{"id":8353,"date":"2025-07-18T15:36:52","date_gmt":"2025-07-18T13:36:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nauticluis.com\/how-to-communicate-an-emergency-at-sea-mayday-pan-pan-and-securite-according-to-the-imo\/"},"modified":"2026-08-05T16:18:29","modified_gmt":"2026-08-05T14:18:29","slug":"how-to-communicate-an-emergency-at-sea-mayday-pan-pan-and-securite-according-to-the-imo","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nauticluis.com\/en\/how-to-communicate-an-emergency-at-sea-mayday-pan-pan-and-securite-according-to-the-imo\/","title":{"rendered":"How to communicate an emergency at sea: MAYDAY, PAN-PAN, and SECURIT\u00c9 according to the IMO"},"content":{"rendered":"

At sea, knowing how to speak can save lives<\/strong><\/p>\n

When all is well, the sea is freedom, wind, and horizon. But when things get complicated, safety depends not only on the equipment\u2026 but also on how we ask for help<\/strong>. <\/p>\n

For this reason, the International Maritime Organization (IMO)<\/strong> created a universal language so that any vessel\u2014regardless of its flag or crew\u2014can communicate with clarity and efficiency in critical situations<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

This language is contained in the SMCP<\/strong> (Standard Marine Communication Phrases<\/em>) and is based on three key words:<\/p>\n

MAYDAY<\/strong>
\nPAN-PAN<\/strong>
\nSECURIT\u00c9<\/strong><\/p>\n

Each indicates a different level of urgency, and knowing how to use them correctly is fundamental for any skipper or crew member.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

MAYDAY \u2013 Grave and imminent danger<\/b><\/h2>\n

The MAYDAY call indicates that life or the vessel is in immediate danger. It is used in cases such as: <\/p>\n