---
kind: "section"
citation: "46 C.F.R. § 121.510"
title: "46"
number: "121.510"
heading: "Recommended emergency broadcast instructions."
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/46/121.510"
---

# §121.510. Recommended emergency broadcast instructions.


The following emergency broadcast instructions, when placed on a placard, will satisfy the requirement contained in [§ 121.506](/cfr/46/121.506.md) for an emergency broadcast placard:

- (a) **Emergency Broadcast Instructions.**
  - (1) **Make sure your radiotelephone is on.**
  - (2) Select 156.8 MHz (channel 16 VHF) or 2182 kHz. (Channel 16 VHF and 2182 kHz on SSB are for emergency and calling purposes only.)
  - (3) **Press microphone button and, speaking slowly—** clearly—calmly, say:
    - (i) “MAYDAY—MAYDAY—MAYDAY” for situations involving Immediate Danger to Life and Property; or
    - (ii) “PAN—PAN—PAN” for urgent situations where there is No Immediate Danger to Life or Property.
  - (4) **Say—** “THIS IS (INSERT VESSEL'S NAME), (INSERT VESSEL'S NAME), (INSERT VESSEL'S NAME), (INSERT VESSEL'S CALL SIGN), OVER.”
  - (5) **Release the microphone button briefly and listen for acknowledgment.** If no one answers, repeat steps 3 & 4.
  - (6) If there is no acknowledgment, or if the Coast Guard or another vessel responds, say: “MAYDAY” or “PAN”, (INSERT VESSEL'S NAME).”
  - (7) DESCRIBE YOUR POSITION using latitude and longitude coordinates, or range and bearing from a known point.
  - (8) **STATE THE NATURE OF THE DISTRESS.**
  - (9) **GIVE NUMBER OF PERSONS ABOARD AND THE NATURE OF ANY INJURIES.**
  - (10) **ESTIMATE THE PRESENT SEAWORTHINESS OF YOUR VESSEL.**
  - (11) **BRIEFLY DESCRIBE YOUR VESSEL—** (INSERT LENGTH, COLOR, HULL TYPE, TRIM, MASTS, POWER, ANY ADDITIONAL DISTINGUISHING FEATURES).
  - (12) **Say—** “I WILL BE LISTENING ON CHANNEL 16/2182.”
  - (13) **End message by saying—** “THIS IS (INSERT VESSEL'S NAME & CALL SIGN).”
  - (14) If your situation permits, stand by the radio to await further communications with the Coast Guard or another vessel. If no answer, repeat, then try another channel.
- (b) [Reserved]

## Notes

### Amendments

[CGD 85-080, 61 FR 933, Jan. 10, 1996, as amended by USCG-2010;-0759, 75 FR 60003, Sept. 29, 2010]

### Authority

Authority: 46 U.S.C. 2103, 3306; E.O. 12234, 45 FR 58801, 3 CFR, 1980 Comp., p. 277; DHS Delegation 00170.1, Revision No. 01.2.

### Source

Source: CGD 85-080, 61 FR 933, Jan. 10, 1996, unless otherwise noted.

### Amendments

[CGD 85-080, 61 FR 933, Jan. 10, 1996, as amended by USCG-2010;-0759, 75 FR 60003, Sept. 29, 2010]