Lifeline in Your Hand: Using Handheld Radios in Distress Situations

 

 

In the face of a maritime emergency, quick and effective communication is paramount. Whether you're on a large commercial vessel, a small fishing boat, or a recreational craft, having the ability to signal for help can be the difference between a safe rescue and a catastrophic outcome. While fixed VHF radios are standard, a handheld marine radio serves as a crucial lifeline, especially in distress situations. Understanding the correct emergency protocols for using your handheld VHF is essential for maritime safety.

 

The Lifeline: VHF Channel 16
 

The cornerstone of maritime emergency communication is VHF Channel 16 (156.8 MHz). This is the international distress, safety, and calling frequency monitored by coast guards, rescue authorities, and most vessels at sea. In an emergency, your handheld marine radio tuned to Channel 16 is your primary tool for alerting others to your situation.

 

Distress Calls Explained
 

There are three internationally recognized urgency signals used to preface radio calls in non-routine situations:

• MAYDAY: Used only when a vessel or person is in grave and imminent danger and requires immediate assistance. This is for life-threatening emergencies such as sinking, fire, medical emergency, or man overboard where there is serious risk to life.
• PAN-PAN: Used for situations of urgency that do not involve grave and imminent danger to the vessel or persons, but where a safety message needs to be transmitted. Examples include mechanical failure, being disabled, or needing medical advice that is not immediately life-threatening.
• SECURITE: Used for safety messages concerning important navigational warnings (e.g., derelicts, hazards to navigation) or meteorological warnings.

 

How to Make a Distress Call (Voice Procedure)
 

In a genuine distress situation (MAYDAY), follow this standard voice procedure on VHF Channel 16:

1. Tune: Ensure your handheld marine radio is tuned to Channel 16.
2. Signal: Press the transmit (PTT) button.
3. Identify Distress: Clearly say "MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY".
4. Identify Vessel: Say "THIS IS [Your Vessel Name] [Your Vessel Name] [Your Vessel Name]" (or call sign/registration number).
5. Repeat Distress & Identity: Say "MAYDAY, [Your Vessel Name]".
6. State Position: Provide your vessel's position (e.g., latitude/longitude, bearing and distance from a known landmark). Give your position as accurately as possible.
7. State Nature of Distress: Clearly state the nature of the emergency (e.g., "We are sinking", "We have a fire onboard", "Man overboard").
8. State Assistance Required: Explain what kind of assistance you need (e.g., "Require immediate assistance", "Need medical help", "Need a pump").
9. Provide Additional Information: Give the number of persons onboard and any other details that could aid rescuers (e.g., vessel type, color, length).
10. End Call: Say "OVER".

Release the PTT and listen for a response. If you do not receive a response, repeat the call after a short interval.

For PAN-PAN and SECURITE calls, the procedure is similar, replacing "MAYDAY" with "PAN-PAN, PAN-PAN, PAN-PAN" or "SECURITE, SECURITE, SECURITE" respectively, followed by "ALL STATIONS" or the name of a specific station if calling one directly.

 

Using Handhelds in an Emergency
 

Handheld marine radios are particularly valuable in emergencies because of their portability:

• Survival Craft: As required by GMDSS/SOLAS, portable VHF radios are essential for communicating from lifeboats or liferafts after abandoning ship. Your personal handheld can serve as an additional communication device.
• Working Away from the Bridge: If an emergency occurs while you are working on deck, in the engine room, or in other areas away from the main radio, a handheld allows you to immediately report the situation or call for help.
• Man Overboard: A crew member assisting in a man overboard situation may use a handheld to maintain communication with the bridge and direct rescue efforts.

 

Practice and Preparedness
 

Simply owning a handheld marine radio is not enough. Regular practice with emergency protocols and familiarizing yourself with your radio's functions are vital. Ensure your radio's battery is charged or that you have a charged spare or primary battery (especially for GMDSS-certified handhelds). Know your vessel's position and be ready to provide it quickly.

 

HZH Marine: Your Partner in Emergency Communication
 

Having reliable emergency communication equipment is fundamental to maritime safety. HZH Marine understands the critical importance of being able to call for help when in distress. We offer a range of high-quality Ocean One brand Marine Radios, including robust and dependable handheld VHF models designed to perform when you need them most. Our radios are built for clarity, reliability, and ease of use in challenging marine conditions.

Equip yourself with a reliable Ocean One handheld marine radio for peace of mind at sea.

Explore the Ocean One series here: Ocean One Marine Radio

 

Conclusion
 

A handheld marine radio is a vital piece of safety equipment that can serve as a lifeline in distress situations. Understanding the correct emergency protocols – when to use MAYDAY, PAN-PAN, or SECURITE and how to clearly transmit your message on VHF Channel 16 – is essential for anyone on the water. By being prepared and knowing how to effectively use your handheld VHF, you significantly enhance your safety and the likelihood of a successful outcome during an emergency.