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NorthWest Sailing Association

SPOKEN EMERGENCY SIGNALS

"MAYDAY, PAN-PAN, &  SECURITY"

1.  Distress Signal:    MAYDAY

The distress  MAYDAY signal is used to indicate that a mobile station is threatened by grave and imminent danger and request immediate assistance.  MAYDAY has priority over all other communications.

2. Urgency Signal: PAN-PAN ( pronounced PAHN PAHN )

Used when the safety of the vessel or person is in jeopardy. For example: 'Man overboard' messages are sent with urgency signal. PAN-PAN has priority over all other communications with the exception of distress traffic.

3. Safety Check:  SECURITY   ( pronounced SAY-CUR-I-TAY )

Used usually by the Coast Guard, for messages concerning the safety of navigation or giving important meteorological warnings.

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