Mayday vs Pan Pan
Edit on GitHubThe two voice distress prefixes, when to use which, and how to structure the call that follows.
Mayday vs Pan Pan
If you reach rescuers by voice (a PMR446 handheld, a phone, an amateur channel), the words MAYDAY and PAN PAN are not decoration: they tell the receiving side how urgent the situation is.
The two prefixes
| Prefix | Means | Use when |
|---|---|---|
| MAYDAY | Immediate danger to life | The situation is happening now |
| PAN PAN | Urgent, not immediately life-threatening | You need help but can wait a bit |
MAYDAY is repeated three times (MAYDAY MAYDAY MAYDAY). PAN PAN is usually repeated three times too (PAN PAN PAN).
The structure of the call
- Prefix:
MAYDAY MAYDAY MAYDAY - Who you are:
This is [name/callsign] - Position: in the format the receiver expects (see Position Reporting)
- Nature:
One injured skier, possible broken leg, bad weather moving in - Intent:
Remaining in place, transmitting beacon on [frequency]
The beacon connection
Your beacon transmission IS the distress signal: it repeats SOS, identity and coordinates without you saying a word. When you reach a human by voice, the call above converts the beacon’s automatic message into a structured report, and you can add what the beacon cannot: the nature of the emergency and your intent.
What not to say
- Do not say “false alarm” explanations on the air; give facts.
- Do not use MAYDAY for an inconvenience: a flat tire on a road is PAN PAN at most.
- Do not stay on the channel longer than the call needs; the channel belongs to the emergency now.
Related pages
- Rescue Communication Basics for the radio picture
- Position Reporting for the format
- Emergency Response Scenarios for the scenarios