PANPAN

PanPan is the radiotelephony urgency signal used in maritime and aviation communications to indicate an urgent situation that requires attention but does not pose an immediate threat to life.

Origin and terminology: The signal is derived from the French word panne, meaning breakdown. It is typically spoken as Pan-Pan, Pan-Pan, Pan-Pan, followed by the caller’s identification, position, and a concise description of the situation.

Usage and procedure: Pan-Pan signals are used across international maritime and aeronautical mobile services. When a Pan-Pan is declared, other stations are expected to give priority to the transmission, monitor the channel, and assist as needed. Common reasons include mechanical failure, medical issues requiring assistance, or weather or navigation conditions impacting safe operation without imminent danger. It is distinct from Mayday, which denotes a life-threatening distress, and from Securité, which is a safety message about navigational or meteorological hazards.

Regulatory context: Pan-Pan is defined by international radiotelephony conventions and the ITU. In practice, the signal may be used by ships, aircraft, and coast stations, and is taught in maritime and aeronautical training as part of standard distress and safety procedures.