If a vessel is disabled or in distress the following actions should be considered:

1. If it is disabled and the safety of the crew and vessel is not an immediate issue.
   • Hoist/activate the not under command shapes or lights.
   • Try and repair the vessel.
   • If the crew cannot repair the vessel, then assistance should be sought by radio.
2. If the ship is disabled and the safety of the crew and vessel is at issue.
   • The not under command lights or shapes should be displayed.
   • An URGENCY (PAN PAN x 3) message should be sent giving the ship’s position, the nature of the emergency and the general situation.
   • If there is a possibility of the ship having to be abandoned, then the lifeboats should be prepared for launching and additional provisions and blankets placed in them.
   • If the sea is rough, attempts should be made to get the bow into the wind by streaming something suitable to act as a sea anchor.
   • If in shallow water, consider dropping the anchors.
   • If there is a possibility of grounding, then the water tight doors should be closed.
   • If the situation warrants it, all crew members should be wearing life jackets.
3. If the ship is in distress and there is imminent danger to the crew and the vessel, then the following should be implemented:
   • The lifeboats and rafts should be prepared for launching.
   • A distress message (MAYDAY x 3) should be sent giving the ship’s position, and the nature and details of the distress.
   • All watertight doors should be closed.
   • All crew members are to wear life jackets.
   • If there are rescue vessels nearby, the crew should remain onboard until the last moment.
   • If abandonment is unavoidable, the engines , if they are still operating, should be stopped and the lifeboats and rafts should be launched.

Typical life jacket.