Spoken three times on VHF Channel 16, this urgency signal alerts the coast guard and nearby vessels to a serious problem aboard. It is used for situations like engine failure in heavy traffic, a slow leak, or a non-fatal medical issue. It commands priority over normal radio traffic but ranks below a Mayday, which is reserved for grave and imminent danger.
Heard on the job
Pan-pan, pan-pan, pan-pan, this is the motor vessel Sea Hound, we have lost steering and are drifting toward the shipping lane.
Insider tip
Always pronounce it "pahn-pahn", derived from the French word "panne" for a breakdown.