Mayday script generator

Fill in the five fields below. The page formats your details as a correctly-structured Mayday call following the GMDSS / SOLAS Ch IV procedure (see distress procedures). Use the "Print" button for a paper copy to keep at the radio. Nothing is sent anywhere — this runs entirely in your browser.

For a real distress, depress the DSC distress button on the VHF first, then read this Mayday on Channel 16. If you have time, transmit the Mayday three times and listen between for an acknowledgement from a coast station.

MAYDAY MAYDAY MAYDAY
THIS IS  [VESSEL NAME]  [VESSEL NAME]  [VESSEL NAME]
MAYDAY  [VESSEL NAME]
CALLSIGN [CALLSIGN]  MMSI [9-DIGIT]
POSITION [LAT/LON OR BEARING+DISTANCE FROM A CHARTED POINT]
NATURE OF DISTRESS — [NATURE OF DISTRESS]
ASSISTANCE REQUIRED — [ASSISTANCE REQUIRED]
[NUMBER OF PERSONS ONBOARD] PERSONS ONBOARD
OVER

See also

• · Distress procedures — full Mayday format and worked example.
• · Distress frequencies — VHF Ch 16, MF 2182 kHz, HF, SART/EPIRB.
• · GMDSS — Sea Areas A1–A4 and the equipment matrix.
• · Helplines — for non-emergency welfare and crisis support.