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Pan-Pan – Urgency Call

Pan-Pan – Urgency Call. Practice maritime VHF scenario.

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Scenario briefing

Key teaching points

Channel 16: "PAN-PAN PAN-PAN PAN-PAN, ALL STATIONS × 3, THIS IS [vessel name × 3], MMSI [if available]".
State position, nature of urgency, type of assistance required, persons on board, other relevant information.
PAN-PAN has priority over all traffic except MAYDAY — the coastguard will respond and route assistance.
Downgrade to routine traffic via a "PAN-PAN cancellation" call when the situation is resolved.

Common mistakes to avoid

Using PAN-PAN when MAYDAY is warranted (life immediately at risk) — under-grading the situation can delay rescue.
Saying "PAN-PAN-PAN" — the correct form is "PAN-PAN" pronounced three times separately, not run together.

Why it matters

A PAN-PAN urgency call is for situations that are serious but not immediately life-threatening — medical incidents, engine failure in shipping lanes, lost rudder. The format is similar to MAYDAY but Rule 9.3.2 of the ITU procedure makes the distinction binding.

Exam relevance

PAN-PAN procedure is one of the four ITU urgency/safety calls examined in every VHF SRC oral; STCW GOC candidates must execute it without prompting.

Related scenarios

About SkipperCheck simulators

SkipperCheck offers two browser-based maritime training simulators:

ARPA · AIS · COLREG Bridge Simulator — 54 scenarios covering Rules 2, 5–10, 12–19, 23–30, 34 and 35.
VHF SRC Radio Simulator — 15 scenarios: voice Mayday, DSC distress, Mayday Relay, Pan-Pan, Sécurité, routine.

Both run in any modern browser, on desktop or mobile. No install, no plugins.