Procedure For Abandoning Ship

by maintaining a calm, deliberate attitude in the face of a dire situation, you can help your crew remain effective and perhaps help save lives. If you need to fake that attitude to some degree, so be it.

Emergency Communications

When trouble strikes, there are many ways to communicate your distress and seek help. Use your VHF or single-sideband radio and follow the procedures for distress.

There are three levels of priority communications: distress, urgent, and safety, identified by MAYDAY, PAN-PAN, and SECURITE. Understand the differences by reviewing the tip on radio procedures.

Panicked radio communications can confuse a rescue effort. Learn the proper procedures. Try to stay calm.

Use the acceptable distress signals as outlined in the Navigation Rules. Flares are fast and effective -- red for distress.

Related Articles:
Be Prepared with an Abandon Ship Bag by Doug Ritter
Marine Radio Procedures
Distress Signals by Chief Warrant Officer Jim Krzenski Commanding Officer, U.S.C.G. Station Fort Pierce, FL
Graphic Chart of Distress Signals