Routine

communication
Communicate with other ship, coast
stations and VTS centers
Training
Outcome
The cadets are able to
communicate with other
ship, coast stations and VTS
Centre

Tuesday, February 2, 20XX Sample Footer Text 2

Routine
communication
Routine and general
communications are all those
DSC, radio-telephony and
satellite communications not
related to emergency or safety.
The frequencies used by coast
stations, port stations and
reporting systems can be found
in lists of radio signals.

Tuesday, February 2, 20XX Sample Footer Text 3

 VTS
• VTS is established in areas where the volume of traffic and risk to navigation and the environment is high, and in approaches to
ports and other areas of confined water Generally, ships entering a VTS area report to the authorities, usually by radio, and may
be tracked by the VTS control center.

• Masters should expect VTS to be able to provide:

 1. An information service (IS) which may include reports on the position, identify and intensions of other traffic, waterway
conditions, weather, hazard, or any factors that may influence the ship passage.

 A navigational assistance service (NAS) in difficult navigational or weather conditions or when a ship is suffering defects or
deficiencies.

 A traffic organization service (TOS) to establish and manage priority of vessel movements, allocation of space, mandatory
reporting,
Tuesday, Februaryroute
2, 20XXinformation andSample
speed limits
Footer Text other appropriate measures. 4
 VHF communication procedures:
format and protocols

Tuesday, February 2, 20XX Sample Footer Text 5

 Which stage does each of the following phrases belong to?
Write1,2or3next to each phrase.

How do you read me?

This is…
Out
(Advise you) switch to VHF
channel...
Switching to VHF channel...
Thank you for your cooperation.
Have a good watch.
Intention: I will proceed.
I read you bad

Tuesday, February 2, 20XX Sample Footer Text 6

Spelling, numbers and call signs
International Maritime Alphabet
Routine
In

Message

In Routine Messages...

Address=
1. you address the responding station or ship,

2. you identify yourself (the station you are calling from) by giving name and call sign,

alamat,
3. the responding station acknowledges the reception using the same method.

If conditions for establishing contact are unknown or expected to be bad, the addressing and

menyapa
identifying must be done three times; when conditions are good you can address / identify
once or twice. Look at an example of an initial call and the information it contains:
Tuesday, February 2, 20XX Sample Footer Text 8
Readability This is what you say if the reception is good / bad:
How do you read me? I read you ....

bad / one (with signal strength one, i.e. barely perceptible)

poor / two (with signal strength two, i.e. weak)

fair / three (with signal strength three, i.e. fairly good)

good / four (with signal strength four, i.e. good)

excellent / five (with signal strength five, i.e. very good)

Switching to a working
channel:
Switch to (VHF channel) ... / Change
to ...Tuesday,
/ GoFebruary
to ...2, 20XX Sample Footer Text 9
 Student A is in the Calling Station and Student B is in the Responding Station. Make the initial call in
order to make contact.

Calling Station Responding Station

1. SEALINK RGB6 ROTTERDAM VTS

2. GALINA ARX3 MALAGA PILOT STATION

3. PRIDE NSCK SAN FRANCISCO COASTGUARD

4. JOY CHR9 SOLENT RADIO

https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=F_rvMvyy8co&list=PLXNEJpAaCDcx-
Dk8vERN2T66IofBNRSnr&index=11

Tuesday, February 2, 20XX Sample Footer Text 10

 IMO guidelines on the use of VHF at sea
Lead-in: VHF marine messages.
Q U I Z : C H E C K W H A T Y O U K N O W. C H O O S E T H E C O R R E C T A L T E R N A T I V E O F T H E O P T I O N S I N I T A L I C S .

• 1. To address / identify means to call the other ship’s name. • 4. You hear the following message: “Advise you change to VHF channel 16.” What
does it mean?
• 2. You want to ask how well the other party is receiving you,
what do you say? • a. The other vessel is standing by on VHF channel 16.
b. The other vessel recommends changing to VHF channel 16.
• a. “How do you read me?”
• 5. You hear the following message: “Say again”; this means:
• b. “How do you hear me?”
• a. They will repeat their message.
• 3. If you hear the following message: “I read you poor, with b. Your own message is not properly heard. They want you to repeat it.
signal strength two”, this means that the receiving station can
• When you think your message is very important and you need to make sure it is heard
hear your message:
properly, you say: "Repeat / Go again" and you say your message again.

• a. Well (it’s a good signal). • You made a mistake in your message, what can you say to correct it?

• b. Not very well (it’s a weak signal). • a. Wrong. Right:...

b. Mistake. Correction:...
• 4. You hear the following message: “Advise you change to
VHF channel 16.” What does it mean? • 8. My transmission has ended and I expect a response from you (turn-giving signal):

• a. The other vessel is standing by on VHF channel 16. • OVER / STANDING BY

b. The other vessel recommends changing to VHF channel 16.
Tuesday, February 2, 20XX Sample Footer Text 11
 SMCP message markers
In radio communication we may use special
marker words to introduce messages and
make their purpose clearer. In any
message directed to a vessel it should be
clear whether the message contains
information, advice, a warning, an
instruction, etc.

– “Markers” introduce messages and signal

the move intended by the speaker, i.e.
what the speaker wants to ask, order,
request, inform, advice, warn, etc. There
are 8 message markers recommended by
IMO; here we will see how we use the
following four:

Tuesday, February 2, 20XX Sample Footer Text 12

Message markers
Information is used for
This indicates that the following navigational and traffic
message implies the intention of information. This indicates
the sender to influence others by a that the following message is
Regulation. It is only given by restricted to observed facts,
authorities (a VTS station, naval situations, etc.
vessel or authorized personnel.  E.g. “INFORMATION”.
 E.g. “INSTRUCTION. Do not Mv. ELINA will overtake the IE.g. : "WARNING, Shallow
cross the fairway”. west of you” water ahead of you

Question
Instruction Information Intention warning
&Answer

When you add ‘Question’ Informs others about immediate

before a message, you make it navigational action intended to be
clear that you expect an taken.
‘ANSWER’ as a reply. E.g. “INTENTION. I will reduce
 E.g. “QUESTION. What is my speed”.
your maximum draught?’
 ANSWER. My present
Tuesday, February 2, 20XX
draught is two meters”.
Sample Footer Text 13
Which of the following messages contain an instruction and which ones a piece of information?
Circle the correct message marker.

Marker Phrase

INSTRUCTION / INFORMATION Stop immediately.

INSTRUCTION / INFORMATION Steer course: 1-3-6 degrees true.

INSTRUCTION / INFORMATION
My position is 20o 52′ S, 034o 37′ W.

Proceed to the nearest safe anchorage.

INSTRUCTION / INFORMATION

Do not cross the fairway.

INSTRUCTION / INFORMATION

INSTRUCTION / INFORMATION My cargo is naphtha.

Tuesday, February 2, 20XX Sample Footer Text 14

Read the SMCP messages and decide what the appropriate message marker would
be for each message. Write the marker in the space provided below. Then listen to
the full messages to check your answers and repeat.

1 Are dangerous goods on fire?

2 Yes, dangerous goods are on fire.
3 All vessels in vicinity of position 15 degrees 35
minutes North 061 degrees 29 minutes West
keep sharp lookout and report to Rescue
Coordination Centre.
4 Area around Super-Buoy No 2 temporarily
closed for navigation.
5 When do you expect to refloat?
6 I expect to refloat when weather improves
 KEY ANSWER

QUESTION Are dangerous goods on fire?

ANSWER Yes, dangerous goods are on fire.
INSTRUCTION All vessels in vicinity of position 15 degrees 35
minutes North 061 degrees 29 minutes West keep
sharp lookout and report to Rescue Coordination Centre.
INFORMATION Area around Super-Buoy No 2 temporarily closed for
navigation.
QUESTION When do you expect to refloat?
ANSWER I expect to refloat when weather improves.
What is the appropriate message marker for each of the following messages?

• 1. ______________ Avoid this area–no possibility for vessels to turn.

• 2. ______________ Recover your fishing gear.

3. ______________ What part of your vessel is aground?
4. ______________ Aground forward.

• 5. ______________ MV Aldebaran is on opposite course.

• 6. ______________ Alter your course to give way.

7. ______________ What is the depth in the outer fairway?

• 8. ______________ Reduce speed to three knots.

• 9. ______________ The wind direction is NE force Beaufort 6.

Tuesday, February 2, 20XX Sample Footer Text 17

Identifying Maritime English

1. I need doctor’s help =

……………………………

2. We will arrive at 3 pm =
……………………………

3. I am leaning to the left side. =

…………………………………

4. Tanker ship Trader: T-R-A-D-E-R. =

…………………………………..

Tuesday, February 2, 20XX Sample Footer Text 18

Reading Comprehension Give your self 30 seconds to skim read the complete text.

Read the document again intensively. Answer the question.

1. Which of these messages are contained in the text?

Yes No
An instruction
An apology
A request
A warning
An explanation
An invitation
A reminder
2. Underline parts of the text which support your answer

3. When does the captain have to carry out the check?

4. When does he have to send his report?

Tuesday, February 2, 20XX Sample Footer Text 19

The following words are also important in VHF communication.

1. QUESTION : What is your present speed?

2. ANSWER : My present speed is 14 knots –

(1)_________________. (2)__________________, my present
speed is 12, one-two, knots.

3. QUESTION : What is your draught?

4. ANSWER : My draught is 12.6, one-two decimal 6 metres.

5. INSTRUCTION : Do not overtake – (3)__________________ –

do not overtake. (4)_______________________

6. INSTRUCTION : Do
correction not overtake.
say again repeat mistake

Tuesday, February 2, 20XX Sample Footer Text 20

Write the correct sentence in the gaps to complete the radio exchange.
 QUESTION. Do you require navigational assistance to  ANSWER. Yes, I have altered course – my new course is
 INSTRUCTION. Steer a new course of 90 degrees.
reach the center of the fairway? 90 degrees.

 Say again your speed.  I will alter course.

VTS OPERATOR
VESSEL

INFORMATION. Your distance is 20.5 nautical miles from the ANSWER. ANSWER. Yes, I require navigational assistance.
centre of the fairway.

(a).....................................................
ANSWER. My present course is 80 degrees, my speed is 14
QUESTION. What is your present course and speed? knots.

(b)..................................................... My present speed is 14 – repeat – 14 knots.

INSTRUCTION. Keep you present speed. (d).....................................................

(c).....................................................
21
QUESTION. Have you altered course?
Fill in the words or phrases in the following instruc ons / guidelines.
1. The word ............................... indicates the end of a communication.

2. The word ............................... invites a reply during the exchange of messages.

3. Say ............................... if it is necessary to change to a different channel. Wait for acknowledgement before carrying out the change.

4. Say ............................... if a message is received but not understood.

5. Say ............................... to ask for a message to be repeated; the message is not properly received and you want it to be repeated.

6. Say ............................... when there are language difficulties and try to resolve them by use of the standard phrases.

7. Say ............................... where a message is received and acknowledgement of the correct message is required.

8. Say ............................... where a message is received and only acknowledgement of receipt is needed.

9. Address your call to ................................. when you are communicating with a ship whose name is unknown but its position is known.

10. You are calling a coast radio station or another ship; say the name of the other station once (twice in heavy radio traffic conditions),
then the phrase ................................ and your ship’s name twice, indicating the channel in use.

“I will use the IMO “received,

“all ships” “out” “this is”
SMCP” understood”

“change to “message not

“received” “over” “say again”
channel ...” understood”

Tuesday, February 2, 20XX Sample Footer Text 22

TASK: Work in pairs. Pick at least one and try to explain it to class.
Think up your own definitions and clues, wherever possible

1. Create dialogue with VTS centres using the local Ship Reporting
System
2. Create VHF communication with other ships to avoid collisions
with pilot stations while entering port.
3. Create communication with VTS centres for arrival.
4. Create communication with VTS centres for report.
5. Create communication with VTS centres for transit.

Tuesday, February 2, 20XX Sample Footer Text 23

Action to avoid
collision
Early, substantial and positive action which is
appropriate to the situation and that is seaman-
like and readily apparent to other vessels should
always be taken to avoid collision. Monitoring the
effectiveness of an action to avoid collision
should continue until the other vessel is finally
past and clear.

Tuesday, February 2, 20XX Sample Footer Text 24

SMCP
B E RT H I N G U N B E RT H I N G C O MMA N D S TO A S S I S T T U G S
• We will berth port side / starboard side alongside. We will
moor
• Stand by engine(s).
Are you ready to get underway? • Tug services
• ~ to buoy(s) (ahead and astern). ~ alongside. .1 How many tugs do you require? .1.1 I
~ to dolphins. • Yes, we are ready (to get underway).
require ... tug(s).
No, we are not ready (yet) ( to get
• Send out underway). We will be ready to get • .2 You must take
~ the head / stern / breast lines. ~ the ... spring(s) forward /
underway in ... minutes.
aft.
• ~ ... tug(s) according to port regulations.
• Stand by for letting go.
• Do you have tension winches?
Single up the ... lines and ... springs fore • ~ ... tug(s) fore and ... tug(s) aft.
Yes, we have tension winches (forward and aft). No, we do
not have tension winches. and aft. Slack away / hold on / heave on the
• .3 Wait for the tug(s) in position ... .
• Have the heaving lines ready forward and aft. • ~ head / stern line. ~ breast line. • .4 The tugs will meet you in position ... at ...
Send the heaving / head / stern / breast line(s) ashore. ~ fore / aft spring.
The linesmen will use shackles / lashings for securing the UTC.
mooring. Use
• Let go • .6 Tug services have been suspended until ...
• ~ the centre lead / panama lead .
~ the head / stern line. ~ the breast line. (date and time) / resumed on...(date and time).
~ the bow lead. ~ the fore / aft spring ~ all (forward / aft).
~ the port quarter / starboard quarter lead.
• Let go the towing line(s).
• Heave on the ... line(s) / ... spring(s).. Stand by bow anchor(s).
Pick up the slack on the ... line(s) / ... spring(s).. Heave Finished with manoeuvring stations.
away.
25
The way to get
started is to quit
talking and begin
doing.
Walt Disney

Tuesday, February 2, 20XX Sample Footer Text 26

Thank You
Presenter name

Email address

Website address

Tuesday, February 2, 20XX Sample Footer Text 27