A Pan-pan (pronounced pahn-pahn) is the international radio urgency signal used by vessels to declare a serious situation that is urgent but not an immediate threat to life or the vessel. It signifies "urgent, but not in immediate distress," falling below a Mayday but above a Sécurité call.

Key Characteristics:
Purpose: Used for broken-down engines, steering failure, non-life-threatening medical issues, or getting lost.

Procedure: Spoken three times ("Pan-pan, Pan-pan, Pan-pan") on Channel 16, followed by the vessel name, position, and nature of the issue.

Origin: Derived from the French word panne, which means "breakdown".

Difference from Mayday: Mayday is for imminent danger (fire, sinking, immediate danger to life), whereas Pan-pan is for urgent assistance that can wait a short time.

It is commonly used to ask for towing assistance or alert the Coast Guard to a manageable safety issue.