MARITIME ENLISH 14 | IMO SMCP GENERAL

Summary

This script covers the IMO (International Maritime Organization) standard communication procedures for marine operations, including spelling protocols, distress signals, and specific message markers such as instructions, warnings, and requests. It emphasizes the correct usage of communication phrases, digital pronunciations, and how to handle common radio communication situations like mistakes, readiness, and repetition. Additionally, it outlines the formal procedures for providing positions, bearings, distances, and times, while avoiding ambiguous terms. The script ensures clear and standardized maritime communication to enhance safety and operational efficiency.

Takeaways

• 😀 IMO standard Marine Communication Phrases (SMCP) should be used for all communication to ensure clarity and reduce misunderstandings.
• 😀 When spelling letters, a specific table must be followed, with each letter assigned a standard word (e.g., A = Alpha, B = Bravo, etc.).
• 😀 Digits and numbers have modified pronunciations, with 'zero' as 'zero' and 'nine' as 'niner'.
• 😀 Eight standard message markers are used to categorize communication: instruction, advice, warning, information, question, answer, request, and intention.
• 😀 Affirmative responses to questions should include 'yes' followed by the complete phrase, while negative responses should include 'no'.
• 😀 Distress, urgency, and safety messages are communicated with specific signals: Mayday for distress, Pawn for urgency, and Security for safety.
• 😀 For signaling readiness, phrases like 'I am ready to receive your message' or 'I am not ready' are used.
• 😀 When a message contains a mistake, it must be corrected with the phrase 'mistake, correction' followed by the corrected information.
• 😀 Bearings should always be expressed in 360-degree notation, and positions should be described using latitude and longitude or relative bearings.
• 😀 When reporting times, use the 24-hour UTC notation, ensuring clarity on time zone differences when relevant.
• 😀 Words with multiple meanings, such as 'may', 'might', 'should', and 'can', must be used carefully to avoid ambiguity, particularly in permission requests.

Q & A

What are the standard marine communication phrases mentioned in the script?

The script outlines several IMO standard marine communication phrases, including procedures for spelling letters, message markers, distress signals, organizational phrases, and various communication responses.

How should letters be spelled out according to the IMO standard?

Letters should be spelled using a specific table: A as Alpha, B as Bravo, C as Charlie, and so on, ensuring clarity in radio communication.

How should digits and numbers be pronounced differently in the IMO standard?

Digits and numbers follow a modified pronunciation; for instance, zero is pronounced 'zero', and nine is pronounced 'Niner' to avoid confusion over radio communication.

What are the different types of message markers in marine communication?

The eight message markers are: Instruction, Advice, Warning, Information, Question, Answer, Request, and Intention.

What is the response protocol for affirmative answers in marine communication?

For an affirmative answer, the response should be 'Yes,' followed by the full phrase of the instruction or advice.

What should be done if information requested cannot be obtained?

If information cannot be obtained, the response should be 'No information' to indicate that the data is unavailable.

What is the proper way to indicate distress, urgency, or safety messages?

For distress messages, 'Mayday' should be used. For urgency messages, 'Pan Pan' is used, and for safety messages, 'Security' is used.

How should geographical locations be expressed in marine communication?

Latitude and longitude should be expressed in degrees, minutes, and decimals of a minute. For example, 'Warning, dangerous wreck in position 15 degrees 34 minutes North, 061 degrees 29 minutes West.'

What is the appropriate way to give and interpret bearings?

Bearings should be expressed in the 360-degree notation from True North, and relative bearings can be expressed in degrees relative to the vessel's head.

How should time be expressed in maritime communication?

Time should be expressed in the 24-hour UTC notation, and if local time is used in ports or harbors, it should be clearly stated.