How to obtain Medical Advice at Sea?

What you student's should be able to do / understand after the session:

  • Can determine when a Distress Alert and Mayday should be sent, or a request made to HM Coastguard for medical assistance
  • Knowledge of the procedure for sending Distress Alert and Mayday
  • Knowledge of the procedure for getting medical advice by radio, and that additional information will be requested
  • Knowledge that an SRC radio certificate is required to use the VHF without supervision
  • Understands that a mobile phone is not advised in emergencies afloat 
  • European legislation requires Member states to have one or more centres to provide free radio medical advice for ships.
  • UK centres– Portsmouth & Aberdeen
  • Intended to supplement 1st aid training of crew.

Gaining Medical Advice:

Assistance via VHF Radio:

  • Advice/assistance
  • (MAYDAY = Grave & imminent danger / Medivac)
  • PANPAN = Urgent / Medical advice
  • DSC urgency alert: NO red button!
  • Select ‘Urgent call’
  • Follow with voice call

Preparation before VHF call:

  • Casualty details: Name, Illness/Injury
  • Type of Vessel
  • Next or nearest port of call
  • Position
  • (notepad & pen)

E.G. The voice call:

PanPan, PanPan, PanPan

Portland Coastguard x 3 (if known or ‘All Stations’)

This is Yacht RYA x 3, Callsign EVC23, MMSI no. 232543210

My position is 50º 46’N 001º 17’W

I require medical advice

Three persons onboard

Over