Emergency Message

This message precedes a required assistance. The ship is in danger and further assistance will probably
be required.

These messages can be sent to all stations or to a specified coastal station (DSC)
(or by Telex, these are then messages preceded by the XXX prefix)

EMERGENCY MESSAGE BY DSC

Two steps: 1. Announcement of the emergency message 2. Transmission of the emergency message

Set the transmitter to the safety frequency (channel 70 VHF or 2187.5 MF)

On the DSC controller, select the following:

“ALL SHIPS” or enter the MMSI number of a coastal station

Call category (URGENCY)
Channel or frequency on which the message will be transmitted (channel 16 or 2182)
Type de communication which is to follow: choose RADIOTELEPHONY or RT

Send call by DSC (channel 70 VHF or 2187.5 MF)

Transmitter and receiver synchronised on the associated frequency (channel 16 VHF or 2182 MF)

Send the message (vocal) in accordance with the following format

Example:

PAN PAN PAN PAN PAN PAN

ALL STATIONS ALL STATIONS ALL STATIONS
THIS IS 635206000 (MMSI number- 9 digits)
CMA CGM BIZET FUDL

IN COLLISION WITH GENERAL CARGO VESSEL ALFA

IN POSITION XX°XX' N/S XXX°XX'E/W
FIRE ON BOARD
21 CREW AND 1 PASSENGER ON BOARD
STAND BY ON VHF 16 FOR FURTHER STATUS REPORT

Use of the 2 digit INMARSAT codes : The INMARSAT system also enables “URGENT” messages to be
sent. Depending on the case, the following will be used :

 Medical advice: code 32

 Medical assistance: Code 38 (e.g. Evacuation)
 Maritime assistance: Code 39

Refer to BRIDGE MANUAL “Use of the GMDSS station”