Sailing Checklist - Radio Procedures

Emergency Radio Procedures
- Distress Signal: Mayday
  Used to indicate that a mobile station is threatened by grave and imminent danger and requests immediate assistance.
- Urgency Signal: PAN PAN
  Used when the safety of the vessel or person is in jeopardy. Example "Man Over Board"
- Safety Signal: SECURITY (SAY-CURITAY)
  Used for messages concerning the safety of navigation or giving important meteorological warnings.
Radio Channels
- 06 Safety Only
- 09 Commercial and Recreational
- 13 Commercial and Recreational, Ports and Bridges, Maneuvering, Short Messages
- Power Limit 1 watt.
- 14 Ports, Bridges and Locks
- 15 Recreational Only, Emergency Beacons
- 16 Distress and Hailing
- 17 State Control - 1 watt
- 22 U.S. Coast Guard, Public Liaison
- 24-28 Shore Telephone Services
- 68 Recreational Ship and Shore
- 69 Recreational Ship and Shore
- 71 Recreational Ship and Shore
- 72 Recreational Ship and Ship Only
- 78 Recreational Ship and Shore
- 84-88 Shore Telephone Services

Note: 24-28 and 84-88 are half-duplex operation. It is not possible to talk to other boats on these channels.

The information presented in this sailing checklist is that which has been collected over years of boating experience. The information presented here, including the medical information, is not intended as professional advice; rather, it is a starting point for your own thinking and organization.
Copyright © 1996, Chuck and Chris Hanson

Created: 12/24/95
Last Updated: 2/25/98