VHF Mayday Procedure Change

[Channel Ribs]

Originally Posted by SPR

I suggest you read my first post again

Suggestion noted.

I have not used the format in your first post exactly, as this differs very very slightly to the RYA notice.

[lakelandterrier]

Well, for small craft it's a bit academic!
Is anyone - neighbouring vessel or CG NOT going to respond to a Mayday if the vessel's call sign is not used?

I'd say name of vessel, MMSI - which gives vessel details to CG - position, nature of mayday & POB is all that is NEEDED to gain asistance.

What value does giving your call sign add in this situation?

[alystra]

Originally Posted by lakelandterrier

What value does giving your call sign add in this situation?

Well, maybe changing the procedure gave a minor civil servant something to do?

[hobbit555]

Well ever since I did my restricted operators course which was some years ago, I have always included callsign as was instructed on the course. In fact any official comms with coastguard or similar I include callsign. Callsigns have been around slot longer than lmao numbers.
At the end of the day all these protocols should be used if a shorter message fails to get the message across.
Coastguard would still respondto the following;
Mayday i am sinking my position is ....

[havener]

Originally Posted by SeaSkills

Have to say - I'm not convinced that adding complication to a Distress call is a great idea

Not actually sure it's relevant.

On paper, yes - but in the real world, we get "maydays" of all shapes and formats, very few "as taught" or "as per rules".

As long as we get "mayday", the boat name, and can continue the details, we'll pick out the relevant bits...

[GJ0KYZ]

Originally Posted by lakelandterrier

What value does giving your call sign add in this situation?

MMSIs can be misread and boat names can be hard to understand for the CG, particularly if they're foreign. Call signs, on the other hand, are short and normally transmitted in internationally recognisable phonetics. Having said all that, I don't think I've ever used my callsign. I can't even remember it to be honest (2AXS7??); er...

[DGR]

You need to do the voice bit, but the CG will respond to the DSC only. I've never used my call sign, and never been asked for it - and I've never heard anyone else use theirs either.

Misreading the MMSI shouldn't be an issue - if you send a DSC alert (otherwise why would you have an MMSI?) - then it's automatic .

D...

[Channel Ribs]

Originally Posted by havener

... we get "maydays" of all shapes and formats, very few "as taught" or "as per rules".

Identifying your vessel & locating your vessel being key.