Give an appropriate answer to each question:

1. How do people communicate with each other?

Most people think about speech when they think about communication but there are many other
ways we can also use to communicate with each other: facial expressions, gestures, writing, using
equipment, eye contact.

2. Why is communication important?

Good communications build your reputation, your credibility and your relationship with others.
Communication is the heart of every organization. Everything you do in the workplace results from
communication.
3. How is onboard communication carried out?
Communication within the ship is done by an internal telephone system or walkie-talkies.
Communication within the ship is carried out in the crew’s native language, or in case of mixed crews,
it is carried out in English.

4. How do seafarers communicate with other vessels or coast stations?

Communication over long distances can be sent by radio. Communication over short distances can
be made by both visual and sound signals.
5. Why must communication at sea be effective?
Communication at sea depend entirely on the use of language and, if it is to be effective, it would
be advisable for the participants to share a common language. Effective communication helps you to
avoid misunderstandings in any situation.

6. What does maritime communication comprise?

Maritime communication comprises communication between vessels and coast-stations, intership
communication and intraship communication.
7. How can vessels and coast-stations communicate?
Vessels and coast-stations can communicate by means of RTF, Satellite, DSC and Radio-Telex.
8. Which frequency categories are used in radio telephony?
Radio telephony uses VHF, MF and HF.
9. What is the purpose of GMDSS?
Its main purpose is to prevent accidents by providing Marine Safety Information and at least
minimize the consequences of marine accidents by means of effective communication.
10. How many systems does GMDSS consist of?
GMDSS consists of: a terrestrial and a satellite system.
11. What does the terrestrial system comprise?
The terrestrial system comprises: RTF, DSC, DPT, NAVTEX, SART.
12. What does the satellite system comprise?
The satellite system comprises: Inmarsat, COSPAS/SARSAT, EPIRBs and STAREC.
13. What does a Distress alert indicate and how is it referred to?
A DISTRESS message is used to indicate that there is serious and immediate danger for vessel,
crew and passengers. A DISTRESS ALERT is also referred to as a “MAYDAY”.
14. What does an Urgency message indicate and how is it referred to?
An URGENCY message indicates that there is serious danger for vessel, crew and passengers.
This message is also referred to as a “PAN PAN” message.
15. What does a Safety message refer to?
A SAFETY message indicates that there is imminent risk for navigation. A SAFETY message is
also referred to as a “SECURITE” message.

16. What does a GMDSS vessel stand for?

 GMDSS vessels include all vessels engaged on international voyages. GMDSS vessels announce
a message by means of DSC.

17. What is the difference between GMDSS and Non-GMDSS vessels?

The difference between the two lies merely in the way communication is initiated, for example the
announcement of a message. Non-GMDSS vessels announce a message by means of VHF. GMDSS
vessels announce a message by means of DSC.

18. Why is it important to share a common vocabulary on board ship?

Without a common vocabulary, sharing ideas becomes almost impossible. Common vocabulary is
essential, because we have to find a way to accommodate for other modes of thought and other
cultures in the process, while still being able to communicate our thoughts clearly.

19. What do you understand by Standard Marine Communication Phrases?

By SMCP I understand a set of phrases that are used to standardize the language used in
communication for navigation at sea, in port approaches, waterways and harbours, and on board
vessels with multilingual crews.

20. What type of information do you think these phrases cover?

The phrases cover the relevant communication safety aspects laid down in SOLAS and STCW
conventions.
21. Do you think that a proper command of these phrases will reduce the risk of maritime
accidents? Why?
Yes, because in emergency and other situations developing under considerable pressure of time
or psychological stress using a command in standard English will leave place for misunderstandings
and lexical mistakes.
22. What is the difference between Repeat and Say again in VHF communication?
Repeat: If any part of the message is considered sufficiently important to need safeguarding.
Say again: When a message is not properly heard.

23. What does Stand by! imply in VHF- communication?

-When the information requested is not immediately available
-When it is advisable to remain on a VHF Channel/frequency.
-To be in readiness or prepared to execute an order; to be readily available

24. When is a received mayday transmitted?

When you receive a distress alert acknowledgement from RCC, you must transmit a
“RECEIVED MAYDAY” on VHF to the distressed vessel.

25. When is a supplementary received mayday transmitted?

When a vessel that transmited a “Received Mayday” is “able to comply” (is within short range of
the distressed vessel, gives her identification, position, speed, ETA at the distressed vessel and any
other important information).

26. When must a Mayday Relay be transmitted?

When a vessel has noticed that a vessel in distress is not able to transmit a Distress Alert.

27. Who transmits a Silence Fini message?

The RCC.
What do the following abbreviations stand for?
A) GMDSS – Global Maritime Distress And Safety System
B) VHF – Very High Frequency
C) MF – Medium Frequency
D) HF – High Frequency
E) SOLAS – Safety of Life at Sea
F) EPIRB – Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon
G) SART – Search and Rescue Transponder
H) STAREC – Status Recording-System
I) SAR – Search and Rescue
J) DPT – Direct Printing Telegraphy
K) SMCP – Standard Marine Communication Phrases
L) RTF – Radio-Telephony
M) NAVTEX - Navigational Telex
N) ETD – Estimated Time of Departure & ETA – Estimated Time of Arrival
O) VTS – Vessel Traffic Services
P) OOW – Officer of the Watch
Q) OSC – On-Scene-Coordinator
R) CPA – Closest Point of Approach
S) IMO – International Maritime Organization
T) MMSI – Maritime Mobile Service Identity Number
U) MRCC – Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre
V) UTC – Universal Time Co-ordinated
Rewrite these sentences into the Seaspeak format:

a) Large vessel leaving. Keep clear of the approach channel.

Advice: Keep clear of the approach channel. Reason: Large vessel leaving.

b) At what time do you expect to arrive at the harbour entrance?

Question: What is your ETA?

c) I will attempt rescue by Breeches-buoy.

Intention: I will attempt rescue by Breeches-buoy.

d) You did say your length was two hundred metres, didn’t you?

Request: Please confirm that your length is two zero zero metres.

e) It would be better for you to pass ahead of me as I am slowing down.

Advice: Please pass ahead of me. Reason: I am slowing down.

f) I’m afraid that shore based radar assistance is not available.

Information: Shore based radar assistance is not available.

g) Ok. Thanks for the warning. I’ll keep a look out for wreckage.

Warning received: I will keep a look out for wreckage.

Transform the following sentences into SMCPs:

1) Fire cannot be extinguished by the vessel’s own equipment.

I require fire-fighting assistance.
2) Six crewmembers have been injured.
Number of injured: six.
3) Three crewmembers were killed.
Number of casualties: three.
4) Vessel has had a collision with an unknown object.
I collided with unknown object.
5) Vessel is adrift.
I am not under command.
6) Vessel is being attacked by pirates.
I am under attack by pirates.
7) No damage has been caused to the ship and the vessel will continue her voyage.
I have no damage. I will continue the voyage.
8) Someone has fallen overboard.
Person overboard.
9) Vessel asks for medical assistance.
I require medical assistance.
10) Vessel asks for helicopter with doctor.
I require helicopter with doctor.
11) Message from RCC: helicopter is airborne and on its way.
Helicopter is on its way.
12) The helicopter is going to use a rescue sling.
Helicopter will use hoist.
13) Fire has been detected in number 3 hold. The smoke is poisonous.
Fire in hold three. Toxic smoke.
14) Water is entering the ship below the waterline.
I am flooding below waterline.
15) Vessel is heeling over 20 degrees to port side; deck cargo will be put overboard.
I have a dangerous list to port. I will jettison cargo.
16) Vessel is unable to continue her voyage. Tug assistance is needed.
Vessel is not under command. I require tug assistance.
17) The crew are leaving vessel after the vessel has had a collision.
I must abandon ship after collision.
18) Vessel is damaged below waterline, but she is able to continue her voyage without
assistance.
I have damage below waterline. I can proceed without assistance.
19) SRU Vendor will be the on-scene coordinator.
OSC is SRU Vendor.
20) Vendor displays an orange flag and two red vertical lights.
Vendor signals orange flag and two red vertical lights.

21) SRU is underway to distress position to render assistance. Her position is 60 degr. 29
min. S/ 030 degr. 53 min. E., her course is 135 degrees, her speed is 12 knots. ETA
within 1 hour.
SRU is able to comply. Position six zero degrees two nine minutes south / zero three
zero degrees five three minutes east. Course one three five degrees. Speed one two
knots. ETA one hour.
22) Request all ships to assist with search for missing person and report any result to On-
scene Coordinator.
All ships assist with search for missing person and report to OSC.
23) Weather in distress position: wind SW 3; visibility is moderate; the sea is smooth;
current 2.5 knots to SW.
Weather in distress position: force Beaufort 3, from direction SW, moderate visibility,
smooth sea, current two decimal five knots to SW.

24) End of SAR operations. The search for missing person is stopped; no one was found
SAR operations ended. No one found.
25) Vessel is unmanoeuvrable due to problems with main engine.
I am not under command. Main engine is defective.
26) Other traffic in the vicinity is asked to keep clear.
Keep clear in my vicinity.
27) Vessel is losing dangerous substance (IMO – class 6).
I am spilling dangerous goods of IMO class six.
28) There is immediate risk of pollution.
Danger of pollution.
29) We are performing dangerous operation is posn. 69 degr. 29 min. N / 042 degr. 53 min.
E. Traffic is requested to keep distance from us.
Dangerous operation in position six nine degrees two nine minutes north / zero four
two degrees five three minutes east. Keep clear of me.
30) Visibility is reduced due to fog.
Visibility is restricted by fog.
 Match the terms on the left to their definitions on the right, then give
the Romanian equivalent for each of them and provide contexts of use:

jettison throw goods overboard

slings ropes, nets, and any other means for handling general cargoes
------------------------------ ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
air draft = opera moarta the height from the waterline to the highest point of the vessel
strippin final pumping of tank’s residues
beach (to) to run a vessel up on a beach to prevent its sinking in deep water
wreck a vessel which has been destroyed, sunk or abandoned at sea
datum the plane of reference to which all data as to the depth on charts are
referenced
backing (of wind) shift of wind direction in an anticlockwise manner, for example from
north to west (opposite of veering)
derelict a vessel still afloat, abandoned at sea
hoist a cable used by helicopters for lifting or lowering persons in a pick-up
operation
shackle length of chain cable measuring 15 fathoms
hatchrails ropes supported by stanchions around an open hatch to
prevent persons from falling into a hold
bob cat = stivuitor a mini-caterpillar with push-blade used for the careful
distribution of loose goods in cargo holds of bulk carriers
berth = dana the place assigned to a vessel when anchored or lying
alongside a pier, etc.
check to to regulate motion of a cable, rope or wire when it is
running out too fast
(vessel) constrained by a vessel severely restricted by her draught in her ability to deviate from
her draft the course followed in relation to the available depth and width of
navigable water
adrift = in deriva uncontrolled movement at sea under the influence of current, tide or wind
cable = cablu (unit) one hundred fathoms or one tenth of a nautical mile
blind sector an area which cannot be scanned by the ship’s radar because it is shielded
by parts of the superstructure, masts, etc.
list = canarisire inclination of the vessel to starboard side or portside
disabled = dezafectat a vessel damaged or impaired in such a manner as to be incapable of
proceeding on its voyage
draft = pescaj depth in water at which a vessel floats
foul (of anchor) anchor has its own cable twisted around it or has fouled an obstruction
damage control team a group of crew members trained for fighting flooding in the vessel
dragging (of anchor) moving of an anchor over the sea bottom involuntarily because it is no
longer preventing the movement of the vessel

Fill in the blanks with one suitable word:

 1. I will ...jettison...cargo to stop listing.
2. MV Christina ..requires.. tug assistance.
3. Keep ..sharp.. lookout and report to the Master.
4. They are ...performing... radar search.
5. What is the result of the search? The result of search is positive. Distressed..vessel in
position 018 degr.21 min. N, 23 degr. 12 min. S.
6. I will proceed to pick up the survivors. ...Prepare... lifeboats.
7. In smooth water and when sailing straight ahead the ship is usually at .even. keel.
8. …Rocky...ground is reported in the anchorage.
9. By ..air.. draft is understood the distance from the water line to the highest point of
the vessel.
10. Please check the ..loading..gear before commencing cargo operations.
11. The surface of the cargo is constantly made equal by special pumps in …any…
circumstances.
12. The pilot will .con. the ship that has requested pilotage.
13. The pilot …station….is waiting for the incoming vessel.
14. M V Ulysses …set…sail last week.
15. During the voyage they met with …heavy...swell.
16. Sailing in …crowded….waters requires avoiding crossing vessels.
17. The ship was deviated from the course by the …underwater….currents.
18. The master asked the bosun to …drop...the chain.
19. The shore …cranes...are prepared to load the ship.
20. Five minutes ago we received a gale …warning.. .

Correct the following VTS standard phrases by supplying the required word:

a) Dangerous mine adrift. Hazardous mine adrift.

b) Large berth required. Wide berth required.
c) Hindered vessel in position 12 degr, 34 min. N / 014 degr. 23 min E.
Distressed vessel in position one two degrees three four minutes north / zero one four
degrees two three minutes east.
d) What is your present track? What is your present course?
e) Have you swapped course? Have you altered course?
f) You must rise anchor. You must heave up anchor.
g) You are allowed to anchor at 1530 hrs UTC.
You have permission to anchor at 1530 hours UTC.
h) Large vessel is leaving the fairway- stand clear of the fairway approach.
Large vessel leaving the fairway- keep clear of the fairway approach.
i) Your course is deviating from the radar reference lane.
Your course is deviating from the radar reference line.
Distress, urgency and safety messages.

Safety:
SECURITE SECURITE SECURITE
ALL STATIONS, ALL STATIONS, ALL STATIONS
This is MV Explorer –Golf Bravo Uniform Tango
MV Explorer –Golf Bravo Uniform Tango
MV Explorer –Golf Bravo Uniform Tango

My position bearing two five nine degrees from Falls Light, distance one decimal five
miles.
Time: April twenty – one three four five hrs. UTC.
Information: Buoy Foxtrot Lima – one in position two five nine degrees from Falls
Light, distance two miles, missing.

OUT

Urgency:
PAN PAN- PAN PAN- PAN PAN
ALL STATIONS, ALL STATIONS, ALL STATIONS
This is MV Garland –Golf Foxtrot Charlie Charlie
MV Garland –Golf Foxtrot Charlie Charlie
MV Garland –Golf Foxtrot Charlie Charlie

My position five six degrees one eight minutes N/ zero degrees three seven minutes E.
I am manoeuvring with difficulty. I have problems with main engine.
I require tug assistance.
Advice: all ships keep clear.

OVER

Distress:
Mayday:

Mayday Mayday Mayday

This is: Vincente - Papa Alfa Bravo Charlie

Vincente - Papa Alfa Bravo Charlie

Vincente - Papa Alfa Bravo Charlie

Mayday
My position (is): latitude: three six degrees two one minutes N / longitude: zero zero nine
degrees five three minutes W. Vessel on fire.

I require fire-fighting assistance.

Number of crew on board: one eight.

Number of injured persons: three.

OVER / MAYDAY

Received Mayday:

MAYDAY

Pearl Head Pearl Head Pearl Head – Victor Romeo Sierra Echo

This is Ocean Queen Ocean Queen Ocean Queen- India Romeo Sierra Lima

RECEIVED MAYDAY

“Received Mayday” (supplementary)

MAYDAY

Pearl Head Pearl Head Pearl Head – Victor Romeo Sierra Echo

This is Ocean Queen Ocean Queen Ocean Queen- India Romeo Sierra Lima

Information:

My position: bearing zero four five degrees from distress position – distance three miles.

My course: zero three five degrees; my speed: one two knots.

ETA distress position is within two five minutes.

OVER

Mayday Relay:

MAYDAY RELAY – MAYDAY RELAY – MAYDAY RELAY

Aveiro Radio - Aveiro Radio - Aveiro Radio

This is Ocean Queen Ocean Queen Ocean Queen – India Romeo Sierra Lima

MAYDAY

Vessel in position three eight degrees one zero minutes north / zero one eight degrees one
zero minutes East is on fire.

MAYDAY RELAY
Silence Mayday:

MAYDAY

ALL STATIONS –ALL STATIONS –ALL STATIONS

This is Aveiro Radio.

Time: one three one five hours UTC –

SILENCE MAYDAY

Silence Fini:

MAYDAY

All stations- all stations –all stations-

This is Aveiro Radio.

Time: one four three zero hours UTC.

Pearl Head –Victor Romeo Sierra Echo-

SILENCE FINI