The transmission of a distress "mayday" VHF call indicates that a vessel or a person is in distress and requires immediate assistance. It is a criminal offense to make a false MAYDAY.
MAYDAY. MAYDAY. MAYDAY. THIS IS
_________________________________ [vessel name & callsign]
WE ARE A [POWER / SAIL] BOAT, _______ [size], _____________ [colours]
OUR POSITION IS ___________ [Buoy no. or GPS]
THE PROBLEM IS ___________ [Describe what happened.]
I REQUIRE ___________ [Describe the assistance you require.]
THERE ARE ______ [number] PEOPLE ON BOARD.
THEY ARE [ OK / INJURED / OVERBOARD ]
OVER.
Release the button and listen for a reply.
Repeat every 60 seconds until you get an answer.
Cell phone: Dial *16 on a cellular telephone to contact
the Canadian Coast Guard. (Not all phones have this service.)
RadioMedical Marine Telephone Service:
The Master of a ship may obtain medical advice by call an MCTS Centre (Marine
Communication and Traffic Services) and request connection to a doctor.