

Distress signals

If you are in distress use the following signals:

1. Marine radio/signalling
   1. In emergencies only
      mayday    mayday    mayday
   2. A signal sent by radio consisting of the spoken works
      pan pan    pan pan    pan pan
   3. A signal made by radio or by another signalling method consisting of the group SOS in the morse code.
      
      
2. If other boats or aircraft are in the area, let off an orange smoke flare (daylight) or a red hand-held flare (night).
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
3. A v-sheet should be displayed to attract the attention of other boats or overpassing aircraft.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
4. Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) should be used as a last resort. Keep it on until help arrives.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
5. Slowly and repeatedly raise and lower arms outstretched to each side.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
6. Continuous sounding of sound signalling equipment – SOS.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
7. International code flags N over C.

These signals are internationally recognised and indicate distress and need of assistance. Use of these signals except for the purpose indicated is prohibited.