Distress Signals
How do you call for help when you have an emergency situation, are in "grave and imminent“ danger and need immediate assistance? Conversely, and equally important, if someone else needs assistance, would you recognise the distress signals that they are making?
The international SOLAS (Safety Of Life At Sea) regulations list several ways in which distress can be signalled by day and/or by night. For simplicity, let’s put them into groups…
It’s possible that only very large vessels will use these signals:-
Signal flags ‘N’ and ‘C’ hoisted on a signal mast.
A black square shape hoisted over a black round shape (or vice-versa) on a signal mast.
Noise (eg gunfire) at regular intervals.
Continuous sounding of fog horn.
SOS by morse on radio.
SOS by morse on signal lamp.
A burning bucket of tar or oil on the rear deck. [Maybe a bit archaic, but then again, it’s still an official signal, and flame or smoke coming from any vessel for any reason is bad news].
Perhaps more realistic for leisure vessels are the pyrotechnics:-
Parachute flare; hand flare; orange smoke; rockets throwing red stars; dye marker in the sea.
These are easy to obtain from many chandlers. While they must be stored safely on the vessel, they must also be easy to get to in times of crisis; they are no use to anyone if they are buried at the bottom of the most inaccessible locker. Also, they are no good if they don’t work - they must be in date. Do read the instructions carefully before using them!
Then we have the electronic methods:-
‘Mayday’ by voice on VHF Channel 16.
‘Pan Pan Pan’ by voice on VHF Channel 16 if your situation is not ‘grave and imminent’.
If making either of these calls, keep in mind that your would-be rescuer initially needs to know who, what and where….
Who…. vessel name or call sign
What… type of vessel and nature of emergency
Where… your location, preferably as a Lat and Long, or relative to a good landmark
Maybe add… persons on board
DSC alert; possible only if your radio is enabled for DSC and has the big guarded red button on the front. If you press it, you should follow it up shortly afterwards with a ‘Mayday’ call.
SART and EPIRB beacons; like pyrotechnics these are easily obtained from many chandlers. They do not let you talk to anyone, but they should bring rescuers to you. They have the advantage that they are usually waterproof and are easy to operate one handed.
And, if all else fails:-
Waving your arms, like the chap in the picture at the top, also happens to be an official distress signal. Do this yourself if you have to; if you see someone else doing it, call the Coastguard.
There are a few other items you could use, though these are not included in the SOLAS regs..
Mobile Phone; not actually listed in the SOLAS regs, but are used to call 999 for the Coastguard more and more often simply because just about everyone has one. There disadvantages in using a phone though; you need a good signal, they are not any good when wet, not easy to operate one-handed, and only the Coastguard hears your call. If you make a radio call, nearby vessels will also hear what’s happening and may be able to assist straight away.
A torch; many LED torches can automatically flash an SOS signal in morse if you press the button right.
A voice; shouting can also be a way to call for help if someone is within earshot.
Please do not think that the above is the final word in vessel or personal safety. These are just ways to alert the emergency services. Once alerted and looking for you, you need to stay safe and may need to have another signal to guide the rescuers to you; a boat is easily seen, but a head in the water is not. So other things such as good life jackets and other flotation aids, whistles, lights, high-vis clothing (especially headgear) are all part of the safety issue. For uses of kayaks and paddle-boards, even the paddle itself might be part of your safety equipment… if it is brightly coloured and you can wave it to attract attention.
Conclusion
So, with all these possibilities, what is the best way to call for help? Unfortunately, there is no ‘one size fits all’, much depends on the type of vessel you sail, and how many eventualities you want to consider. You might need to signal distress while still in/on your vessel – or when in a tender or life raft – or when up to your neck in the sea. And it may be daytime or night. These issues apply equally to everyone, whether you go out to sea in a yacht, a large motor cruiser, a dayboat, or a paddleboard or kayak. Given the foregoing, the best suggestion is to carry more than one way to call for help.
Rest assured that if NCI observers see or hear your distress signal, we will immediately notify the Coastguard and, if we can, keep our eyes on you. If necessary, we will direct rescue craft on to your position.
Here’s to happy and safe sailing!
