What does a PAN-PAN signal indicate?

A PAN-PAN signal is an international maritime and aeronautical distress signal that indicates an urgent situation requiring immediate attention but does not pose a serious risk to life or vessel. This signal is used to communicate a problem or concern that needs to be addressed quickly, while distinguishing it from a more critical distress signal, which denotes a life-threatening emergency.

In practical terms, when a PAN-PAN is broadcasted, it alerts relevant parties to an issue that could escalate if not resolved promptly. For example, this could include scenarios such as equipment failure, a medical emergency onboard, or any situation that could lead to a dangerous condition if not managed quickly.

This differs from a complete distress situation, which signifies immediate danger and usually involves life-threatening circumstances. Similarly, routine communications or a normal status for flight operations would not require the urgency suggested by a PAN-PAN signal. Thus, recognizing the nature of a PAN-PAN signal is crucial for effective communication and response in emergencies.