When the MRCC answers, your distress call and message should
follow the same format as a radio call/message - but substituting your
Inmarsat ID for your MMSI - and including the satellite being
monitored, e.g:
Mayday Mayday Mayday this is VLCCJustina,]ustina,Justina
Mayday Justina - callsign GJUS - Inmarsat ID 32324S(j78
Position 49 OIN 0:-30 22W - on Atlantic Ocean Region East
Struck submerged object and sinking
Require Immediate Assistance
2S persons on board
Over
and expect a reply, e.g:
Mayday justina this is United Kingdom Coastguard
Received Mayday
When the Coastguard is satisfied with the information received,
you'll be asked to 'hang-up' and keep the satcom equipment clear
(i.e. don't go calling the office, or your spouse, or the newspapers ... )- so that the MRCC can contact you without delay.
Ship-to-Shore Distress Telex Message - Example - Inmarsat-A and Inmarsat-B
Inmarsat·A (typical installation)- Activate telex mode
- Select Distress Priority (priority 3)
- Select aLES
Press + (to initiate the call)
Await connection to MRCC
Using inmaTsat-B (Nera Saturn Bm)
Activate telex mode- Press Distress Button for at least 6 secs
- Select aLES
Press "enter/ return" key
Await connection to MRCC
Your selected LES will now connect you with a MRCC.
Author's explanation:
Telex communications is very similar on both Inmarsat-A and Inmarsat-B -
the exception being that all Inmarsat-B installations will always have a'Distress Button '. Some later models of Inmarsat-A terminal also have a
'Distress Button', which is used instead of keying '3'
This example shows the procedure for typical equipment. You should check
the user manual supplied with your own Inmarsat terminal to be sure that
you understand the correct procedure, should you ever need to use it.86 THE NAUTICAL INSTITUTE