Translingual

Etymology

From French panne ‎(“breakdown”).

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /pan.pan/

Interjection

pan-pan

1. (radio slang) minor emergency requiring some assistance, not life-threatening

See also

• mayday

English

Alternative forms

• pan pan
• panpan

Noun

pan-pan ‎(uncountable)

1. (aviation, shipping) A minor emergency requiring some assistance or priority in handling, but not endangering the safety of the vessel or those aboard.
   • 1996, John Mellor, Handling Troubles Afloat, p179

     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).

   • 2005, Bob Armstrong, Getting Started in Powerboating, p170

     You can use the same outline for Pan Pan calls.

   • 2006, Elbert S. Maloney, Chapman Piloting & Seamanship, p411

     If you transmit a Pan-Pan call, then find that you no longer require assistance, you must cancel the message.

See also

• mayday
• securité
• SOS