Method 1 Method 1 of 2: Relaying a Mayday distress signal

A second vessel not in distress may find itself in the position of having to relay the Mayday signal on behalf of the distressed vessel. If you find yourself in this situation, here is what to do:

1. 1 Listen to the radio frequency. If it is clear that the Coast Guard or other sea rescue agency has not responded after a single repetition and a two-minute wait, you must seek to contact the Coast Guard or other sea rescue agency on behalf of the distressed vessel.
2. 2 Say: Mayday relay, Mayday relay, Mayday relay. This is the ["your vessel and callsign"]. The following distress call was received from ["distressed vessel's name"]. The reported position of the ["distressed vessel's name"] is ["their reported position"]. Over.

Method 2 Method 2 of 2: Pan-pan

1. 1 For an incident of lesser gravity but where your vessel is still in a difficult situation, such as mechanical breakdown, broken masts, or a non life-threatening medical problem affecting a crew member, etc., use the pan-pan (pronounced "pon-pon") call instead of the Mayday call.
   • Say "Pan Pan, Pan Pan, Pan Pan."
   • Provide your vessel's name and callsign.
   • State your position. Give the nature of the problem (for example, "Engines have ceased to work", "mast has snapped, storm coming" etc.)
   • State intended action.
   • Over.
2. 2 Wait for instructions.