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All questions
Safety

On which VHF channel is a voice MAYDAY distress call broadcast?

Short answer

Channel 16

Channel 16 is the international VHF distress, safety, and calling channel. Initial VHF voice Mayday and Pan-Pan calls are normally made on Channel 16 unless a coast station or established procedure directs otherwise.

Sources and scope

Reviewed by Richard Moore on . This answer is scoped to united kingdom and general recreational seamanship; check the current chart, publication, local rules and official operational guidance before acting afloat.

Quick check

On which VHF channel is a voice MAYDAY distress call broadcast?