How to Know When to Make a Mayday, Pan-Pan, or Sécurité Call

Clear communication can save lives at sea. When something goes wrong on a boat, knowing which marine radio call to make and when is just as important as knowing how to make the call itself. The three internationally recognized urgency calls:

• Mayday,
• Pan-Pan,
• Sécurité

Each signal a different level of risk and require a different response.

Here’s a practical guide to understanding the difference and using each call correctly.

A Mayday call is reserved for the most serious emergencies. It means that a boat or person is in grave and imminent danger and requires immediate assistance.

You should make a Mayday call if:

• The vessel is sinking or taking on water uncontrollably

• There is a fire or explosion on board

• Someone has fallen overboard and cannot be recovered

• The vessel has grounded or collided and is at risk of capsizing

• A life-threatening medical emergency occurs offshore

A Mayday call should always be treated as urgent by everyone who hears it. Other vessels may be asked to assist, and rescue authorities will respond immediately.

Key rule: If lives are at risk right now, make the Mayday call. Do not hesitate.

Pan-Pan is used when there is an urgent situation that could escalate, but where there is no immediate danger to life.

Typical Pan-Pan situations include:

• Engine failure in open water

• Steering or electrical failure

• Running out of fuel near shore

• A non-life-threatening medical issue

• Being adrift in worsening weather

Pan-Pan calls alert nearby vessels and authorities that assistance may be required, without triggering a full emergency response.

Key rule: If the situation is serious but still under control, Pan-Pan is usually the right choice.

Sécurité calls are not about distress or urgency, but about safety awareness. They are used to broadcast important navigational or weather-related information.

Examples include:

• Sudden fog or reduced visibility

• Floating debris or partially submerged objects

• Navigation light failures

• Severe weather warnings

• Changes to navigation channels or hazards

Sécurité calls help protect other mariners by sharing timely information that could prevent accidents.

Key rule: If you’re warning others and not asking for help, use Sécurité.

One of the most common mistakes boaters make is waiting too long to communicate. A Pan-Pan situation can turn into a Mayday quickly if conditions worsen. It’s always better to make an earlier call and update it later than to wait until options are limited.

This is where modern boat monitoring systems play an important role. With tools like battery voltage alerts, bilge water monitoring, smoke detection, and motion or intrusion sensors, issues are often identified before they become emergencies. Early awareness gives you more time to assess the situation, make the correct call, and avoid unnecessary risk.

Many onboard emergencies begin as small, manageable issues: a slow battery drain, unexpected water ingress, or overheating equipment. When these changes are detected early; especially while you’re away from the boat, you can act before the situation becomes urgent.

Remote monitoring systems like Vanemar are designed to support this kind of early decision-making by notifying owners of abnormal conditions in real time. That extra awareness can mean the difference between routine assistance and an emergency call.

• Mayday → Immediate danger to life or vessel

• Pan-Pan → Urgent situation, no immediate life threat

• Sécurité → Safety or navigational warning

Understanding these calls and using them confidently makes boating safer for everyone on the water.

A well-prepared boat and a well-informed skipper are the strongest safety tools you have. Monitor early, communicate clearly, and always prioritize safety.