Standard Marine Communication Phrases

11) Person overboard

.1 I have / MV ... has lost person(s) overboard in position ... .

.2 Assist with search in vicinity of position ... .

.3 All vessels in vicinity of position ... keep sharp lookout and report to ... .

.4 I am / MV... is proceeding for assistance. ETA at ... UTC / within…hours.

.5 Search in vicinity of position ... 

.5.1 I am / MV ... is searching in vicinity of position ...

.6 Aircraft ETA at ... UTC / within ... hours to assist in search.

.7 Can you continue search?

.7.1 Yes, I can continue search.

.7.2 No, I cannot continue search.

.8 Stop search.

.8.1 Return to ... .

.8.2 Proceed with your voyage.

.9 What is the result of search?

.9.1 The result of search is negative.

.10 I / MV ... located / picked up person(s) in position ... .

.11 Person picked up is crew/member / passenger of MV….

.12 What is condition of person(s)?

.12.1 Condition of person(s) bad / good.

.12.2 Person(s) dead.

.1 I require / MV ... requires assistance.

.2 I am / MV ... proceeding to your assistance.

.3 What is your MMSI number?

.3.1 My MMSI number is .... .

.4 What is your position?

.4.1 My position ... 

.5 What is your present course and speed?

.5.1 My present course ... degrees, my speed…knots.

.6 Report number of persons on board.

.6.1 Number of persons on board: ... .

.7 Report injured persons.

7.1 No person injured.

7.2 Number of injured persons / casualties:….

.8 Will you abandon vessel?

8.1 I will not abandon vessel.

8.2 I will abandon vessel at ... UTC.

.9 Is your EPIRB/SART transmitting?

9.1 Yes, my EPIRB/SART is transmitting.

9.2 Yes, my EPIRB/SART is transmitting by mistake.

.10 Did you transmit a DSC distress alert?

10.1 Yes, I transmitted a DSC alert.

10.2 Yes, I transmitted a DSC alert by mistake.

.11 How many lifeboats / life-rafts (with how many persons) will you launch?

11.1 I will launch ... lifeboats / life-rafts (with ... persons).

.12 How many persons will stay on board?

12.1 No person will stay on board.

12.2 ... persons will stay on board.

.13 What is the weather situation in your position?

13.1 Wind ...( cardinal points) force Beaufort ... .

13.2 Visibility good/moderate/poor.

13.3 Smooth/moderate/rough/high sea/slight/moderate/heavy swell... (cardinal points).

13.4 Current ... knots, to ... (cardinal points).

.14 Are there dangers to navigation?

14.1 No dangers to navigation.

14.2 Warning! Uncharted rocks / ice / abnormally low tides / mines /….

.1 Received MAYDAY from MV ... at UTC on VHF Channel.../ frequency ....

.2 Vessel in position ...

~ on fire.

~ had explosion.

~ flooded.

~ in collision (with )….

~ listing / in danger of capsizing.

~ sinking.

~ disabled and adrift.

~ abandoned / ... .

.3 Vessel requires assistance.

.4 Received your MAYDAY.

4.1 My position ... .

4.2 I / MV ... will proceed to your assistance.

4.3 ETA at distress position within ... hours / at ... UTC.

The questions are normally asked and advice given by the On -scene Coordinator (OSC).

For further information see IAMSAR Manual, London/Montrea1,1998.

.1 I will act as On-scene Coordinator.

1.1 I will show following signals / lights: ... .

.2 Can you proceed to distress position?

2.1 Yes, I can proceed to distress position.

2.2 No, I cannot proceed to distress position.

.3 What is your ETA at distress position?

3.1 My ETA at distress position within ... hours / at ... UTC.

.4 MAYDAY position is not correct.

4.1 Correct MAYDAY position is ... .

.5 Vessels are advised to proceed to position ... to start rescue.

.6 Carry out search pattern ... starting at ... UTC.

.7 Initial course ... degrees, search speed ... knots.

.8 Carry out radar search.

.9 MV ... allocated track number ... .

.10 MV / MVs ... adjust interval between vessels to ...kilometers / nautical miles.

.11 Adjust track spacing to ...kilometers / nautical miles.

.12 Search speed now ... knots.

.13 Alter course

~ to ... degrees (- at ... UTC).

~ for next leg of track now / at ... UTC.

.14 We resume search in position ... .

.15 Crew has abandoned vessel / MV ... .

.16 Keep sharp lookout for lifeboats / life-rafts / persons in water /….

.1 What is the result of search?

.1.1 The result of search is negative.

.2 Sighted

~ vessel in position ... .

~ lifeboats / life rafts in position ... .

~ persons in water / ... in position ... .

.3 Continue search in position ... .

.4 Can you pick up survivors?

.4 .1 Yes, I can pick up survivors.

.4.2 No, I cannot pick up survivors.

.5 MV…/ I will proceed to pick up survivors.

.5 .1 Stand by lifeboats / life-rafts.

.6 Picked up

~ ... survivors in position ... .

~ ... lifeboats / life-rafts (with ... persons / casualties) in position ... .

~ ... persons / casualties in lifejackets in position ... .

~ ... in position ...

.7 Survivors in bad / good condition.

.8 Do you require medical assistance?

8.1 Yes, I require medical assistance.

8.2 No, I do not require medical assistance.

.9 Try to obtain information from survivors.

.10 There are

~ still ... lifeboats / life-rafts with survivors.

~ no more lifeboats / life-rafts.

.11 Total number of persons on board was ... .

.12 All persons / ... persons rescued.

.13 You / MV ... may stop search and proceed with voyage.

.14 There is no hope to rescue more persons.

.15 We finish with SAR operations.

.1 I am / MV ... not under command.

.2 What problems do you have / does MV ... have?

.2.1 I have / MV ... has problems with engine(s) / steering gear / propeller /.

.3 I am / MV .. is maneuvering with difficulty.

.4 Keep clear of me / MV….

.5 Navigate with caution.

.6 I require / MV ... requires tug assistance / escort /….

.7 I try / MV ... tries to proceed without assistance.

.8 Stand by on VHF Channel ... / frequency ... .

.8.1 Standing by on VHF Channel ... / frequency ... .

.1 I have / MV has ... lost dangerous goods of IMO-Class ... in position ... .

.2 Containers / barrels / drums / bags / ... with dangerous goods of IMO-Class ... adrift near position ... .

.3 I am / MV ... is spilling

~ dangerous goods of IMO-Class ... in position ...

~ crude oil /…in position ... .

.4 I require / MV... requires oil clearance assistance - danger of pollution.

.5 I am / MV ... is dangerous source of radiation.

.1 I have / MV ... has damage above / below waterline.

.2 What kind of assistance is required?

2.1 I require / MV ... requires

~ tug assistance.

~ ice-breaker assistance / escort /….

.3 I have / MV ... has stability problems heavy icing.

.4 Can you proceed without assistance?

4.1 Yes, I can proceed without assistance.

4.2 No, I cannot proceed without assistance.

.5 Stand by on VHF Channel ... / frequency ... .

5.1 Standing by on VHF Channel…/ frequency ... .

.1 What is wind direction and force in your position / in position ... ?

1.1 Wind direction ... (cardinal points), force Beaufort ... in my position / in position ... .

.2 What wind is expected in my position / in position ... ?

2.1 The wind in your position / in position ... is expected

~ from direction... (cardinal points), force Beaufort ... .

~ to increase / decrease.

~ variable.

.3 What is the latest gale / storm warning?

3.1 The latest gale / storm warning is as follows:

Gale / storm warning. Winds at ... UTC in area ... (met. area) from direction ...(cardinal points) and force Beaufort ... backing/veering to ... (cardinal points).

.4 What is the latest tropical storm warning?

4.1 The latest tropical storm warning is as follows:

Tropical storm warning at... UTC. Hurricane... (name) / tropical cyclone

/ tornado / willy- willy / typhoon ... (name) with central pressure of... millibars / hectopascals located in position ... Present movement... (cardinal points) at ... knots. Winds of ... knots within radius of ... miles of centre. Seas smooth/moderate/rough/high. Further information on VHF Channel…/ frequency ... .

.5 What is the atmospheric pressure in your position / in position ... ?

5.1 The atmospheric pressure in your position / in position ... is ... millibars/hectopascals.

.6 What is the barometric change in your position / in position ... ?

.6.1 The barometric change in your position / in position ... 

is ... millibars / hectopascals per hour / within the last… hours.

.6.2 The barometer is steady / dropping (rapidly) / rising (rapidly).

. 7 What maximum winds are expected in the storm area?

. 7.1 Maximum winds of ... knots are expected

~ in the storm area.

~ within a radius of ... kilometers / miles of the center.

~ in the safe / dangerous semicircle.

.8 What is sea state in your position / in position ... ?

8.1 The smooth/moderate/rough/high sea/ slight/moderate/heavy swell in my position / in 

position ... is ... meters from... (cardinal points).

.9 Is the sea state expected to change (within the next hours)?

9.1 No, the sea state is not expected to change (within the next hours).

9.2 Yes, a sea / swell of ... meters from ... (cardinal points) is expected (- within the next hours).

.10 A tsunami / an abnormal wave is expected by ... UTC.

.1 What is visibility in your position / in position ... ?

.1.1 Visibility in my position / in position is ... meters / nautical miles

.1.2 Visibility is restricted by mist / fog / snow / dust / rain.

.1.3 Visibility is increasing / decreasing / variable.

.2 Is visibility expected to change in my position / in position (within the next hours)?

.2.1 No, visibility is not expected to change in your position / in position... (within the next hours).

2.2 Yes, visibility is expected to increase / decrease to ... meters / nautical miles in your position / in position ... (within the next hours).

2.3 Visibility is expected to be variable between ... meters / nautical miles in your position / in position ... (within the next hours).

.1 What is the latest ice information?

.1.1 Ice warning. Ice / iceberg(s) located in position ... / reported in area around ...

.1.2 No ice located in position ... / reported in area around ... .

.2 What ice situation is expected in my position / area around ... ?

.2.1 Ice situation is

~ not expected to change in your position / area around ... .

~ expected to improve / deteriorate in your position / area around ... .

.2.2 Thickness of ice is expected to increase / decrease in your position / area around ... .

.3 Navigation is dangerous in area around ... due to floating ice / pack ice / iceberg(s).

.4 Navigation in area around ... is only possible

~ for high-powered vessels of strong construction .

~ with ice-breaker assistance.

.5 Area around ... temporarily closed for navigation.

.6 Danger of icing in area around ... .

.1 The present tide is ... meters above / below datum in position ... .

.2 The tide is ... meters above/below prediction.

.3 The tide is rising / falling.

.4 Wait until high / low water.

.5 Abnormally high / low tides are expected in position ... at about ... UTC / within... hours.

.6 Is the depth of water sufficient in position ... ?

.6 Yes, the depth of water is sufficient in position ... .

6.2 No, the depth of water is not sufficient in position ... .

6.3 The depth of water is ... meters in position ... .

.7 My draft is ... meters - can I enter / pass ... (charted name of place)?

7.1 Yes, you can enter / pass (charted name of place).

7.2 No, you cannot enter / pass (charted name of place) - wait until ... UTC.

.8 The charted depth of water is increased / decreased by ... meters due to sea state /winds.

Defects

.1 ...(charted name of light / buoy) in position ...

~ unlit / unreliable / damaged / destroyed / off station / missing.

Alterations

.2 …(charted name of light buoy / buoy) in position ...

~ (temporarily) changed to ... (full characteristics).

~ (temporarily) removed.

~ (temporarily) discontinued.

New and moved

.3 ...(charted name of light / buoy) ... (full characteristics)

~ established in position….

~ re-established in position ... .

~ moved ... kilometers / nautical miles in ... (direction) to position ... .

.4 (Note: Only for major fog signal stations).

Fog signal…(charted name of light / buoy) in position ... inoperative.

.1 Super buoy / mine / unlit derelict vessel / ... (number) container(s) adrift 

in vicinity ... (position) at ...(date and time if known).

.1 GPS/GLONASS Satellite ... (number) unusable from ... (date and time) to .

.. (date and time). Cancel one hour after time of restoration.

.2 LORAN station … (name or number of master / secondary) off air from ...

(date and time) to... (date and time). Cancel one hour after time of restoration.

.3 RACON/RAMARK/ERICON ... (name of station) in position ... off air from ...

(date and time) to... (date and time). Cancel one hour after time of restoration.

Use REPORTED when position is unconfirmed, and use LOCATED when position has been confirmed by survey or other means

1. Uncharted reef / rock / shoal / dangerous wreck / obstruction reported / located in position ... .

2. Dangerous wreck in position... marked by ... (type) buoy ... (distance in kilometers/nautical miles) ...(direction).

5.7 Fishery

.1 Small fishing boats in area around ... Navigate with caution.

.2 Is fishing gear ahead of me?

.2.1 No, fishing gear ahead of you.

.2.2 Yes, fishing gear with buoys / without buoys in position ... / area around… Navigate with caution.

.3 Fishing gear has fouled my propeller(s).

.4 You have caught my fishing gear.

.5 Advise you to recover your fishing gear.

.6 Fishing in area ... prohibited.

See A1 - .4.3 "Pilot request"

.1 Stand by pilot ladder.

.2 Rig the pilot ladder on port side / starboard side/leeside ... meters above water.

.3 The pilot ladder is rigged on port side / starboard side.

.4 You must rig another pilot ladder.

.5 The pilot ladder is unsafe.

.6 What is wrong with the pilot ladder?

.7.1 The pilot ladder

~ has broken / loose steps.

~ has broken spreaders.

~ has spreaders too short.

~ is too far aft / forward.

.8 Move the pilot ladder

~ ... meters aft / forward.

~ clear of discharge.

.9 Rig the accommodation ladder in combination with the pilot ladder.

.10 Rig the pilot ladder alongside hoist.

.11 Put lights on at the pilot ladder.

.12 Man ropes are required / not required.

.13 Have a heaving line ready at the pilot ladder.

.14 Correct the list of the vessel.

.15 Make a lee on your port side / starboard side.

.16 Steer ... degrees to make a lee.

.17 Keep the sea on your port quarter / starboard quarter.

.18 Make a boarding speed of ... knots.

.19 Stop engine(s) until pilot boat is clear.

.20 Put helm hard to port / starboard.

.21 Alter course to ... (cardinal points) - the pilot boat cannot clear the vessel.

.22 Put engine(s) ahead / astern.

.23 Embarkation is not possible.

23.1 Boarding arrangements do not comply with SOLAS Regulations.

23.2 Vessel is not suited for the pilot ladder.

.1 Must I take tug(s)?

1.1 Yes, you must take ... tug(s).

1.2 No, you need not take tug(s).

.2 How many tugs must I take?

2.1 You must take ... tug(s) according to Port Regulations.

2.2 You must take ... tug(s) fore and ... tug(s) aft.

.3 I require ... tug(s).

.4 In what position will the tug(s) meet me?

4.1 The tug(s) will meet you in position ... at ...UTC.

4.2 Wait for the tug(s) in position ... .

.5 Must I use the towing lines of my vessel?

5.1 Yes, you must use the towing lines.

5.2 No, you must use the towing lines of the tug.

(H: = from helicopter V: = from vessel )

.1 V: I require a helicopter.

~ to pick up persons.

~ with doctor.

~ with life raft /... .

1.1 MRCC: I will send a helicopter with ... .

.2 H: MV …, I will drop ... .

.3 H: MV…, are you ready for the helicopter?

3.1 V: Yes, I am ready for the helicopter.

3.2 V: No, I am not ready for the helicopter (yet).

3.3 V: Ready for the helicopter in ... minutes.

.4 H: MV…, helicopter is on the way to you.

.5 H: MV…, what is your position?

5.1 V: My position is ... .

.6 H: MV…, what is your present course and speed?

6.1 V: My present course is ... degrees, speed is ... knots.

.7 H: MV…, make identification signals.

.8 V: I am making identification signals by smoke (buoy) / search light / flags / signaling lamp /….

.9 H: MV…, you are identified.

.10 H: MV…, what is the relative wind direction in degrees and knots?

10.1 V: The relative wind direction is ... degrees and ... knots.

.11 H: MV…, keep the wind on port / starboard bow.

.12 H: MV…, keep the wind on port / starboard quarter.

.13 H: MV…, indicate the landing / pick-up area.

13.1 V: The landing / pick-up area is ... .

.14 H: MV…, can I land on deck?

14.1 V: Yes, you can land on deck.

14.2 V: No, you cannot land on deck (yet).

14.3 V: You can land on deck in ... minutes.

.15 H: MV…, I will use hoist / rescue sling / rescue basket / rescue net / rescue litter / rescue seat / double lift.

.16 V: I am ready to receive you.

.17 H: MV…, I am landing.

.18 H: MV…, I am starting operation.

.19 H: MV…, do not fix the hoist cable.

.20 H: MV…, operation finished.

.21 H: MV…, I am taking off.

.1 I am / MV is ... fast in ice in position ... .

.2 I require / MV ... requires ice-breaker assistance to reach ... .

.3 Ice-breaker assistance

~ will arrive at ... UTC / within ... hours.

~ is not available until…UTC.

~ is available only up to latitude... longitude....

~ is suspended until... (date and time).

~ is suspended after sunset.

~ is suspended until favorable weather conditions.

~ will be resumed at ... UTC.

Ice-breaker commands applying to all the vessels in a convoy have to be immediately confirmed consecutively by each vessel in turn and executed according to the pattern given in GENERAL 4.6. Ice-breaker commands applying to a single vessel are confirmed and executed only by that vessel, and this applies also to close-coupled towing. When being assisted by an ice-breaker it is important to maintain a continuous listening watch on the appropriate VHF Channel and to maintain a proper lookout for sound and visual signals.

.1 Ice-breaker assistance for convoy will start now / at ... UTC.

.2 Your place in convoy is number ... .

.3 MV ... will follow you.

.4 You will follow MV ….

.5 Go ahead and follow me.

.5.1 Do not follow me.

.6 Proceed along the ice channel.

.7 Increase / reduce your speed.

.8 Reverse your engines.

.9 Stop engines.

.10 Keep a distance of ... meters /cables between vessels.

.11 Increase / reduce the distance between vessels to ... meters / cables.

.12 Stand by for receiving towing line.

.12.1 Stand by for letting go towing line.

.13 Switch on the bow / stern search light.

.14 Stop in present position.

.15 Ice-breaker ... will escort you.

.16 Ice-breaker assistance for convoy finished.

.16.1 Open water / light ice conditions ahead.

.17 Proceed by yourself (to area ...)

.1 Stand by for close-coupled towing.

.2 Slack out your anchors under the hawse-pipes.

.3 Pass heaving lines through the hawse-pipes.

.4 Receive towing line on deck.

.5 Lash together the eyes of the towing line with manila lashing.

.6 Fasten towing line on your bitts.

.7 I start to draw your bow into the stern notch of the ice-breaker.

.8 Stand by for cutting the manila lashing if required.

.9 Keep yourself in the centre-plane of the ice-breaker.

In order to especially facilitate shore-to-ship and ship-to-shore communication or when one of the IMO Standard Marine Communication Phrases will not fit the meaning desired, one of the following eight message markers may be used to increase the probability of the purpose of the message being properly understood.

It is at the discretion of the shore personnel or the ship's officer whether to use one of the message markers and if so which of them to apply depending on the user's qualified assessment of the situation. If used, the message marker is to be spoken preceding the message or the corresponding part of the message. The IMO VTS Guidelines recommend that in any message directed to a vessel it should be clear whether the message contains information, advice, warning, or instruction and IMO Standard Marine Communication Phrases should be used where practicable.

For further standardized VTS communications, also see other sections of Part Al. For VTS Standard Reporting Procedures, see IMO resolution A.851 (20) on General Principles for Ship Reporting Systems and Ship Reporting Requirements, including guidelines for reporting incidents involving dangerous goods, harmful substances and / or marine pollutants.

Note: All of the following phrases must come as the culmination (message content) of a radio message exchange between stations covered by the ITU Radio Regulations, and the relevant calling procedures have to be observed.

(i) INSTRUCTION

This indicates that the following message implies the intention of the sender to influence others by a Regulation.

Comment: This means that the sender, e.g. a VTS Station or a naval vessel, must have full authority to send such a message. The recipient has to follow this legally binding message unless he/she has contradictory safety reasons which then have to be reported to the sender.

Example: "INSTRUCTION. Do not cross the fairway."

(ii) ADVICE

This indicates that the following message implies the intention of the sender to influence others by a Recommendation.

Comment: The decision whether to follow the ADVICE still stays with the recipient.

ADVICE does not necessarily have to be followed but should be considered very carefully.

Example: "ADVICE. (Advise you) stand by on VHF Channel six nine."

(iii) WARNING

This indicates that the following message implies the intention of the sender to inform others about danger.

Comment: This means that any recipient of a WARNING should pay immediate attention to the danger mentioned. Consequences of a WARNING will be up to the recipient.

Example: "WARNING. Obstruction in the fairway."

(iv) INFORMATION

This indicates that the following message is restricted to observed facts, situations, etc.

Comment: This marker is preferably used for navigational and traffic information, etc.

Consequences of INFORMATION will be up to the recipient. 

Example: "INFORMATION. MV No name will overtake to the west of you."

(v) QUESTION

This indicates that the following message is of an interrogative character.

Comment: The use of this marker removes any doubt as to whether a question is being asked or a statement is being made, especially when interrogatives such as what, where, why, who, how are additionally used at the beginning of the question. The recipient is expected to return an answer.

Example: "QUESTION. (What is) your present maximum draft?"

(vi) ANSWER

This indicates that the following message is the reply to a previous question. 

Comment: Note that an answer should not contain another question. 

Example: "ANSWER. My present maximum draft is zero seven meters."

(vii) REQUEST

This indicates that the following message is asking for action from others with respect to the vessel.

Comment: The use of this marker is to signal: I want something to be arranged or provided, e.g. ship's stores requirements, tugs, permission, etc..

Note: REQUEST must not be used involving navigation, or to modify COLREGS. 

Example: "REQUEST. I require two tugs."

(viii) INTENTION

This indicates that the following message informs others about immediate navigational action intended to be taken.

Comment: The use of this message marker is logically restricted to messages announcing navigational actions by the vessel sending this message.

Example: "INTENTION. I will reduce my speed."

.1 What is the name of your vessel and call sign / identification?

1.1 The name of my vessel is ... , call sign ... / identification ... .

1.2 Spell the name of your vessel.

.2 What is your flag State?

2.1 My flag State is ... .

.3 What is your position?

3.1 My position is ... .

.4 What is your present course and speed?

4.1 My present course is ... degrees, my speed is ... knots.

.5 From what direction are you approaching?

5.1 I am approaching from ... .

.6 What is your port of destination / destination?

6.1 My port of destination / destination is ... .

.7 What was your last port of call?

7.1 My last port of call was ... .

.8 What is your ETA in position ... ?

8.1 My ETA is ... UTC.

.9 What is your ETD from ... ?

9.1 My ETD from ... is ... UTC.

.10 What is your draft forward / aft?

10.1 My draft forward / aft is ... meters.

.11 What is your present maximum draft ?

11.1 My present maximum draft is ... meters.

.12 What is your freeboard?

12.1 My freeboard is ... meters.

.13 What is your air draft?

13.1 My air draft is ... meters.

.14 Are you underway?

14.1 Yes, I am underway.

14.2 No, I am not underway.

14.3 I am ready to get underway.

.15 What is your full speed / full maneuvering speed?

15.1 My full speed / full maneuvering speed is ... knots.

.16 What is your cargo?

16.1 My cargo is ... 

.17 Do you carry any dangerous goods?

17.1 Yes, I carry the following dangerous goods: ... kilograms / tones IMO Class ….

17.2 No, I do not carry any dangerous goods.

.18 Do you have any deficiencies / restrictions?

18.1 No, I have no deficiencies / restrictions.

18.2 Yes, I have the following deficiencies / restrictions: ... .

.19 I am / MV ... is constrained by draft.

.20 The maximum permitted draft is ... meters.

.21 Do you have any list?

21.1 Yes, I have a list to port / starboard of ... degrees.

21.2 No, I have no list.

.22 Are you on even keel?

22.1 Yes, I am on even keel.

22.2 No, I am trimmed by the head / stern.

.2 Acquiring and providing distress traffic data

See A1/1.1 "Distress communications".

.1 Information service

These phrases are normally transmitted from the shore.

.1.1 Navigational warnings

.1 Unknown object(s) in position ... .

.2 Ice / iceberg(s) in position ... / area around ... .

.3 Unlit derelict vessel adrift in vicinity ... at ... (date and time).

.4 Dangerous wreck / obstruction located in position…marked by ... (type) buoy.

.5 Hazardous mine adrift in vicinity ... at ... (date and time).

.6 Uncharted reef / rock / shoal reported in position ... .

.7 Pipeline is leaking gas / oil in position ...Wide berth requested.

.8 Depth of water not sufficient in position ... .

.9 Navigation closed in area ...

1.2 Navigational information

.1 Oil spill in position ... .

.2 Current meters / hydrographic instruments moored in position ...Wide berth requested.

.3 Platform ... (name / number) reported / established in position ...Wide berth requested.

.4 (charted name of light / buoy) in position ...

~ unlit / unreliable / damaged / destroyed / off station / missing.

~ (temporarily) changed to ...(full characteristics).

~ (temporarily) removed.

~ (temporarily) discontinued.

.5 (charted name of light / buoy) ... (full characteristics).

~ established in position ... .

~ re-established in position….

~ moved ... kilometers / nautical miles in ... (direction) to position ...

.6 (Note: Only for major fog signal stations).

Fog signal ... (charted name of light / buoy) in position ... inoperative.

1.3 Traffic information

1. Gunnery / rocket firing / missile / torpedo / underwater ordnance exercises in area bounded by ... (positions) and ... from ... (date and time) to ... (date and time). Wide berth requested.

2. Cable / pipeline operations by... (vessel) in vicinity … / along a line joining ...(position) from ... (date and time) to... (date and time).Wide berth requested. Contact via VHF Channel ...

3. Salvage operations in position ... from ... (date and time) to ... (date and time). Wide berth requested. Contact via VHF Channel….

4. Seismic / hydrographic operations by ... (vessel) ... from ... (date and time) to ... (date and time) in position ...Wide berth requested. Contact via VHF Channel….

5. Oil clearance operations near MT ... in position ... Wide berth requested.

6. Transshipment of ... (kind of cargo) in position ...Wide berth requested.

7. Difficult tow from ... (port of departure) to ... (destination) on ... (date). Wide berth requested.

8. Vessel not under command in position ... / area ...

9. Hampered vessel in position ... area ... (course ... degrees, speed ... knots). 

9.1 Vessel constrained by her draft in position ... area ... (course ... degrees ... speed ...knots).

10. Vessel in position ... on course ... and speed ... is not complying with traffic regulations.

11. Vessel is crossing ... traffic lane on course ... and speed ... in position ...

12. Small fishing boats in area around ... Navigate with caution.

13. Submarines operating in sea area around ... Surface vessels are in attendance.

.1.4 Route information

.1 Route .../ Traffic Lane ... has been suspended / discontinued / diverted.

.1.5 Hydrographic information

.1 Tidal prediction for ... (name of station(s)) / area ...

.1.1 A tide of ... meters above / below datum is expected in position ... / area ...at about ... UTC.

.1.2 Abnormally high / low tides are expected in position ... / area … at about ... UTC.

.2 The tide is rising:

~ it is ... hours before high water / after low water.

~ it is ... meters below high water / above low water.

.3 The tide is falling.

~ it is ... hours after high water / before low water.

~ it is ... meters below high water / above low water.

.4 The tide is slack.

.5 Present tide is ... meters above / below datum ... in position ... .

.6 The tide is ... meters above / below prediction.

.7 The tidal stream / current is ... knots in position ... .

.8 The tide is setting in direction ... degrees.

.9 The depth of water is / is not sufficient in position ... .

.10 Charted depth has increased / decreased by ... meters due to winds / sea state.

1.6 Electronic navigational aids information

.1 GPS Satellite ... (number) unusable from ... (date and time) to ... (date and time). Cancel one hour after time of restoration.

.2 LORAN station ... (name number of master / secondary)

.3 RACON ... (name of station) in position ... off air ... from ... (date and time) to ... (date and time).

1.7 Meteorological warnings

.1 Gale warning / storm warning was issued at ... UTC starting at ... UTC .

1.1 Gale warning / storm warning. Wind at ... UTC in area ... (met. area) from direction... (cardinal points) and force Beaufort ... backing / veering to ... (cardinal points).

.2 Tropical storm warning was issued at ... UTC starting at ... UTC.

2.1 Tropical storm warning at ... UTC. Hurricane ... (name) / tropical cyclone / tornado /willy-willy / typhoon / ... with central pressure of ... millibars/ hectopascals located in position ... .

Present movement ... (cardinal points) at ... knots. Winds of ... knots within radius of ... nautical miles of center. Seas over ... meters.

Further information on VHF Channel ... / frequency ... (at UTC).

.1.8 Meteorological information

.1 Position of tropical storm ... (name) ..., path ... (cardinal points), speed of advance ... knots.

.2 Wind direction ... (cardinal points), force Beaufort ... in position ....

.3 Wind is backing / veering and increasing / decreasing.

.4 Wind is expected to increase / decrease in position ... to force Beaufort…within the next... hours.

.5 Visibility in position ...

~ ... meters / nautical miles.

~ reduced by mist / fog / snow / dust / rain / ....

~ expected to increase / decrease to ... meters / nautical miles within the next ... hours.

.6 Sea / swell in position ...

~ ... meters from… (cardinal points).

~ expected to increase / decrease within the next ... hours.

.7 Icing is expected / not expected in area ....

.1.9 Meteorological questions and answers

See A 1/3.1 "Meteorological and hydrological conditions"

.2 Navigational assistance service

Shore based pilotage by navigational assistance service: see also A1/6.4.3.18 to .3.21

.2.1 Request and identification

.1 Is shore-based radar assistance available?

1.1 Yes, shore-based radar assistance is available.

1.2 No, shore-based radar assistance is not available.

.2 Shore based radar assistance is available from ... to ... UTC.

.3 Do you require navigational assistance to reach ...?

3.1 Yes, I require navigational assistance.

3.2 No, I do not require navigational assistance.

.4 What is your position?

4.1 My position is bearing ... degrees ..., distance ... kilometers / nautical miles from ....

.5 How was your position obtained?

5.1 My position was obtained by GPS / RADAR / cross-bearing / astronomical observation /….

.6 Repeat your position for identification.

.7 I have located you on my radar screen.

7.1 Your position is bearing ... degrees, distance ... kilometers / nautical miles from ....

.8 I cannot locate you on my radar screen.

.9 What is your present course and speed?

9.1 My present course is ... degrees, my speed is ... knots.

.10 What is the course to reach you?

10.1 The course to reach me is ... degrees.

.11 Is your radar in operation?

11.1 Yes, my radar is in operation.

11.2 No, my radar is not in operation.

.12 What range scale are you using?

12.1 I am using ... miles range scale.

12.2 Change to a larger / smaller range scale.

.13 You are leaving my radar screen.

.14 Change to radar…(name) VHF Channel ....

.15 I have lost radar contact.

.2.2 Position

.1 You are entering ... .

.2 Your position is .../ bearing ... degrees, distance ... kilometers / nautical miles from ... .

.4 You are passing ... .

You are

~ in the centre of the fairway.

~ on / not on the radar reference line (of the fairway).

~ on the ... (cardinal points) side of the fairway.

.5 You are approaching the ... (cardinal points) limit of the fairway.

.6 Your position is buoy number ... distance ... meters / cables to the ... (cardinal points) of the radar reference line .

.7 Your position is distance ... meters / cables from the intersection of radar reference line ...and radar reference line ... and distance … meters / cables to the ... (cardinal points) of radar reference line ... .

.8 MV ... has reported at reporting point ... .

.9 You are getting closer to the vessel ... (cardinal points) of you.

.10 Vessel on opposite course is passing to the ... (cardinal points) of you.

.11 MV ... is meters / cables ... (cardinal points) of you.

~ is ingoing / outgoing.

~ has stopped.

~ is at anchor.

~ is on a reciprocal course.

~ will overtake to the ... (cardinal points) of you.

.12 Vessel has anchored ... meters / cables ... (cardinal points) of you in position...

.13 Vessel ... (cardinal points) of you is obstructing your movements.

.14 You will meet crossing traffic in position ... .

.15 Vessel is entering / leaving the fairway at ... .

.16 Buoy ... distance ... meters / cables ... (cardinal points).

.17 Vessel ... (cardinal points) of you is

~ turning.

~ anchoring.

~ increasing / decreasing speed.

~ overtaking you.

~ not under command.

.2.3 Course

Note: the user of this phrase should be fully aware of the implications of words

such as "track", "heading" and "course made good".

.1 Your track is

~ parallel with the reference line.

~ diverging from the reference line.

~ converging to the reference line.

.2 What is your present course / heading?

2.1 My present course / heading is ... degrees.

.3 You are steering a dangerous course.

.4 Course to make good is ... degrees.

.5 Vessel ... (cardinal points) of you is on same course ... degrees.

5.1 Advise you

~ Keep your present course.

~ A new course of ... degrees.

.6 Have you altered course?

6.1 Yes, I have altered course - my new course is ... degrees.

6.2 No, I have not altered course - my course is ... degrees.

.7 You are running into danger -

~ shallow water ... (cardinal points) of you.

~ submerged wreck ... (cardinal points) of you.

~ fog bank ... (cardinal points) of you.

~ risk of collision (with a vessel bearing ... degrees, distance ... kilometers / nautical miles).

~ bridge is defective /….

.3 Traffic organization service

.3.1 Clearance, forward planning

.1 Traffic clearance is required before entering ....

.2 Do does not enter the traffic lane /….

.3 Proceed to the emergency anchorage.

.4 Keep clear of .../ avoid ....

.5 You have permission

~ to enter the traffic lane / route - traffic clearance granted.

~ to enter traffic lane / route in position ... at ... UTC.

.6 Do does not pass the reporting point ... until ... UTC.

.7 Report at the next waypoint / waypoint…/ at ... UTC.

.8 You must arrive at way point ... at ... UTC - your berth is clear.

.9 Do does not arrive in position ... before / after ... UTC.

.10 The tide is with you / against you.

3.2 Anchoring

.1 You must anchor

~ at ... UTC.

~ until the pilot arrives.

~ in a different position.

~ clear of fairway.

.2 Do not anchor in position ... .

.3 Anchoring is prohibited.

.6 You must heave up anchor.

.7 You are at anchor in a wrong position.

.8 Have your crew on standby for heaving up anchor when the pilot embarks.

.9 You have permission to anchor (at…UTC)

~ in position ....

~ until the pilot arrives.

~ until the tugs arrive.

~ until sufficient water.

.10 You are obstructing the fairway / other traffic.

.11 Are you dragging / dredging anchor?

11.1 Yes, I am dragging / dredging anchor.

11.2 No, I am not dragging / dredging anchor.

.12 Do does not dredge anchor.

.3.3 Arrival, berthing and departure

.1 Your orders are to berth on ....

.2 Your orders are changed to proceed to ....

.3 Proceed to ... for orders.

.4 You have permission to enter / to proceed at ... UTC.

.5 Vessel is turning / maneuvering in position ....

.6 MV…

~ will turn in position ....

~ will leave ... at ... UTC.

~ is leaving ....

~ has left ....

~ entered fairway in position ....

.7 Your berth is not clear (until…UTC)

7.1 Your berth will be clear at ... UTC.

.8 You will berth / dock at ... UTC.

.9 Berthing has been delayed by ... hours.

.10 Be ready to get underway.

10.1 I am ready to get underway.

.11 Get underway.

.12 Are you underway?

.12.1 Yes, I am underway.

.12.2 No, I am not underway.

.13 Move ahead / astern ... meters.

.14 Your vessel is in position - make fast.

.3.4 Enforcement

.1 According to my radar, your course does not comply with Rule 10 of the COLREGs.

.2 Your actions will be reported to the Authorities.

.3 You are

~ not complying with traffic regulations.

~ not keeping to the correct traffic lane.

.4 Have all navigational instruments in operation before entering this area / area.

.5 Your navigation lights are not visible.

.6 Recover your fishing gear.

.6.1 You are fishing in the fairway.

.7 Fishing gear is to the ... (cardinal points) of you.

.8 Fishing in area ...is prohibited.

.9 You are approaching a prohibited fishing area.

.10 Fairway speed is... knots.

.3.5 Avoiding dangerous situations, providing safe movements

.1 It is dangerous

~ to anchor in your present position.

~ to remain in your present position.

~ to alter course to ... (cardinal points).

.2 Large vessel is leaving the fairway- keep clear of the fairway approach.

.3 Nets with buoys / without buoys in this area - navigate with caution.

.4 Collision in position ....

.5 MV…is aground / on fire / ... in position ....

.6 Stand by for assistance.

.7 Vessels must

~ keep clear of this area / area ....

~ avoid this area / area ....

~ navigate with caution.

.8 Keep clear of ... - search and rescue in progress.

.9 Your present course is too close

~ to ingoing / outgoing vessel.

~ to the vessel that you are overtaking.

~ to the ... (cardinal points) limit of the fairway.

.10 Your course is deviating from the radar reference line.

.11 You are running into danger

~ shallow water .... (cardinal points) of you.

~ submerged wreck ... (cardinal points) of you.

~ fog bank ... (cardinal points) of you.

~ risk of collision (with vessel bearing ... degrees, distance ... kilometers / nautical miles).

~ bridge is defective.

.12 You are proceeding at a dangerous speed.

.13 You must

~ proceed by the fairway / route ....

~ keep to the ... (cardinal points) of the fairway line / radar reference line.

~ stay clear of the fairway.

.14 You must wait for MV ... to cross ahead of you.

.15 You must wait for MV ... to clear ... before

~ entering the fairway.

~ getting underway.

~ leaving the berth.

.16 Do not

~ overtake.

~ cross the fairway.

.17 Alter course to ... (cardinal points) of you.

.18 Pass ... (cardinal points) of

~ ingoing /outgoing / anchored / disabled vessel.

~ of ... mark /….

.19 Stop engines.

.20 MV…

~ wishes to overtake ... (cardinal points) of you.

~ agrees / does not agree to be overtaken.

~ is approaching an obscured area ... - approaching vessels acknowledge.

3.6 Canal and lock operations

.1 You must

~ close up on the vessel ahead of you.

~ drop back from the vessel ahead of you.

~ wait at ....

~ moor at ....

~ wait for lock clearance at ... until ... UTC.

.2 Convoy ... must wait / moor at ....

.3 You will

~ join convoy ... at ... UTC.

~ enter canal / lock at ... UTC.

.4 Transit will begin at ... UTC.

.5 Your place in convoy is number ....

.6 Transit / convoy speed is ... knots.

.7 Convoys / vessels will pass in area ....

.1 …VTS this is ... VTS: MV ... position is bearing... degrees, distance .... kilometers / nautical miles from .... working frequency is VHF Channel …. Your target. Please confirm.

.2 …VTS this is ... VTS: MV ... position bearing is ... degrees, distance … kilometers / nautical miles from…I confirm. My target.

.3 …VTS this is ... VTS: MV ... position is bearing... degrees, distance .... kilometers / nautical miles from .... I am unable to take over this target.

1) Emergency services (SAR, firefighting, pollution fighting) See A1 / 1.1 "Distress communications"

2) Tug services

Also see A1/4.3 "Tug request"

.1 How many tugs do you require?

.1.1 I require ... tug(s).

.2 You must take

~…tug(s) according to port regulations.

~…tug(s) fore and ... tug(s) aft.

.3 Wait for the tug(s) in position ...

.4 The tugs will meet you in position ... at ... UTC.

.5 Tug services have been suspended until ... (date and time) / resumed on... (date and time).

3) Pilot request

.1 Must I take a pilot?

.1.1 Yes, you must take a pilot - pilotage is compulsory.

.1.2 No, you need not take a pilot.

.2 Do you require a pilot?

.2.1 Yes, I require a pilot.

.2.2 No, I do not require a pilot - I am holder of Pilotage Exemption Certificate (No. ...).

.3 You are exempted from pilotage.

.4 Do you require a pilot at ...(name) Pilot Station?

.4.1 Yes, I require a pilot at ...(name) Pilot Station.

.4.2 No, I do not require a pilot at ...(name) Pilot Station - I require a pilot in position ....

.5 What is your ETA at ...(name) Pilot Station in local time?

.5.1 My ETA at... (name) Pilot Station is ... hours local time.

.6 What is local time?

.6.1 Local time is ... hours.

.7 What is your position?

.7.1 My position is ....

.8 What is your distance from ...(name) Pilot Station?

.8.1 My distance from ...(name) Pilot Station is ... kilometers / nautical miles.

.9 Is the pilot boat on station?

9.1 Yes, the pilot boat is on station.

9.2 No, the pilot boat is not on station.

9.3 The pilot boat will be on station at ... hours local time.

.10 In what position can I take the pilot?

10.1 Take the pilot at ... (Pilot Station) / near position....

.11 When will the pilot embark?

11.1 The pilot will embark at ... hours local time.

.12 The pilot boat is coming to you.

.13 Stop in present position and wait for the pilot.

.14 Keep the pilot boat ... (cardinal points) of you.

.15 What is your freeboard?

15.1 My freeboard is ... meters.

.16 Change to VHF Channel ... for pilot transfer.

.17 Stand by on VHF Channel ... until pilot transfer is completed.

.18 Pilot age at ...(name) Pilot Station has been suspended until ... (date and local time).

.19 Pilot age at ...(name) Pilot Station has been resumed.

.20 The pilot cannot embark at ... (name) Pilot Station due to ... .

.21 Do you accept shore-based navigational assistance from VTS Centre?

21.1 Yes, I accept shore-based navigational assistance.

21.2 No, I do not accept shore-based navigational assistance.

21.3 I will stay in position ... until ....

.22 You have permission to proceed by yourself (or wait for the pilot at ... buoy).

.23 Follow the pilot boat inward where the pilot will embark.

4) Embarking / disembarking pilot

See A1/4.2 "Embarking/disembarking pilot"

Appendix to Al - External Communication Phrases Standard GMDSS Messages

For further details, see ITU Manual for use by the Maritime Mobile and Maritime Mobile Satellite Services, Geneva.

Upon receipt of a DSC Distress Alert acknowledgement the vessel in distress should commence the distress traffic on one of the international distress traffic frequencies such as VHF Channel 16 or frequency 2182 kHz (if not automatically controlled) as follows:

MAYDAY 

THIS IS

- the 9-digitMaritime Mobile Service Identity code (MMSI) plus name / call sign or other identification of the vessel calling

- the position of the vessel

- the nature of distress

- the assistance required

- any other information which might facilitate rescue.

MAYDAY

- THIS ISTWO-ONE-ONE-TWO-THREE-NINE-SIX-EIGHT-ZERO MOTOR VESSEL "BIRTE" CALL SIGN DELTA ALPHA MIKE KILO

- POSITION SIX TWO DEGREES ONE ONE DECIMAL EIGHTMINUTES NORTH

- ZERO ZERO SEVEN DEGREES FOUR FOURMINUTES EAST

- I AM ON FIRE AFTER EXPLOSION

- I REQUIRE FIRE FIGHTING ASSISTANCE

- SMOKE NOT TOXIC OVER

After the transmission of a DSC Urgency Call switch the transmitter to VHF Channel 16 or frequency 2182 kHz (if not automatically controlled) and commence the urgency traffic as follows:

PAN PAN (repeated three times)

ALL STATIONS (repeated three times)

THIS IS

- the 9-digit MMSI of the vessel plus name / call sign or other identification

- the position of the vessel

- the text of the urgency message.

PAN PAN PAN PAN PAN PAN

ALL STATIONS ALL STATIONS ALL STATIONS

- THIS ISTWO-ONE-ONE-TWO-THREE-NINE-SIX-EIGHT-ZERO MOTORVESSEL "BIRTE" CALL SIGN DELTA ALPHA MIKE KILO

- POSITION SIX TWO DEGREES ONE ONE DECIMAL EIGHTMINUTES NORTH ZERO ZERO SEVEN DEGREES FOUR FOUR MINUTES EAST

- I HAVE PROBLEMSWITH ENGINES

- I REQUIRE TUG ASSISTANCE OUT

After the transmission of a DSC Safety Call switch the transmitter to VHF Channel 16 or frequency 2182 kHz (if not automatically controlled) and transmit the safety message as follows:

SÉCURITÉ (repeated three times)

ALL STATIONS (or all ships in a specific geographical area, or to a specific station) (repeated three times)

THIS IS

- the 9-digit MMSI of the vessel plus name / call sign or other identification

- the text of the safety message.

SÉCURITÉ SÉCURITÉ SÉCURITÉ

ALL SHIPS ALL SHIPS ALL SHIPS IN AREA PETER REEF

- THIS IS TWO-ONE-ONE-TWO-THREE-NINE-SIX-EIGHT-ZERO MOTORVESSEL "BIRTE" CALL SIGN DELTA ALPHAMIKE KILO

- DANGEROUSWRECK LOCATED IN POSITION TWO NAUTICALMILES SOUTH OF PETER REEF OVER