GROUP 2

RADIO COMMUNICATION WITH OTHER VESSELS FOR

NAVIGATION AND SAFETY PURPOSES
Motor vessel Sofia preparation for departure in Vietnam at 1200 Hotel
Captain: (Radio announcement on board) Attention all crew members, this is the
captain speaking. We are about to depart in 20 minutes before that please ensure
that all equipment are properly stowed and secured, and that you are familiar with
your assigned stations and responsibilities in case of emergency.
Always remember “that when in doubt call the master” thank you for your
attention. Fair winds and following seas to us all.
The captain called the chief mate to make sure that the equipment for
communication is functional and ready to use.
Captain: Calling the attention of first mate Tiu please meet me at the bridge.
Chief Officer: Good day captain this Chief mate Tiu reporting. How can I help
cap?
Captain: I have a task for you, I need you to make sure that the VHF radio is
working and fully functional for communication.
Chief Officer: I’ll work on it, captain!
The chief officer is checking the radio communications or the VHF radio if it
is working properly (VHF stands for Very high frequency radio)
Captain: What is the update on the radio?
Chief Officer: All radio communication system including VHF Channel 16 is
working properly sir.
Captain: Nice work chief, I have a question for you chief, what is the use of VFH
channel 16 on board?
Chief Officer: VHF channel 16 is designated as the national distress, safety and
calling frequency, it is used communicate with other vessels during navigation.
Captain: You never fail to impress me chief! You are undoubtedly prepared to
become a captain, especially now that I will soon be retiring, and it relieves me that
someone will step forward to take my position.
Chief Officer: Oh, please captain, that is so flattering. But if I was offered to be a
captain, I would gladly accept it.
The ship set sail on its voyage.
During the maneuvering on departing the port they encountered a situation
that needed immediate response. The port accidentally let 2 vessel, MV Sofia
and MV Ocean depart at the same time proceeding in a narrow channel.
Second officer: Captain! The radar shows that MV ocean is on a collision course
with our vessel.
Captain: Be ready to Initiate maneuvers and radio them immediately!
Second officer: MV Ocean, MV Ocean, MV Ocean this MV Sofia MV Sofia
over.
Third officer (MV Ocean) : MV Sofia, this is MV ocean, what are your
intentions. Over.
Second officer: We are currently on a collision course, please state your course
and speed. Over.
Third officer (MV Ocean): our speed is 12.5 knots proceeding at 270 degrees.
Over.
Second officer: To avoid collision please maintain your course and speed as we
tail your ship since we cannot overtake due to the narrow channel. Over.
Third officer (MV Ocean): Affirmative, maintaining course and speed. Over.
10 minutes later both ships safely passed through the narrow channel and left
the port. The second officer gave an update to the captain about the status of
the vessel.
Captain: Calling the attention of 2nd mate please proceed to my office.
Captain: What is the status of our ship 2nd?
Second officer: Our course is 90 degrees heading north with a speed of 15 nautical
miles. We are currently clear of traffic, only one ship detected on the radar with a
CPA of 5.1 nautical miles.
Captain: What is the bearing of the target?
Second officer: 183 degrees west.
Captain: Keep track of the vessel and update me at 1200 H
Second officer: Affirmative captain.
The MV Sofia is already at open sea travelling from Vietnam to Taiwan, but
due to the conflict between the Philippines and China in the West Philippine
Sea, we’ll have a hard time crossing the sea due to Chinese coast guards
patrolling the area.
2nd Officer: Captain, there are Chinese Coast Guards heading to our vessel.
Captain: Ready the VHF channel and contact their vessel.
2nd Officer: Affirmative Captain.
2nd Officer: Coast Guard Station 1 this is MV Sofia, I repeat this is
MV Sofia, requesting permission to navigate these waters Over.
Coastguard: MV Sofia, MV Sofia this is CCG 1 this is CCG 1
State your vessel's position and next port.
2nd Officer: Our vessel's position is at 90-degree North 110-degree East, Heading
to Taiwan.
Coast Guard: MV Sofia you are cleared to go, Monitor VHF channel 16 for
immediate assistance. Safe journey, over.
2nd Officer: Coast Guard understood monitoring VHF Channel 16. Thank you,
over and out.
While underway the MV Sofia encountered two vessels, the Chinese and
Philippine Coast Guard Confronting each other.
Captain: (Observing the confrontation ahead) Attention all crew, we are
approaching a situation involving two coast guard vessels. Stand by for further
instructions and remain calm.
Cadet: Captain, it looks like the Chinese Coast Guard and the Philippine coast
guard vessel are confronting each other.
Captain: Understood. Keep a safe distance and maintain course for now. We'll
monitor the situation closely and await instructions from the coast guards.
Cadet: Captain, both coast guard vessels seem to be signaling us. What should we
do?
Captain: (Activating the marine VHF radio) "This is MV Sofia to both coast guard
vessels. We are a civilian vessel enroute to Taiwan. We request permission to pass
through the area safely. Over.
Philippine Coast Guard: MV Sofia, this is Philippine Coast Guard Vessel. We
advise you to hold your position and await further instructions. We are working to
resolve the situation peacefully. Over."
Captain: Acknowledged. We will hold our position and await further instructions.
Over and out.
Motor vessel Sofia safely passed through the west Philippines sea after they
were given permission by the coast guard to pass the area.
As the ship drew nearer to the port, anticipation buzzed among the crew. On
deck, sailors bustled about, securing ropes, and preparing for docking, their
voices carrying on the sea breeze.
Motor vessel Sofia then arrived in Taiwan at 17:00 H The vessel arrived ahead
of time and without any damages despite of the situations they have
encountered.
Their voyage was successful due to the coordination and expertise of the
officers on how to handle emergency situations, especially in navigating safely
and communicating with other vessel in their vicinity.
Communication between vessels at sea is not just a matter of convenience; it's
a vital component of maritime safety and navigation. As ships navigate the
vast expanses of the ocean, they often encounter each other, sometimes in post
proximity. In these encounters, effective communication becomes essential to
prevent collisions, coordinate maneuvers, and ensure the safe passage of all
vessels involved.