Mayday vs Panpan - KNOW THE DIFFERENCE!

The biggest issue that arose, for me, from the GS3 rescue was that a "Mayday" should not have been called to the Coast Guard - it's my bad, but I'm not dwelling on it.  I'm making a correction and moving on.  "Panpan" is a call notifiying authorities or potential responders that some level of trouble is being experienced but life is not in imminent danger.  I've read it before, and now I feel I have it memorized.  Next time we get in a situation like we found ourselves in at GS3 I or any of us should remember to call Panpan on channel 16.  The Mayday should only be used when life is in imminent danger.

Other than that mis-call I feel good about our response and of course the outcome.

As far as safety classes, a seminar, requirements for gear or training...  it's true that, in the end, we are solely responsible for ourselves.  We can suggest what others should try to have as far as equipment and knowledge, but it will only be a suggestion.  I'll add though that I will feel more comfortable sharing time with those who become involved with and readily pursue equipment and/or training that we identify as important...  (not that anyone wants to go fishing with me!   )

Personally, I can attribute all the safety equipment I've accumulated to this board.  I'm grateful for the knowledge and advice that was shared with me, and, as I've admitted, I see that me and my buds were ignorant when we started this 10 years ago.  I'm not going back to having no safety gear on the ocean, but I do partially agree with bluekayak's point that having more gear is a bad thing when it comes to needing to help yourself.

Here's what I carry on the ocean, every time:

- extra paddle
- hand pump
- drift chute
- water
- a dozen pool noodles

these items are in a mesh bag in my front hatch except the pool noodles - they're mostly in a seal-a-meal "bag"

- compass
- GPS
- submersible VHF in a waterproof pouch
- sunscreen
- duct tape!
- flares
- whistle
- small flashlight

These items are in what Sin Coast called my "giant drybag"   

and, on my body:

- wetsuit w/ booties
- sunglasses
- hat
- license...

Last, anyone who doesn't think a wetsuit or other cold water immersion protection is absolutely vital out there is nuts.

 

Blimey, I thought you were joking before!

Here is the wiki link again; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pan-pan

Well, not to beat this into the ground,    Too Late.....  

 We did have a immediate situation, I think the Coast Guard with it's years of experience, knew what was their response capabilities should be, when given the situation, and what they would do...

 There are severe fines for false Maydays

 we needed whatever we could get, now...  Man in the water, near a hazard, with the possibility of rescuers becoming more victims, Yup, potentail was high.... This probably was a PanPan, which is described as " urgent "

 vrs, " Distress " to wit, a Mayday

 But the first few minutes looked pretty ugly from were I was....

 continuing on Sea Language...  there is another warning called " Security, Security, Security.."

 which also is an alert of possible impending doom... 

 that also might have been a way to go, being what we were looking for was any support craft....

 So, the way my research has gone, says...

 " Mayday, Mayday, Mayday... " ..........  Distress

 " PanPan, PanPan, PanPan..."    ..........  Urgent

 " Security, Security, Security... " ........  Safety Message


  So,  this is how it is supposed to ring out..

example...


   " PanPan, PanPan, PanPan... "

 This is ( Name and call sign,  given once )
 Give details, who, what, where, why etc...
 This is ( Name and call sign given once )

  Out........

 I got this from from a Coast Guard Axillary page...

 
  

Didn't know the pan-pan call before, it's a good one though.  When we've got a group of guys out there pan-pan aught to be sufficient for any emergency except something extraordinary like someone bleeding out on the water.

thanks for the info guys, that is good stuff to be knowin. safety is paramount when harvesting the sea!!!!

Second that!  I hadn't previously heard of PANPAN , so that's news to me! 

Didn't know the pan-pan call before, it's a good one though.  When we've got a group of guys out there pan-pan aught to be sufficient for any emergency except something extraordinary like someone bleeding out on the water.

Josh -

I think more likely a cardio-pulmonary arrest secondary to a heart attack or stroke rather than bleeding. Quite a few guys over 50 in the group (including me.) CPR is almost impossible in a single kayak as is defbrillation which only leaves emergency medical evacuation.

scott

This would also be a good time for Michelle to chime in on getting a CPR/Water Safety course put together for norcal. Not quite like having some our emt/md trained professionals on site, but it could still help save someone.

-Brian G

these items are in a mesh bag in my front hatch except the pool noodles - they're mostly in a seal-a-meal "bag"
- submersible VHF in a waterproof pouch

I recently got a new PFD that has a storage pocket for a VHF radio. Because it might be difficult to retrieve a VHF from inside a drybag that's inside the hull after being separated from your boat. At least, this way I can keep myself entertained while bobbing around in 54* water...you know, singing to myself, pretending to be Jon Miller, etc etc.

Cool discussion. I gotta be honest I was getting a bit 'emotional' over some of the recent posts (but held my tounge/fingers). Since I was there (right at the launch) I thought the situation was handled great. And was really proud so be on the water with you all. So much so I shared the story with my wife. We know that may have been a dumb move to worry a spouse!

I knew there was a term for 'less they mayday' but I couldn't think of it. Now I know. $30K for a unnecessary mayday could be a steep bill! Nice there is an official term for a 'holy shit I THINK I may be in trouble' situation. I pretty much have the same set of gear that Eric listed. I also keep a signal mirror and whistle in my pfd pocket (they are small). Additionally, I have 30 or so feet of thin rope (like para cord) and some zip ties for anything I need to mcgyver when OTW.

I would be down with a CPR class (can never be overly prepared) maybe at one of the big events/hookups?

When calling on the radio:
PanPan is pronounced PONPON
Security is pronounced SAY-CURE-IT-TAY
It most definitely helps to use the proper pronunciation.
If another boater caught the word 'security' amidst a bunch of noise he might think it was just a part of the radio conversation as in,'We might have to call security to get these people off of our private dock'.
Blah blah security blah blah...no big deal.
But if he heard it as Say-cure-it-tay there would be no mistaking what was going on and it would get his immediate attention.

Very 'cut to the chase' website here:
http://www.sacdelta.com/safety/radio.html

Thanks Tote on the proper pronouce....

 I had a little trouble finding it because of the way I've heard it pronouced...