What is the correct method of calling for help via radio .
Can it be done as a Plain "Mayday"
Or do you have to call all stations 1st with a "Pan-Pan" alert then a Mayday?
And is there a formal wording of the procedure?
And does the procedure vary from country to country?

I found a site that discusses Distress Calling in the Mariner-style. It discusses the protocols (such as the Mayday call is only for situations in which life or property is in immediate danger. It is not for calling for help if you've run out of fuel, unless you are in imminent danger (eg, in a channel without an anchor and without alternative propulsion about to go up on rocks).

Radio Protocols

quote:

Least threatening: Securite, securite, securite (you are towing someone and have restricted maneuverability and you want all others to avoid you or to let you know if there's a potential issue)

Moderately threatening: Pan pan, pan pan, pan pan (you have grounded and believe you may be taking on water slowly or are a hazard to navigation)

Immediate danger and distress: Mayday, mayday, mayday (your ship is going down, you've lost someone overboard, your vessel is being smashed on rocks, etc)

Note: On HAM radio frequencies, Break, Break, Break is the equivalent of Mayday, mayday, mayday. Never use the term "Break" three times unless there is immediate threat to life or property.

Thanks. that answers my question
I read a story in the Local paper about a plane that was ditching in the sea and the pilot put out a "Pan" call then a Mayday. I thought a "pan" call was a heads up for "look out for me" for Marine use only. Didn't know aircraft could use it as a hazard alert warning.

PAN-PAN is an urgent message call. MAYDAY is the official distress call. They are both recognised throughout the world.
PAN-PAN is mainly used in shipping but is also used by aircraft. It usually indicates that someone on board is ill or they are having problems that are not immediately life threatening.

[QUOTE] QYou may only have seconds to send a distress call. Here's what you do. Transmit, in this order:

If you have an HF radiotelephone tuned to 2182 kHz, send the radiotelephone alarm signal if one is available. If you have a VHF marine radio, tune it to channel 16. Unless you know you are outside VHF range of shore and ships, call on channel 16 first.
Distress signal "MAYDAY", spoken three times.
The words "THIS IS", spoken once.
Name of vessel in distress (spoken three times) and call sign or boat registration number, spoken once.
Repeat "MAYDAY" and name of vessel, spoken once.
Give position of vessel by latitude or longitude or by bearing (true or magnetic, state which) and distance to a well-know landmark such as a navigational aid or small island, or in any terms which will assist a responding station in locating the vessel in distress. Include any information on vessel movement such as course, speed and destination.
Nature of distress (sinking, fire etc.).
Kind of assistance desired.
Number of persons onboard.
Any other information which might facilitate rescue, such as length or tonnage of vessel, number of persons needing medical attention, color hull, cabin, masks, etc.
The word "OVER"
Stay by the radio if possible. Even after the message has been received, the Coast Guard can find you more quickly if you can transmit a signal on which a rescue boat or aircraft can home in.

An example of a Mayday call:
MAYDAY-MAYDAY-MAYDAY
THIS IS BLUE DUCK-BLUE DUCK-BLUE DUCK WA1234
CAPE HENRY LIGHT BEARS 185 DEGREES MAGNETIC-DISTANCE 2 MILES
STRUCK SUBMERGED OBJECT
NEED PUMPS-MEDICAL ASSISTANCE AND TOW
THREE ADULTS, TWO CHILDREN ONBOARD
ONE PERSON COMPOUND FRACTURE OF ARM
ESTIMATE CAN REMAIN AFLOAT TWO HOURS
BLUE DUCK IS THIRTY TWO FOOT CABIN CRUISER-WHITE HULL-BLUE DECK HOUSE
OVER

Repeat at intervals until an answer is received.
UOTE]