At sea, knowing how to speak can save lives

When all is well, the sea is freedom, wind, and horizon. But when things get complicated, safety depends not only on the equipment… but also on how we ask for help.

For this reason, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) created a universal language so that any vessel—regardless of its flag or crew—can communicate with clarity and efficiency in critical situations.

This language is contained in the SMCP (Standard Marine Communication Phrases) and is based on three key words:

MAYDAY
PAN-PAN
SECURITÉ

Each indicates a different level of urgency, and knowing how to use them correctly is fundamental for any skipper or crew member.

MAYDAY – Grave and imminent danger

The MAYDAY call indicates that life or the vessel is in immediate danger. It is used in cases such as:

  • Sinking
  • Fire on board
  • Collision with risk
  • Man overboard with real danger
  • Abandoning ship

The call is made on VHF channel 16, following this standard structure:

Mayday, Mayday, Mayday

This is [vessel name], [repeated 3 times]

Mayday [vessel name]

Position [coordinates in degrees and minutes]

Nature of the emergency

Type of assistance required

Number of persons on board

Other information (vessel type, color, EPIRB, MMSI)

Over

PAN-PAN – Urgency without danger to life

PAN-PAN is used when there is an important urgency, but not an immediate risk to human life. Typical cases:

  • Controlled water ingress
  • Loss of steerage (without imminent danger)
  • Engine failure and controlled drift
  • Person unwell, non-serious

The structure is similar to MAYDAY, but the keyword changes:

Pan-Pan, Pan-Pan, Pan-Pan

This is [vessel name]

Position [coordinates]

Situation and type of assistance required

Over

SECURITÉ – Safety information for navigation

SECURITÉ is not a distress call, but a warning to other mariners about risks or conditions affecting navigational safety, such as:

  • Drifting buoys
  • Restricted maneuvers
  • Floating obstacles or hazards to navigation
  • Dangerous meteorological changes

It is also broadcast on channel 16, and then redirected to a working channel if necessary. The structure is:

Securité, Securité, Securité

All stations

This is [station or vessel name]

Notice: [relevant information]

Over

How to state your position correctly

In all cases, stating your position clearly is key. You must use degrees and minutes, and pronounce the full numbers:

“Position forty-two degrees fifteen minutes North, three degrees twelve minutes East.”

Avoid saying individual numbers (“four two”), unconverted decimals, or abbreviations.

Remember: 1 degree = 60 minutes. If your GPS indicates 42.2583°, multiply 0.2583 × 60 = 15.5 → “fifteen point five minutes”.

Can I communicate in Spanish?

Yes. Although English is the standard operational language of the IMO, the national language can be used if both parties share it (such as with Maritime Rescue in Spain). The important thing is to maintain the clear and internationally recognized structure.

Do not improvise: follow the protocol

Incorrectly using a MAYDAY, PAN-PAN, or SECURITÉ call can not only create confusion, but also unnecessarily mobilize resources or put others at risk.

Important notice

This article is purely informative and is intended to improve general knowledge about safety at sea.
It does not replace formal training or the consultation of official sources.

For up-to-date information, complete regulations, and official procedures, we recommend visiting:

In case of any doubt or real emergency situation at sea, always contact the competent authorities through official channels.