Changes to Mayday call

[Solent Ranger]

From April this year the Mayday call procedure has changed. You are now required to say both your MMSI number and your call sign twice. Most find it difficult to remember all the elements so you can download a copy of the new call procedure in A5 format. Better to know that not to know!

VHF Radio Course | VHF Operators Licence | Southampton | Hampshire

[GJ0KYZ]

That seems to be asking a lot of the caller; I doubt I would remain suffiently composed for such a detailed over.

[Max...]

Presuming you have DSC and therfore an MMSI number that is...

I did the VHF course a year ago and I'm sure we were told to quote the MMSI then.

[thomas]

If I ever need to make a mayday call the only important thing to me will be my position and happy to get a good ticking off afterwards for using the wrong practice.

[tim griffin]

Originally Posted by Max...

Presuming you have DSC and therfore an MMSI number that is...

I did the VHF course a year ago and I'm sure we were told to quote the MMSI then.

If you dont have a MMSI then quote your International Call sign it comes with your licence .
If you do have a MMSI you now insert your International Call sign as well as your MMSI .

Tim

[Solent Ranger]

Originally Posted by GJ0KYZ

That seems to be asking a lot of the caller; I doubt I would remain suffiently composed for such a detailed over.

As it happens I agree with you, but that is not the point. It is why I I produced the card. I suggest you download it (or make up your own version) and laminate it to put on the console or by the radio. All those who do a VHF course with us get a laminated card copy and are encouraged to fill in their details. It is much easier when in a stress situation of you can simply read something that is right by the radio and know the details are correct and what the right format should be.

The MCA produce a version that is on sticky backed paper, but in my experience the stuff comes away after a while and also the Mayday call itself is very small and when the proverbial hits the fan, trying to read small wording is not ideal in my opinion. I can do the call without reference, but that is only because I teach it.

I ran this passed a senior radio instructor - one who actually teaches the VHF instructor courses for the MCA/RYA - and he said it was much better than the MCA version.

I don't expect anybody to be able to remember the correct call protocol after the course or for that matter in it, so having something that ca ease the stress is worthwhile and you hope you never have to use it. Same as yiu hope the only time you ever hit the red button (if you have a DSC set!) is during your course.

[boristhebold]

Ive printed my MMSI Number and Call Sign onto a sticky label strip and stuck it onto my console, as I would not remember them in an emergency.

[Solent Ranger]

Originally Posted by boristhebold

Ive printed my MMSI Number and Call Sign onto a sticky label strip and stuck it onto my console, as I would not remember them in an emergency.

I have done the same, but I'm having laminated cards printed which will go on the console. The old MCA one is a) now out of date and b) all faded due to wind, rain and sun!

Every student who does a course with me will get a copy to take away as part of the course.

[tim griffin]

Originally Posted by Solent Ranger

The old MCA one is now out of date

As are most of the books on the subject .

Its a good idea to have laminated copies of the following calls
Mayday
Pan Pan
Mayday Relay
Safety
In your Navbag or to hand so that , if a worse case scenario occurs then you or your crew can make the appropriate call.
Something we and I am sure other schools do.
Tim

[jyasaki]

If you've got a DSC capable VHF (and an MMSI number to go along with it), why not just hit the distress button and save yourself a couple of minutes of trying to speak everything clearly into the mic? Responders will contact you on the working channel, they'll have your MMSI, vessel name and registration info (and position, if connected to the GPS), and you can get on with dealing with the emergency at hand.

Or am I missing something in the discussion?

jky