French Phrases in International Air-sea Rescue
International authorities have adopted a number of words and phrases from French for use by speakers of all languages in voice communications during air-sea rescues. Note that the "phonetic" versions are presented as shown and not the IPA.
- SECURITAY
- (securité, "safety") the following is a safety message or warning, the lowest level of danger.
- PAN PAN
- (panne, "breakdown") the following is a message concerning a danger to a person or ship, the next level of danger.
- MAYDAY
- ( m'aider, come to help me"; note that aidez-moi means "help me") the following is a message of extreme urgency, the highest level of danger. (MAYDAY is used on voice channels for the same uses as SOS on Morse channels.)
- SEELONCE
- (silence, "silence") keep this channel clear for air-sea rescue communications.
- SEELONCE FEE NEE
- (silence fini, "silence is over") this channel is now available again.
- PRU DONCE
- (prudence, "prudence") silence partially lifted, channel may be used again for urgent non-distress communication.
- MAY DEE CAL
- (médical, "medical") medical assistance needed.
It is a serious breach in most countries, and in international zones, to use any of these phrases without justification.
See Mayday (distress signal) for a more detailed explanation.
Read more about this topic: Fait Accompli
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