■ DISTRESS CALL (FURUNO VHF FM-8800S)

DSC Distress Communication using FURUNO VHF (FM-8800S)

Distress  Alert Transmission from the DISTRESS Key
If a distress situation occurs, do as follows:

1. Open the DISTRESS key cover and press the [DISTRESS] key more than 3 seconds. The alarm sounds and the red lamp in the blinks. The lamp will light steadily 3 seconds later and at the same time the distress alert is transmitted for 3 seconds.
   1) When the DISTRESS key is pressed and held down
   2) After the timer counts down to zero, "distress call in progress" is announced
        - in the distress mode, the CALL, FILE and MENU keys are inoperative
        - To return to normal mode from the distress mode, turn the power off and on again
   3) The screen changes to " distress acknowledge (DIST ACK) waiting" display
        in this condition, distress communication with CH16 may be possible
   4) When the DIST ACK is received,
2. Press the [CANCEL] or [ENT] key. The screen changes as follows.
3. Press the [ENT] key. The standby display with CH16 and Hi appears
4. Provide the following information to the coast station, using a handset on the transceiver unit or remote stations (if connected):  

Distress Communication

1. Press the PTT switch and speak slowly and distinctly, "MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY," pronounced as the French espression "m'aider."
2. This is "the name of your vessel and call sign" three times
3. "MAYDAY"
4. This is, "the name of your vessel and call sign."
5. Position in latitude and longitude
6. The nature of the distress;
7. The kind of assistance desired;
8. Number of persons on board;
9. Any other information which might facilitate rescue, for example, length, color, and type of vessel
10. Indicate the end of message by saying " Over" 
    
    ※ Some countries do not have sea area "A1". In this case "ACK" from the coast station does not
         arrive over DSC. A ship nearby transmitting the distress alert, conduct voice distress
         communications as shown above.