Check main battery switch ON
Switch set ON and turn power selector to high
Tune to VHF Ch 16 (or 2182 kHz for MF)
If alarm signal generator fitted, operate for at least 30 seconds
Press transmit button and say slowly and distinctly
MAYDAY MAYDAY MAYDAY
This is (name of boat, spoken three times)
MAYDAY (name of boat spoken once)
MY POSITION IS (latitude and longitude, or true bearing and distance from a
known point)
Nature of distress (whether sinking, on fire etc.)
Aid required
Number of persons aboard
Any other important, helpful information (e.g. if the yacht is drifting, whether
distress rockets are being fired)
OVER