CHAPTER

PA

CHAPTER 4

DISTRESS AND LIFESAVING SIGNALS AND

RADIOTELEPHONE PROCEDURES

SECTION 1: DISTRESS SIGNALS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

SECTION 2: TABLE OF LIFESAVING SIGNALS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

SECTION 3: RADIOTELEPHONE PROCEDURES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
CHAPTER 4

SECTION 1: DISTRESS SIGNALS

(PRESCRIBED BY THE INTERNATIONAL REGULATIONS FOR PREVENTI

COLLISIONS AT SEA 1972)

To be used or displayed, either together or separately, by a vessel (or seaplane on the water) in distress requiring as

other vessels or from the shore.

1. A gun or other explosive signal fire at intervals of about a minute.

2. A continuous sounding with any fog-signaling apparatus.

3. Rockets or shells, throwing red stars fired one at a time at short intervals.

4. A signal made by radiotelegraphy or by any other signaling method consisting of the group • • • – – – • • • 

Morse Code.

5. A signal sent by radiotelephony consisting of the spoken word “MAYDAY”.

6. The International Code Signal of distress indicated by NC.

7. A signal consisting of a square flag having above or below it a ball or anything resembling a ball.

8. Flames on the vessel (as from a burning tar barrel, oil barrel, etc.).

9. A rocket parachute flare or a hand flare showing a red light.

10. A smoke signal giving off a volume of orange-colored smoke.

11. Slowly and repeatedly raising and lowering arms outstretched to each side.

12. The radiotelegraph alarm signal.*

13. The radiotelephone alarm signal.**

14. Signals transmitted by emergency position-indicating beacons.***

NOTES: (a) Vessels in distress may use the radiotelegraph alarm signal or the radiotelephone alarm signal to sec

to distress calls and messages. The radiotelegraph alarm signal, which is designed to actuate the radiote

alarms of vessels so fitted, consists of a series of twelve dashes, sent in 1 minute, the duration of each dash 

onds and the duration of the interval between 2 consecutive dashes being 1 second. The radiotelephone alar

sists of 2 tones transmitted alternately over periods of from 30 seconds to 1 minute.

(b)The use of any of the foregoing signals, except for the purpose of indicating that a vessel or seaplane 

and the use of any signals which may be confused with any of the above signals is prohibited.

(c)Attention is drawn to the relevant sections of the Merchant Ship Search and Rescue Manual and the follo

(i.) a piece of orange-colored canvas with either a black square and circle or other appropriate symb

fication from the air);

(ii.) a dye marker.

* A series of twelve four second dashes at intervals of one second.

** Two audio tones transmitted alternately at frequency of 2200 Hz and 1300 Hz for a duration of 30 second

minute.

*** Either the signal described in ** above or a series of single tones at a frequency of 1300 Hz.
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CHAPTER 4

SECTION 2: TABLE OF LIFESAVING SIGNALS

I LANDING SIGNALS FOR THE GUIDANCE OF SMALL BOATS WITH CREWS OR

PERSONS IN DISTRESS

MANUAL SIGNALS LIGHT SIGNALS OTHER SIGNALS SIGNIFICATION

Day

Signals

Vertical motion of a white flag or of the

arms

or firing of a green star signal

or code letter K given by light or

sound-signal apparatus

This is the best place to lan

Night

Signals

Vertical motion of a white light or flare or firing of a green star signal

or code letter K given by light or

sound-signal apparatus

A range (indication of direction) may be given by placing a steady white light or flare at a lower level and in line with the observer

Day

Signals

Horizontal motion of a white flag or of

the arms extended horizontally or firing of a red star signal

or code letter S given by light or

sound-signal apparatus

Landing here highly dang

ous

Night

Signals

Horizontal motion of a light or flare or firing of a red star signal

or code letter S given by light or

sound-signal apparatus

Day

Signals

1 Horizontal motion of a white flag, followed by

2 the placing of the white flag in the

ground and

3 by the carrying of another white flag in

the direction to be indicated

1 or firing of a red star signal vertically and

2 a white star signal in the direction

towards the better landing place

1 or signalling the code letter S (...)

followed by the code letter R (. _ .) if

a better landing place for the craft in

distress is located more to the right

in the direction of approach

2 or signaling the code letter S (...)

followed by the code letter L (. _ ..)

if a better landing place for the craft

in distress is located more to the left

in the direction of approach Landing here highly dang

ous. A more favorable loca

tion for landing is in the

direction indicated

Night

Signals

1 Horizontal motion of a white

light or flare

2 followed by the placing of the white

light or flare on the ground and

3 the carrying of another white light or

flare in the direction to be indicated

1 or firing of a red star signal vertically and a

2 white star signal in the direction

towards the better landing place

1 or signalling the code letter S (...)

followed by the code letter R (. _.) if

a better landing place for the craft in

distress is located more to the right

in the direction of approach

2 or signaling the code letter S (...)

followed by the code letter L (. _ ..)

if a better landing place for the craft

in distress is located more to the left

in the direction of approach
SECTION 2.—TABLE OF LIFESAVING SIGNALS

II SIGNALS TO BE EMPLOYED IN CONNECTION WITH THE USE OF SHO

LIFESAVING APPARATUS

III REPLIES FROM LIFESAVING STATIONS OR MARITIME RESCUE UNI

TO DISTRESS SIGNALS MADE BY A SHIP OR PERSON

MANUAL SIGNALS LIGHT SIGNALS OTHER SIGNALS SIGNIFICATION

Day

Signals

Vertical motion of a white flag

or of the arms

or firing of a green star signal In general: affirmative

Specifically: rocket line is

held — tail block is made fast

— hawser is made fast —

man is in the breeches buoy

— haul away

Night

Signals

Vertical motion of a white light

or flare or firing of a green star signal

Day

Signals

Horizontal motion of a white

flag or of the arms extended

horizontally

or firing of a red star signal

In general: negative

Specifically: slack away -

avast hauling Night

Signals

Horizontal motion of a white

light or flare or firing of a red star signal

Day

Signals

Orange smoke signal

or combined light and sound

signal (thunder-light) consisting of 3 single signals which

are fired at intervals of approximately one minute

You are seen - assistance will

be given as soon as possible

(Repetition of such signal shall

have the same meaning)

Night

Signals

White star rocket consisting of

3 single signals which are fired

at intervals of approximately

one minute

If necessary, the day signals may be given at night or the night signals by day
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CHAPTER 4.—DISTRESS AND LIFESAVING SIGNALS AND RADIOTELEPHONE PROCEDURES

IV AIR-TO-SURFACE VISUAL SIGNALS

Signals used by aircraft engaged in search and rescue operations to direct ships towards an aircraft, ship or person in distress

PROCEDURES PERFORMED IN SEQUENCE BY AN AIRCRAFT SIGNIFICATION

1 CIRCLE the vessel at least once. 2 CROSS the vessel’s projected

course close AHEAD at a low altitude while ROCKING the wings.

(See Note)

3 HEAD in the direction in which

the vessel is to be directed.

The aircraft is directing a vessel

towards an aircraft or vessel in

distress

(Repetition of such signals shall

have the same meaning)

4 CROSS the vessel’s wake close ASTERN at low altitude while ROCKING the wings. (See Note)

NOTE - Opening and closing the throttle or changing the propeller pitch may also be practiced as an alternative means

of attracting attention to that of rocking the wings. However, this form of sound signal may be less effective than the

visual signal of rocking the wings owing to high noise level on board the vessel.

The assistance of the vessel is no

longer required

(Repetition of such signals shall

have the same meaning)

Signals used by a vessel in response to an aircraft engaged in search and rescue operations SIGNIFICATION

Hoist “Code and Answering” pendant Close up; orChange the heading to the required

direction; or

Flash Morse Code signal “T” by signal lamp.

Acknowledges receipt of aircraft’s signal

Hoist international flag “N”

(NOVEMBER); or

Flash Morse Code signal “N” by signal lamp.

Indicates inability to comply
SECTION 2.—TABLE OF LIFESAVING SIGNALS

V SURFACE-TO-AIR VISUAL SIGNALS

Communication from surface craft or survivors to an aircraft

Use International Code of Signals

or plain language by use of a

torch, signalling lamps or signal

flags.

or

Use the following surface-to-air visual

signals by displaying the appropriate

signal on the deck or on the ground.

Message International Code of

Signals

ICAO* visual symbols

- Require assistance V V

- Require medical assistance W X

- No or negative N N

- Yes or affirmative C Y

- Proceeding in this direction ↑

* ICAO annex 12 — Search and rescue

Reply from an aircraft observing the above signals from surface craft or survivors SIGNIFICAT

Drop a message or

Rock the wings (during

daylight) or

Flash the landing lights

or navigation lights on

and off twice (during

hours of darkness) or

Flash Morse Code signal “T” or “R” by light

or

Use any other suitable

signal

Message underst

Fly straight and level

without rocking wings

or

Flash Morse Code Signal “RPT” by light or

Use any other suitable

signal

Message not und

stood (repeat)
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CHAPTER 4.—DISTRESS AND LIFESAVING SIGNALS AND RADIOTELEPHONE PROCEDURES

VI SIGNALS TO SURVIVORS

Procedures performed by an aircraft SIGNIFICATION

Drop a message or

Drop communication

equipment suitable for

establishing direct contact

The aircraft wishes to

inform or instruct survivors

* High visibility colored streamer

Signals used by survivors in response to a message dropped by an aircraft SIGNIFICATION

Flash Morse Code signal “T” or “R” by light

or

Use any other suitable

signal

Dropped messages is

understood by the

survivors

Flash Morse Code signal “RPT” by light

Dropped messages is

not understood by the

survivors
SECTION 2.—TABLE OF LIFESAVING SIGNALS

“CONFLICT AND PERMANENT IDENTIFICATION OF RESCUE CRAFT” 

Shape, color, and positioning of emblem for medical transports

1. The following emblems can be used separately or together to show that a vessel is protected as a medical transp

Geneva Convention:

2. The emblem, positioned on the vessel’s sides, bow, stern, and deck, shall be painted dark red on a white backg

a. On the vessel’s sides the emblem shall extend from the waterline to the top of the ship’s hull.

b. The emblems on the vessel’s bow and stern must, if necessary, be painted on a wooden structure so as to be c

to other vessels ahead or astern.

c. The deck emblem must be as clear of the vessel’s equipment as possible to be clearly visible from aircraft

3. In order to provide the desired contrast for infrared film or instruments, the red emblem must be painted on t

primer paint.

4. Emblems may also be made of materials which make them recognizable by technical means of detecting.

Illumination

1. At night and in restricted visibility the emblems shall be illuminated or lit.

2. At night and in restricted visibility all deck and overside lights must be fully lit to indicate that the vessel is eng

ical operations.

Personal equipment

1. Subject to the instructions of the competent authority, medical and religious personnel carrying out their dutie

area shall, as far as possible, wear headgear and clothing bearing the distinctive emblem.

Flashing blue light for medical transports

1. A vessel engaged in medical operations shall exhibit one or more all-around flashing blue lights of the color 

paragraph 4.

2. The visibility of the lights shall be as high as possible and not less than 3 nautical miles in accordance with A

International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972.

3. The light or lights shall be exhibited as high above the hull as practical and in such a way that at least one light sh

from any direction.

4. The recommended blue color is obtained by using, as trichromatic co-ordinates:

5. The frequency of the flashing light shall be between 60 and 100 flashes per minute.

Radar transponders

1. It should be possible for medical transports to be identified by other vessels equipped with radar by signals from 

* In accordance with Article 27 of the Second Geneva Convention of 12 August 1949, this chapter also app

coastal rescue craft.

green boundary y = 0.065+0.805x

white boundary y = 0.400-x

purple boundary x = 0.133+0.600y
146

CHAPTER 4.—DISTRESS AND LIFESAVING SIGNALS AND RADIOTELEPHONE PROCEDURES

sponder fitted on the medical transport.

2. The signal from the medical transport transponder shall consist of the group YYY, in accordance with article 40 of the R

Regulations, followed by the call sign or other recognized means of identification.

Underwater acoustic signals

1. It should be possible for medical transports to be identified by submarines by appropriate underwater signals transmitte

the medical transports.

2. The underwater signal shall consist of the call sign of the ship preceded by the single group YYY transmitted in Morse o

appropriate acoustic frequency, e.g., 5 kHz.

Rescue craft carried by medical transports

1. Every rescue craft should be equipped with a mast on which a Red Cross flag measuring about 2 x 2 meters can be hois

Flashing blue light for medical aircraft

1. The light signal, consisting of a flashing blue light, is established for the use of medical aircraft to signal their identity

other aircraft shall use this signal. The recommended flashing rate of the blue light is between sixty and one hundred fla

per minute.

2. Medical aircraft should be equipped with such lights as may be necessary to make the light signal visible in as many direct

as possible.
CHAPTER 4

SECTION 3: RADIOTELEPHONE PROCEDURES

RECEPTION OF SAFETY MESSAGES

Any message which you hear prefixed by one of the following words concerns SAFE

If you hear these words, pay particular attention to the message and call the master or the officer on watch.

DISTRESS TRANSMITTING PROCEDURES

To be used only if IMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE is required:

USE PLAIN LANGUAGE WHENEVER POSSIBLE. If language difficulties are likely to arise use Tables 2 a

149, sending the word INTERCO to indicate that the message will be in the International Code of Signals.

Call out letters as in Table 1 on Page 148. Call out numbers figure by figure as in Table 1.

To indicate DISTRESS:

1. If possible transmit the ALARM SIGNAL (i.e., two-tone signal) for 30 seconds to one minute, but do not delay 

if there is insufficient time in which to transmit the Alarm Signal.

2. Send the following DISTRESS CALL:

Mayday Mayday Mayday. This is . . . (name or call sign of ship spoken three times).

3. Then send the DISTRESS MESSAGE composed of:

Mayday followed by the name or call sign of ship;

Position of ship;

Nature of distress;

And, if necessary, transmit the nature of the aid required and any other information which will help the rescue.

EXAMPLES OF DISTRESS PROCEDURE

1. Where possible, transmit ALARM SIGNAL followed by spoken words Mayday Mayday Mayday. This is... (

spoken three times, or call sign of ship spelled three times using TABLE 1, on Page 148) Mayday... (name or cal

Position 54 25 North 016 33 West I am on fire and require immediate assistance.

2. Where possible, transmit ALARM SIGNAL followed by spoken words Mayday Mayday Mayday . . . (name o

three times, or call sign of ship spelled three times using TABLE 1) Mayday... (name or call sign of ship) Interco 

ero Unaone Pantafive Ushant Romeo Kartefour Nadazero Delta X-ray. “(Ship) in Distress Position 015 Degre

miles I am sinking.”

3. Where possible, transmit ALARM SIGNAL followed by spoken words Mayday Mayday Mayday . . . (name o

three times, or call sign of ship spelled three times using TABLE 1) Mayday . . . (name or call sign of ship) Inter

tafive Kartefour Bissotwo Pantafive November Golf Nadazero Unaone Soxisix Terrathree Terrathree Whiskey C

Soxisix. “(Ship) in Distress Position Latitude 54 25 North Longitude 016 33 West I require immediate assistance 

MAYDAY

(Distress)

Indicates that a ship, aircraft, or other vehicle is threatened by grave and

imminent danger and requests immediate assistance.

PAN

(Urgency)

Indicates that the calling station has a very urgent message to transmit concerning the safety of a ship, aircraft, or other vehicle, or the safety of a person

SECURITE

(Safety)

Indicates that the station is about to transmit a message concerning the safety

of navigation or giving important meteorological warnings.
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CHAPTER 4.—DISTRESS AND LIFESAVING SIGNALS AND RADIOTELEPHONE PROCEDURES

TABLE 1

PHONETIC ALPHABET AND FIGURE SPELLING TABLES

(May be used when transmitting plain language or code.)

Letter Word Pronounced as Letter Word Pronounced as

A Alfa AL FAH N November NO VEM BER

B Bravo BRAH VOH O Oscar OSS CAH

C Charlie CHAR LEE or P Papa PAH PAH

SHAR LEE Q Quebec KEH BECK

D Delta DELL TAH R Romeo ROW ME OH

E Echo ECK OH S Sierra SEE AIR RAH

F Foxtrot FOKS TROT T Tango TANG GO

G Golf GOLF U Uniform YOU NEE FORM or

H Hotel HOH TELL OO NEE FORM

I India IN DEE AH V Victor VIK TAH

J Juliett JEW LEE ETT W Whiskey WISS KEY

K Kilo KEY LOH X X-ray ECKS RAY

L Lima LEE MAH Y Yankee YANG KEY

M Mike MIKE Z Zulu ZOO LOO

NOTE: The syllables to be emphasized are boldfaced.

Figure or

Mark to be

Transmitted

Word Pronounced as

Figure or

Mark to be

Transmitted

Word Pronounced as

0 NADAZERO NAH-DAH-ZAY-ROH 6 SOXISIX SOK-SEE-SIX

1 UNAONE OO-NAH-WUN 7 SETTESEVEN SAY-TAYSEVEN

2 BISSOTWO BEES-SOH-TOO 8 OKTOEIGHT OK-TOH-AIT

3 TERRATHREE TAY-RAH-TREE 9 NOVENINE NO-VAYNINER

4 KARTEFOUR KAR-TAY-FOWER Decimal

point

DECIMAL DAY-SEE-MAL

5 PANTAFIVE PAN-TAH-FIVE Full stop STOP STOP

NOTE: Each syllable should be equally emphasized.
SECTION 3.—RADIOTELEPHONE PROCEDURES

TABLE 2

Position in Code

(1) By Bearing and Distance from a Landmark

Code letter A (Alfa) followed by a three-figure group for ship’s

TRUE bearing from landmark;

Name of landmark:

Code letter R (Romeo) followed by one or more figures for distance in nautical miles.

or

(2) By Latitude and Longitude

Latitude

Code letter L (Lima) followed by a four-figure group; (2 figures

for Degrees, 2 figures for Minutes) and either—N (November)

for Latitude North, or S (Sierra) for Latitude South.

Longitude

Code letter G (Golf) followed by a five-figure group; (3 figures

for Degrees, 2 figures for Minutes) and either—E (Echo) for

Longitude East, or W (Whiskey) for Longitude West.

TABLE 3

Nature of Distress in Code

Code

Letters

Words to be

transmitted Text of Signal

AE Alfa Echo I must abandon my vessel.

BF Bravo Foxtrot Aircraft is ditched in position indicated and

requires immediate assistance.

CB Charlie Bravo I require immediate assistance.

CB6 Charlie Bravo

Soxisix

I require immediate assistance, I am on fire.

DX Delta X-ray I am sinking.

HW Hotel Whiskey I have collided with surface craft.

Answer to Ship in Distress

CP Charlie Papa I am proceeding to your assistance.

ED Echo Delta Your distress signals are understood.

EL Echo Lima Repeat the distress position.

NOTE: A more comprehensive list of signals may be found in Chapter 2.