Boating Emergencies
When is it appropriate to make a 'Mayday' call?
Answer
When there is grave and imminent danger to life or the vessel
'Mayday' is reserved for grave and imminent danger to life or vessel, such as sinking, fire, or a life-threatening medical emergency. For urgent but less dire situations, 'Pan-Pan' is used instead.
Source: U.S. Coast Guard / Office of the Federal Register — 33 CFR 87.01(e), Annex IV — Distress signals — https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-33/section-87.01
Not the answer
- To ask for the weather forecast
- When you are lost but safe
- Only when you run low on fuel
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