Recreational Boating Information for the Northwest
 Covering Puget Sound & San Juan Islands

Emergency Information
911 is always the fastest way to get assistance but only in a life threatening or imminent danger situation. 
VHF Distress Calls - CH16
Transmit a May Day distress call only when imminent danger threatens life or property and immediate assistance is required. Transmit a Pan-Pan ("Pahn Pahn") urgency call when the safety of a person or vessel is in jeopardy, but the danger is not life threatening. Transmission of a Pan Pan follows the same format as given for a May Day below. 

>Transmit May Day while you still have power.
>Transmit May Day on Channel 16 as follows: 

  • May Day, May Day, May Day
  • This is 'Vessel Name' repeated three times
  • May Day
  • 'Vessel Name' is at Position (Lat and Long), or distance / bearing from landmark
  • We are (describe nature of emergency)
  • We require (describe nature of assistance needed)
  • Aboard are (describe number of people, age and condition if relevent) 
  • We have (describe safety equipment)
  • 'Vessel Name' is (description: length, sail/power, design type, hull color, trim color)
  • Over

>If there is no response after a few moments, repeat the above message.
USCG Sector Puget Sound      
24 Hour Emergency Response
*Only call when a vessel is missing 
or in danger.   *(206) 217-6001
Cornet Bay - (360) 675-7900

Vessel Assist Puget Sound
  • DISPATCH:           (800) 391-4869

  • EVERETT:             (425) 344-3056

  • SEATTLE:              (206) 300-0486

  • TACOMA | OLYMPIA: (253) 312-2927



Washington State Boat Accident 
Report Infomation

Washington State law requires the operator of a recreational vessel involved in an accident to file a Washington Boat Accident Report. (PDF download)