In the world of marine communications, there are three levels of urgency: MAYDAY, Pan-Pan, and Sécurité. While most mariners know that MAYDAY is reserved for life-threatening situations, there can be some confusion about the other two signals. Understanding the difference between Pan-Pan and Sécurité is crucial for effective communication at sea and for ensuring the safety of all vessels.
This article will clarify the distinction between these two important signals and provide clear guidance on when and how to use them.
Understanding Pan-Pan
What it means: “Pan-Pan” (pronounced “pahn-pahn”) is the international urgency signal. It indicates that there is an urgent situation on board, but it is not immediately life-threatening. A Pan-Pan call has priority over all other calls except for MAYDAY.
When to use it: You should use Pan-Pan when you need assistance but are not in immediate danger of losing your life or your vessel. Here are some examples:
- You have an engine failure and are drifting in a busy shipping lane.
- A crew member has a non-life-threatening but urgent medical issue, such as a broken arm or a severe fever.
- You have lost your steering and are having difficulty navigating.
- You are unsure of your position and need assistance to determine it.
How to make a Pan-Pan call:
- Select VHF Channel 16.
- Repeat “Pan-Pan” three times.
- State the receiving station (e.g., “All stations”).
- Identify your vessel by name three times and call sign once.
- State your position.
- Explain the nature of the urgency.
- State your intentions.
Example Pan-Pan Call:
“Pan-Pan, Pan-Pan, Pan-Pan. All stations, all stations, all stations. This is motor vessel SEA EAGLE, SEA EAGLE, SEA EAGLE, call sign WHISKEY CHARLIE ZULU NINER EIGHT SEVEN. My position is two nautical miles east of the Golden Gate Bridge. I have a fouled propeller and am unable to maneuver. I require a tow. Over.”
Understanding Sécurité
What it means: “Sécurité” (pronounced “say-cure-i-tay”) is the international safety signal. It is used to transmit important navigational or meteorological warnings.
When to use it: You should use Sécurité to warn other vessels of a potential hazard. Here are some examples:
- You have spotted a large floating object, such as a shipping container or a large log, that could be a hazard to navigation.
- You have noticed that a navigational aid, such as a buoy or a lighthouse, is not working correctly.
- You are relaying a severe weather warning that you have received.
How to make a Sécurité call:
- Select VHF Channel 16.
- Repeat “Sécurité” three times.
- State the receiving station (e.g., “All stations”).
- Identify your vessel.
- Announce that you have a safety message and will be switching to another channel.
- Switch to the designated channel and broadcast your safety message.
Example Sécurité Call:
“Sécurité, Sécurité, Sécurité. All stations, all stations, all stations. This is sailing vessel ARIES. I have an important safety message regarding a navigational hazard. Please listen on Channel 68. Out.”
(After switching to Channel 68)
“Sécurité, Sécurité, Sécurité. All stations. This is sailing vessel ARIES. At 14:30 local time, I observed a large, partially submerged shipping container in the vicinity of position four-niner degrees, five-zero minutes North; one-two-three degrees, one-five minutes West. All vessels in the area are advised to maintain a sharp lookout. Out.”
Key Differences Summarized
| Signal | Urgency | Purpose | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAYDAY | Distress | Imminent danger to life or vessel | Sinking, fire, man overboard |
| Pan-Pan | Urgency | Assistance needed, but not immediate | Engine failure, non-life-threatening injury |
| Sécurité | Safety | Navigational or meteorological warning | Debris in the water, malfunctioning buoy |
Using the correct urgency signal is a fundamental part of being a responsible mariner. It ensures that your message is understood and that you receive the appropriate level of assistance. By understanding the difference between Pan-Pan and Sécurité, you can help to keep the airwaves clear for those who need them most and contribute to the safety of everyone on the water.
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