What is pan pan?

It's similar to "Mayday" but less urgent. It signifies that a situation does not pose an immediate threat, but there's a serious and imminent danger that could escalate quickly.

Here's a breakdown:

* Mayday: Used for immediate and grave danger where immediate assistance is required to save lives.

* Pan pan: Used for serious and urgent situations that could potentially develop into a Mayday scenario if not addressed promptly.

Examples of situations where "Pan pan" might be used:

* A vessel encountering strong winds and heavy seas, risking loss of control.

* An aircraft experiencing mechanical problems, but still able to maintain altitude and flight.

* A ship experiencing a fire that is not yet out of control, but could quickly become dangerous.

By using "Pan pan," the transmitting vessel or aircraft alerts others to a potential problem and seeks assistance before it becomes critical.