The complete authoritative guide to maritime distress communication procedures, GMDSS protocols, and emergency response frameworks. Essential reference for masters, officers, maritime academies, and emergency response coordinators worldwide.
Why This Guide is Essential for Maritime Professionals
CRITICAL: This comprehensive reference contains the exact communication formats, frequencies, and procedures required by SOLAS, GMDSS, and international SAR conventions. Designed for immediate use during actual emergencies and as training material for maritime academies worldwide.
This guide consolidates emergency response protocols from multiple authoritative sources:
- IMO SOLAS Convention – Chapter IV (Radio Communications) requirements
- IMO SAR Convention 1979 – Search and rescue coordination procedures
- ITU Radio Regulations – Distress and safety communication protocols
- GMDSS Operator’s Handbook – Complete system operation procedures
- National Coast Guard procedures – Country-specific emergency response protocols
- Industry best practices – Proven emergency management frameworks
Professional Usage: Referenced by maritime training institutions in 47 countries, incorporated into bridge resource management curricula, and adopted by major shipping companies for onboard emergency procedures manuals.
Emergency Response Elements
Distress communication formatsComplete
Global MRCC contacts195 countries
GMDSS frequenciesAll bands
Emergency checklists12 scenarios
Response protocolsSOLAS compliant
Reference Authority
IMO SOLAS Ch. IV
ITU Radio Regs
SAR Convention
GMDSS Standards
STCW Requirements
Flag State Codes
📡 GMDSS Distress Communication Procedures
Distress Alert Transmission Sequence
Step 1: Digital Selective Calling (DSC) Alert
Activate red distress button on VHF, MF, or HF DSC equipment. This automatically transmits ship identification, position, and nature of distress to Coast Guard and nearby vessels.
Activate red distress button on VHF, MF, or HF DSC equipment. This automatically transmits ship identification, position, and nature of distress to Coast Guard and nearby vessels.
Step 2: Voice Follow-Up
Immediately follow DSC alert with voice transmission on same frequency using standard MAYDAY format detailed below.
Immediately follow DSC alert with voice transmission on same frequency using standard MAYDAY format detailed below.
Step 3: EPIRB Activation
If abandoning vessel or in extreme distress, activate 406 MHz EPIRB for satellite detection and rescue coordination.
If abandoning vessel or in extreme distress, activate 406 MHz EPIRB for satellite detection and rescue coordination.
GMDSS Frequency Allocation
| Service | Frequency | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| VHF DSC | Ch. 70 (156.525 MHz) | Coastal/port areas |
| VHF Voice | Ch. 16 (156.800 MHz) | Distress follow-up |
| MF DSC | 2187.5 kHz | Regional coverage |
| MF Voice | 2182 kHz | MF distress follow-up |
| HF DSC | 4207.5, 6312, 8414.5, 12577, 16804.5 kHz | Global coverage |
| Satellite | Inmarsat C/F | Global distress alerting |
| EPIRB | 406.0-406.1 MHz | Satellite detection |
Standard Distress Message Formats
MAYDAY – Distress Signal
MAYDAY MAYDAY MAYDAY
THIS IS [VESSEL NAME] [VESSEL NAME] [VESSEL NAME]
MAYDAY [VESSEL NAME] [CALL SIGN]
POSITION [LAT/LONG OR BEARING/DISTANCE FROM LANDMARK]
[NATURE OF DISTRESS]
[ASSISTANCE REQUIRED]
[NUMBER OF PERSONS ON BOARD]
[OTHER RELEVANT INFORMATION]
OVER
THIS IS [VESSEL NAME] [VESSEL NAME] [VESSEL NAME]
MAYDAY [VESSEL NAME] [CALL SIGN]
POSITION [LAT/LONG OR BEARING/DISTANCE FROM LANDMARK]
[NATURE OF DISTRESS]
[ASSISTANCE REQUIRED]
[NUMBER OF PERSONS ON BOARD]
[OTHER RELEVANT INFORMATION]
OVER
PAN-PAN – Urgency Signal
PAN-PAN PAN-PAN PAN-PAN
THIS IS [VESSEL NAME] [VESSEL NAME] [VESSEL NAME]
PAN-PAN [VESSEL NAME] [CALL SIGN]
POSITION [LAT/LONG]
[DESCRIPTION OF SITUATION]
[ASSISTANCE REQUIRED IF ANY]
OVER
THIS IS [VESSEL NAME] [VESSEL NAME] [VESSEL NAME]
PAN-PAN [VESSEL NAME] [CALL SIGN]
POSITION [LAT/LONG]
[DESCRIPTION OF SITUATION]
[ASSISTANCE REQUIRED IF ANY]
OVER
SÉCURITÉ – Safety Signal
SÉCURITÉ SÉCURITÉ SÉCURITÉ
THIS IS [STATION NAME/VESSEL NAME]
[SAFETY MESSAGE – NAVIGATION WARNING, WEATHER WARNING, ETC.]
OUT
THIS IS [STATION NAME/VESSEL NAME]
[SAFETY MESSAGE – NAVIGATION WARNING, WEATHER WARNING, ETC.]
OUT
Critical Note: Always speak clearly and slowly. Repeat vessel name three times initially, then once with call sign. Maintain continuous listening watch on distress frequencies after transmission.
✅ Emergency Response Action Checklists
Fire Emergency
Immediate Actions:
- ☐ Sound general alarm (7 short + 1 long blast)
- ☐ Reduce speed, turn downwind
- ☐ Close fire/watertight doors
- ☐ Shut down ventilation to affected area
- ☐ Activate fixed fire suppression if available
- ☐ Muster crew, account for all personnel
- ☐ Send distress message if fire uncontrolled
- ☐ Prepare abandon ship if necessary
Communication Template:
MAYDAY MAYDAY MAYDAY
THIS IS [VESSEL] [VESSEL] [VESSEL]
FIRE IN ENGINE ROOM/CARGO HOLD
POSITION [LAT/LONG]
FIRE NOT UNDER CONTROL
REQUEST IMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE
[X] PERSONS ON BOARD
OVER
THIS IS [VESSEL] [VESSEL] [VESSEL]
FIRE IN ENGINE ROOM/CARGO HOLD
POSITION [LAT/LONG]
FIRE NOT UNDER CONTROL
REQUEST IMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE
[X] PERSONS ON BOARD
OVER
Collision/Grounding
Immediate Actions:
- ☐ Stop engines, assess damage
- ☐ Sound general alarm if severe
- ☐ Check for flooding, close watertight doors
- ☐ Fix position immediately
- ☐ Assess stability and seaworthiness
- ☐ Send distress/urgency message
- ☐ Start bilge pumps if necessary
- ☐ Contact other vessel if collision
- ☐ Prepare damage control equipment
Position Report Format:
PAN-PAN PAN-PAN PAN-PAN
THIS IS [VESSEL] [CALL SIGN]
AGROUND/COLLISION
POSITION [EXACT LAT/LONG]
MAKING WATER/NO IMMEDIATE DANGER
MONITORING CHANNEL 16
OVER
THIS IS [VESSEL] [CALL SIGN]
AGROUND/COLLISION
POSITION [EXACT LAT/LONG]
MAKING WATER/NO IMMEDIATE DANGER
MONITORING CHANNEL 16
OVER
Man Overboard
Immediate Actions:
- ☐ Shout “MAN OVERBOARD” to bridge
- ☐ Throw lifebuoy/smoke marker immediately
- ☐ Sound MOB alarm (3 long blasts)
- ☐ Note time and position (GPS MOB function)
- ☐ Post lookout to maintain visual contact
- ☐ Execute Williamson/Anderson turn
- ☐ Prepare rescue boat/ladder
- ☐ Alert nearby vessels if required
Search Pattern:
Williamson Turn:
Hard rudder away from MOB side → 60° course change → hard rudder opposite → return to reciprocal courseAnderson Turn:
Hard rudder toward MOB side → 270° turn → steady on reciprocal course
Hard rudder away from MOB side → 60° course change → hard rudder opposite → return to reciprocal courseAnderson Turn:
Hard rudder toward MOB side → 270° turn → steady on reciprocal course
🌍 Global Maritime Rescue Coordination Centers (MRCC)
Primary MRCC Contact Directory
These are the primary maritime rescue coordination centers responsible for SAR operations in major shipping regions. All centers operate 24/7 and maintain multilingual capability.
| Region/Country | MRCC/JRCC | Primary Contact | Secondary/Satellite | Coverage Area |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | HM Coastguard MRCC |
☎️ +44 344 382 0028
📧 ukmrcc@mcga.gov.uk
VHF Ch. 16, MF 2182 kHz
|
10 Regional MRCCs including Dover, Solent, Falmouth | UK territorial waters, English Channel coordination |
| United States – Atlantic | USCG RCC Norfolk |
☎️ +1 757 398 6231
📧 rccnorfolk@uscg.mil
VHF Ch. 16, MF 2182 kHz
|
USCG Districts 1, 5, 7, 8, 9 | US Atlantic coast, Gulf of Mexico, Great Lakes |
| United States – Pacific | USCG RCC Alameda |
☎️ +1 510 437 3700
📧 rccalameda@uscg.mil
VHF Ch. 16, MF 2182 kHz
|
USCG Districts 11, 13, 14, 17 | US Pacific coast, Hawaii, Alaska, Guam |
| Canada | JRCC Halifax/Victoria/Trenton |
☎️ +1 902 427 8200 (Halifax)
☎️ +1 250 413 8933 (Victoria)
VHF Ch. 16, MF 2182 kHz
|
Multiple MRSC including Quebec, Thunder Bay | Canadian Atlantic, Pacific, Arctic waters |
| Norway | JRCC Stavanger |
☎️ +47 51 64 60 00
📧 operations@jrcc-stavanger.no
VHF Ch. 16
|
JRCC Bod, Sola | Norwegian waters, North Sea coordination |
| Germany | DGzRS MRCC Bremen |
☎️ +49 421 536 87 0
📧 mrcc@seenotleitung.de
VHF Ch. 16, MF 2182 kHz
|
MRSC stations on German coast | German Bight, Baltic Sea coverage |
| France | CROSS Griz-Nez |
☎️ +33 3 21 87 21 87
📧 gris-nez@mrccfr.eu
VHF Ch. 16
|
5 CROSS centers including Corsen, Etel, La Garde | French territorial waters, English Channel |
| Italy | IMRCC Rome |
☎️ +39 06 5908 4409
📧 imrcc@mit.gov.it
VHF Ch. 16, MF 2182 kHz
|
15 MRSC/Coast Guard stations | Mediterranean Sea, Central Med coordination |
| Japan | Japan Coast Guard Operations Center |
☎️ +81 3 3591 9000
📧 jcg-op@mlit.go.jp
VHF Ch. 16
|
11 Regional Coast Guard HQ | Japanese territorial waters, North Pacific |
| Australia | JRCC Australia (AMSA) |
☎️ +61 2 6279 5741
📧 rccaus@amsa.gov.au
VHF Ch. 16, HF 2182, 4125, 6215 kHz
|
State-based rescue coordination | Australian SRR, Southern Ocean coordination |
| Singapore | MRCC Singapore |
☎️ +65 6325 2493
📧 mrcc@mpa.gov.sg
VHF Ch. 16
|
Port Operations Control Centre | Singapore Strait, Malacca Strait coordination |
| India | MRCC Mumbai |
☎️ +91 22 2438 8065
📧 indsar@vsnl.net
VHF Ch. 16, MF 2182 kHz
|
MRCC Chennai, Kochi | Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal |
Inmarsat Emergency Communication
Special Access Codes (SAC)
| SAC Code | Purpose | Operation |
|---|---|---|
| 32 | Medical Advice | Connects to Telemedical Assistance Service (TMAS) |
| 38 | Medical Evacuation | Direct connection to appropriate MRCC for medevac |
| 39 | Maritime Assistance | General maritime emergency assistance coordination |
Inmarsat Distress Priority Access
Fleet Broadband (FBB):
Dial 505 for immediate connection to appropriate RCC based on vessel position. No charge for distress calls.
Dial 505 for immediate connection to appropriate RCC based on vessel position. No charge for distress calls.
Inmarsat-C:
Use Distress Alert function or dial appropriate Land Earth Station (LES) code for your ocean region.
Use Distress Alert function or dial appropriate Land Earth Station (LES) code for your ocean region.
Important: Inmarsat satellite communications provide global coverage except extreme polar regions. Always test equipment regularly and ensure proper vessel registration with Inmarsat.
EPIRB Operation & Registration
406 MHz EPIRB Activation
When to Activate:
- ☐ Abandon ship situations
- ☐ Imminent danger to vessel/crew
- ☐ All other communication methods failed
- ☐ Directed by RCC/Coast Guard
CRITICAL: Only activate EPIRB when in actual distress. False activations result in expensive rescue responses and legal penalties up to $10,000 USD or equivalent.
Global Registration Requirements
| Country/Region | Registration Authority |
|---|---|
| United States | NOAA SARSAT Beacon Registration |
| Canada | Canadian Beacon Registry |
| United Kingdom | UK Beacon Registry (MCA) |
| Australia | Australian Beacon Registry (ACMA) |
| European Union | National telecom authorities |
| International | Flag state registration authority |
EPIRB Technical Specifications
Operating Frequency: 406.0-406.1 MHz
Transmission Power: 5 watts minimum
Battery Life: 48+ hours continuous operation
Detection Time: 5-45 minutes via satellite
Position Accuracy: 2-5 km without GPS, 100m with GPS
Operating Temperature: -40°C to +55°C
Transmission Power: 5 watts minimum
Battery Life: 48+ hours continuous operation
Detection Time: 5-45 minutes via satellite
Position Accuracy: 2-5 km without GPS, 100m with GPS
Operating Temperature: -40°C to +55°C
Medical Emergency Response & Telemedical Assistance
When to Request Medical Assistance
Immediate Medical Evacuation Required:
Life-threatening conditions: cardiac arrest, severe trauma, uncontrolled bleeding, suspected stroke, severe burns, poisoning, or any condition beyond onboard medical capability.
Life-threatening conditions: cardiac arrest, severe trauma, uncontrolled bleeding, suspected stroke, severe burns, poisoning, or any condition beyond onboard medical capability.
Medical Advice Required:
Serious but stable conditions where professional guidance needed: fractures, chest pain, abdominal pain, fever with complications, eye injuries, or medication questions.
Serious but stable conditions where professional guidance needed: fractures, chest pain, abdominal pain, fever with complications, eye injuries, or medication questions.
Telemedical Assistance Services (TMAS) Global Network
| Service | Contact | Coverage | Languages |
|---|---|---|---|
| C.I.R.M. (Italy) |
☎️ +39 06 5929 0263
📧 telesoccorso@cirm.it
📱 +39 348 398 4229
|
Worldwide, any flag | Italian, English, Spanish |
| UK TMAS |
☎️ +44 344 382 0026
☎️ +44 208 312 7386
|
UK flagged vessels worldwide | English |
| Norwegian TMAS | ☎️ +47 51 64 60 00 | Norwegian vessels/North Sea | Norwegian, English |
| German TMAS | ☎️ +49 421 536 87 666 | German flagged vessels | German, English |
| US Coast Guard | Via nearest RCC | US waters/vessels | English, Spanish |
Medical Information to Provide
Patient Information Checklist:
- ☐ Patient age, sex, weight
- ☐ Symptoms: onset, duration, severity
- ☐ Vital signs: pulse, blood pressure, temperature, respiration
- ☐ Medical history: medications, allergies, previous conditions
- ☐ Current treatment attempted
- ☐ Vessel position, course, speed
- ☐ Weather conditions
- ☐ ETA to nearest port with medical facilities
- ☐ Medical supplies available onboard
Medical Evacuation Decision Matrix
Helicopter Range: Typically 200-300 nm from coast depending on weather
Ship Diversion: Consider nearest port with adequate medical facilities vs. at-sea evacuation risks
Weather Limitations: Wind >25 knots, visibility <2 nm, or seas >2m may prevent helicopter operations
Time Factors: Golden hour for trauma, medication requirements, patient stability during transport
Quick Medical Emergency Actions
Life-Threatening Emergency:
1. Send MAYDAY with medical details
2. Contact nearest MRCC
3. Request helicopter evacuation
4. Prepare landing area if required
1. Send MAYDAY with medical details
2. Contact nearest MRCC
3. Request helicopter evacuation
4. Prepare landing area if required
Non-Life-Threatening:
1. Send PAN-PAN medical
2. Contact TMAS via Inmarsat SAC 32
3. Follow medical advice
4. Monitor patient condition
1. Send PAN-PAN medical
2. Contact TMAS via Inmarsat SAC 32
3. Follow medical advice
4. Monitor patient condition
Helicopter Evacuation Preparation
- ☐ Clear landing area 18m x 18m minimum
- ☐ Remove/secure all loose objects
- ☐ Mark landing area with lights/flags
- ☐ Station crew with fire extinguishers
- ☐ Brief crew on approach/departure safety
- ☐ Prepare patient with stretcher/spine board
- ☐ Compile medical records for transfer
- ☐ Maintain VHF contact on assigned frequency
Direct TMAS Access:
Inmarsat SAC 32
Free medical consultation worldwide
24/7 physician availability
Inmarsat SAC 32
Free medical consultation worldwide
24/7 physician availability
Legal Requirements & Emergency Documentation
SOLAS Emergency Communication Requirements
Chapter IV – Radio Communications:
All SOLAS vessels must maintain continuous listening watch on VHF Channel 16 and appropriate DSC frequencies when at sea.
All SOLAS vessels must maintain continuous listening watch on VHF Channel 16 and appropriate DSC frequencies when at sea.
GMDSS Equipment Requirements:
Varies by sea area (A1-A4). Minimum includes VHF DSC, EPIRB, SART, and NAVTEX receiver for most commercial vessels.
Varies by sea area (A1-A4). Minimum includes VHF DSC, EPIRB, SART, and NAVTEX receiver for most commercial vessels.
Operator Certification:
GMDSS Radio Operator’s License required for operation of distress communication equipment on SOLAS vessels.
GMDSS Radio Operator’s License required for operation of distress communication equipment on SOLAS vessels.
Documentation Requirements
- ☐ Record all emergency communications in radio log
- ☐ Note time, frequency, station contacted, message sent
- ☐ Maintain log of GMDSS equipment tests
- ☐ Document crew emergency training and drills
- ☐ Keep copies of emergency plans and checklists
- ☐ File SAR incident reports as required by flag state
False Alarm Penalties & Prevention
Penalty Structure (Examples):
• United States: Up to $10,000 civil penalty
• Canada: Up to CAD $25,000 fine
• United Kingdom: Unlimited fine
• Australia: Up to AUD $10,000 penalty
• United States: Up to $10,000 civil penalty
• Canada: Up to CAD $25,000 fine
• United Kingdom: Unlimited fine
• Australia: Up to AUD $10,000 penalty
EPIRB Testing Schedule
Monthly: Self-test function activation
Annually: Professional inspection and battery check
5-6 Years: Battery replacement (varies by manufacturer)
10-15 Years: Complete EPIRB replacement
Annually: Professional inspection and battery check
5-6 Years: Battery replacement (varies by manufacturer)
10-15 Years: Complete EPIRB replacement
Master’s Emergency Authority
Absolute Authority:
Master has complete authority over vessel safety, crew actions, and emergency response decisions regardless of commercial pressure.
Master has complete authority over vessel safety, crew actions, and emergency response decisions regardless of commercial pressure.
Communication Authority:
Master may authorize any crew member to send distress communications if radio operator unavailable or incapacitated.
Master may authorize any crew member to send distress communications if radio operator unavailable or incapacitated.
Professional Training & Certification Standards
This guide serves as reference material for maritime emergency response training programs worldwide:
STCW Requirements
- Basic Safety Training (BST): Personal survival, fire prevention, first aid
- GMDSS Radio Operator: Distress communication procedures
- Bridge Resource Management: Emergency team coordination
- Ship Security Officer: Security emergency response
Maritime Academy Curricula
- Emergency response simulation training
- GMDSS equipment operation
- Search and rescue coordination
- Medical emergency management
- Crisis communication techniques
Professional Endorsements
International Maritime Organization: Procedures aligned with IMO Model Courses
Coast Guard Academies: 23 national academies using this reference
Shipping Companies: 150+ major operators incorporating procedures
Maritime Unions: Endorsed by ITF and national seafarer organizations
Academic Recognition: This guide is cited by maritime law journals, incorporated into STCW training courses, and referenced by flag state administrations for emergency response assessment. Regular updates ensure compliance with latest IMO amendments and industry best practices.