Marine radio usage?

Question

if you have a marine radio and you are not on a boat, but on a pier, and someone is pier jumping or something and needs help from the coast guard, what should the distres call say?

Answer 1

The only time that "Mayday" is used is in the event that someone's life is in immediate danger.  The "Pahn Pahn" call is used in a distress situation where no ones life is at stake.

If it's not a life and death situation, the call would go something like this:

"Pahn Pahn, Pahn Pahn, Pahn Pahn.

Coast Guard Radio, Coast Guard Radio, Coast Guard Radio. This is (Name (3 time)) over."

(wait for Coast Guard response; they may opt to stay on 16 and tell you "This is Coast Guard Radio, go ahead pahn pahn, over" or will direct you to a working channel

Do as they request. If you are moved to a working channel, go there and hail them again:

"Coast Guard Radio, Coast Guard Radio, Coast Guard Radio, this is (name (say 3 times)) over"

They will respond:

"(Name), This is Coast Guard Radio. Please state the nature of the situation."

Answer their question in simple terms and in a clear voice.  Give them only the information they ask for.  This could be a real emergency and time is of the essence.  Finish each response with "Over" and let go of the microphone/talk key.  When the entire exchange is completed finish the call with "Thank you Coast Guard Radio. This is (name) out"

Answer 2

Shouldn't this be a job for the cops? What do you mean by pier jumping? If a boat is in distress out in the harbor I would call on Ch. 16  and explain to the Coast Guard the situation, I'm not sure if a "Mayday" call would apply in this situation.

Answer 3

landfall's answer is excellent

Answer 4

Legally you should not use the VHF on shore unless you have a license.

Your best bet is to call 911 as they could most likely respond quicker.

If the VHF is your best bet,  call the Coast Guard, switch to 22 and give them the info.  

You could use Pahn-Pahn but that may not get the immediacy of the problem across.