R/T procedure changes THE FOLLOWING PROCEDURE modifications introduced in the new edition of the Handbook for Radio Operators should be noted: Control of distress traffic: The word 'PRUDENCE' (pronounced PRU-DONCE) has been introduced, thus following the pattern that French is used for distress pro-words. It indicates that the silence which has been imposed on a distress frequency (2182 kHz or channel 16) is no longer considered completely necessary even though the distress situation still exists, and that restricted working for urgent messages can be resumed. Complete silence can be reimposed by the ship in distress or the station controlling the distress traffic with the words 'SEELONCE MAYDAY' (from the French again—silence and ni'aider), or by another station deeming it necessary with the words 'SEELONCE DISTRESS'.

When distress traffic has completely ceased, normal working is resumed by the words 'SEELONCE FEENEE' (the French fini).

Urgency signal: The urgency signal now consists of three repetitions of the group of words 'PAN PAN' (this is also derived from the French, panne meaning breakdown): e.g., 'PAN PAN . . . PAN PAN . . . PAN PAN'..