GMDSS and VHF distress procedures

USCG Boatswain Manual Ch. 7 §7.2

USCG Boatswain Manual Ch. 7 §7.2 — Search and Rescue Distress signalling priorities: VHF Channel 16 MAYDAY with DSC if equipped (transmits identity and position automatically), EPIRB activation if a rapid response is critical, visual flares and signal mirror as backup. Always continue to transmit MAYDAY until acknowledged.

33 CFR §175.130

§ 175.130 § 175.130 Visual distress signals accepted. (a) Any of the following signals, when carried in the number required, can be used to meet the requirements of § 175.110: (1) An electric distress light meeting the standards of 46 CFR 161.013. One is required to meet the night only requirement. (2) An orange flag meeting the standards of 46 CFR 160.072. One is required to meet the day only requirement. (3) Pyrotechnics meeting the standards noted in Table 175.130. (b) Any combination of signal devices selected from the types noted in paragraphs (a) (1), (2) and (3) of this section, when carried in the number required, may be used to meet both day and night requirements.—the combination of two hand held red flares (160.021), and one parachute red flare (160.024 or 160.036) meets bo…

33 CFR §87.01

§ 87.01 § 87.01 Need of assistance. The following signals, used or exhibited either together or separately, indicate distress and need of assistance: (a) A gun or other explosive signal fired at intervals of about a minute; (b) A continuous sounding with any fog-signaling apparatus; (c) Rockets or shells, throwing red stars fired one at a time at short intervals; (d) A signal made by any method consisting of the group . . . - - - . . . (SOS) in the Morse Code; (e) A signal sent by radiotelephony consisting of the spoken word “Mayday”; (f) The International Code Signal of distress indicated by N.C.; (g) A signal consisting of a square flag having above or below it a ball or anything resembling a ball; (h) Flames on the vessel (as from a burning tar barrel, oil barrel, etc.); (i) A…

46 CFR §11.601

§ 11.601 § 11.601 Applicability. Link to an amendment published at 89 FR 93095, Nov. 25, 2024.This subpart provides for endorsement as radio officers for employment on vessels, and for the issue of STCW endorsements for those qualified to serve as radio operators on vessels subject to the provisions on the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) of Chapter IV of SOLAS (incorporated by reference, see § 11.102 of this part).

46 CFR §180.68

§ 180.68 § 180.68 Distress flares and smoke signals. (a)A vessel on an oceans, coastwise, limited coastwise, or Great Lakes route must carry— (1) Six hand red flare distress signals approved in accordance with § 160.021 in subchapter Q of this chapter, or other standard specified by the Commandant, including, but not limited to, approval series 160.121; and (2) Six hand orange smoke distress signals approved in accordance with § 160.037 in subchapter Q of this chapter, or other standard specified by the Commandant. (b)A vessel on a lakes, bays, and sounds, or rivers route must carry: (1) Three hand red flare distress signals approved in accordance with § 160.021 in subchapter Q of this chapter, or other standard specified by the Commandant; and (2) Three hand orange smoke distress si…

46 CFR §184.510

§ 184.510 § 184.510 Recommended emergency broadcast instructions. The following emergency broadcast instructions, when placed on a placard, will satisfy the requirement contained in § 184.506 for an emergency broadcast placard: (a) Emergency Broadcast Instructions. (1) Make sure your radiotelephone is on. (2) Select 156.8 MHz (channel 16 VHF) or 2182 kHz. (Channel 16 VHF and 2182 kHz on SSB are for emergency and calling purposes only.) (3) Press microphone button and, speaking slowly—clearly—calmly, say: (i) “MAYDAY—MAYDAY—MAYDAY” for situations involving Immediate Danger to Life and Property; or (ii) “PAN—PAN—PAN” for urgent situations where there is No Immediate Danger to Life or Property. (4) Say: “THIS IS (INSERT VESSEL'S NAME), (INSERT VESSEL'S NAME), (INSERT VESSEL'S NAME), (…