In response to the Sydney Harbour Friday Twilight incident, an amendment has been included in the Special Regulations, introducing VHF Radio to Category 7 races. 

VHF radio remains the most critical tool for handling emergency situations. Its reliability and simplicity make it indispensable for race crews, officials, and rescue services alike. It provides immediate voice communication with nearby vessels, direct access to race committees and rescue authorities and uses standardised emergency procedures, understood worldwide.
The internationally recognised Channel 16 is the primary distress, safety, and calling channel. During a sailing race, it serves as the first point of contact when an emergency arises.

Common emergency calls include:

•    Mayday – Used when there is grave and imminent danger to life or the vessel (e.g. sinking, fire, man overboard in extreme conditions).
•    Pan-Pan – Indicates an urgent situation that is not immediately life-threatening (e.g. injured crew, loss of steering).
•    Sécurité – Used to broadcast important safety information such as severe weather or hazards to navigation.

Clear, calm communication on the correct channel ensures that assistance can be mobilised quickly and efficiently. In an emergency, competitors using VHF can notify race control; of incidents, coordinate assistance from nearby competitors and receive instructions from maritime authorities or safety boats.

This networked communication is vital, as fellow racers are often the closest potential rescuers and can respond faster than external services.

Crew overboard incidents and collisions are among the most serious emergencies in racing. VHF radio use enables immediate alerts to the fleet, helping nearby boats maintain awareness and clear the area if necessary or assist in a search. Broadcasting position, vessel description, and nature of the incident greatly increases the chances of a successful recovery.

Effective use of VHF radios in emergencies depends on preparation. Racing crews should:

•    Know how to operate both fixed and handheld VHF radios
•    Understand emergency call formats and channel usage
•    Conduct regular radio checks before racing
•    Keep handheld waterproof radios readily accessible on deck

Training ensures that when adrenaline is high and conditions are challenging, communication remains clear and effective.

In sailing racing emergencies, VHF radio is more than a regulatory requirement, it is a lifeline. Its ability to deliver instant, reliable communication underpins nearly every successful rescue and emergency response at sea. For competitive sailors, mastering VHF radio use is as essential as sail trim or navigation, reinforcing the fundamental truth of offshore sport: safety always comes first.

By Melanie Peasey