pan-pan

1. noun /pæn.pæn/

a minor emergency requiring some assistance or priority in handling, but not endangering the safety of the vessel or those aboard.

It should be a relatively simple matter (particularly on a modern yacht) to teach almost anyone to heave-to, take the position from an electronic navigator, then make a PAN-PAN call on the radio (see below).

2. interjection /pæn.pæn/

radio call used to indicate that such an emergency exists.