Académique Documents
Professionnel Documents
Culture Documents
Standard Marine
Navigational Vocabulary
incorporating
all amendments adopted by the
Maritime Safety Committee
up to and including
its fifty-first session
(May 1985)
INTRODUCTION
These phrases are not intended to supplant or contradict the International Regulations for
Preventing Collisions at Sea or special local Rules or Recommendations made by IM0
concerning ships’ routeing. Neither are they intended to supersede the International Code
of Signals and the Radio Regulations nor to supplant normal radiotelephone practice as
set out in the ITU Regulations.
It is not intended that use of the vocabulary shall be mandatory, but rather through constant
repetition in ships and in training establishments ashore, that the phrases and terms used
will become those normally accepted and commonplace among seamen. Use of the
contents of the vocabulary should be made as often as possible in preference to other
wording of similar meaning.
The typographical conventions used throughout most of this vocabulary are as follows:
() brackets indicate that the part of the message enclosed within the brackets
may be added where it is relevant.
/ oblique stroke indicates that the items on either side of the stroke are
alternatives.
... dots indicate that the relevant information is to be filled in where the dots
occur.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
PART I - GENERAL 1
1. Procedure/Message markers................................................................................. 1
2. Standard Verbs........................................................................................................ 2
3. Responses................................................................................................................ 3
4. Distress/Urgency/Safety messages ...................................................................... 3
5. Miscellaneous Phrases ........................................................................................... 4
6. Repetition.................................................................................................................. 4
7. Position..................................................................................................................... 5
8. Courses..................................................................................................................... 5
9. Bearings.................................................................................................................... 5
10. Distances.................................................................................................................. 6
11. Speed ....................................................................................................................... 6
12. Numbers ................................................................................................................... 6
13. Geographical Names .............................................................................................. 6
14. Time .......................................................................................................................... 6
PART II - GLOSSARY 7
1. General...................................................................................................................... 7
2. Terms used in ships’ routeing................................................................................. 9
PART III - PHRASE VOCABULARY FOR EXTERNAL COMMUNICATION 13
PART 1
GENERAL
1. Procedure/Message markers
When it is necessary to indicate that phrases in this Vocabulary are to be used, the
following messages may be sent:
1
WARNING indicates that the following message informs other traffic
participants about dangers
ADVICE Indicates that the following message implies the intention of the
sender to influence the recipient(s) by a recommendation
2. Standard Verbs
Where possible, sentences should be introduced by one of the following verb forms:
IMPERATIVE
2
3. Responses
Where the information is not immediately available but soon will be, say:
“Stand by”.
“No information”.
“Say again”
4. Distress/Urgency/Safety messages
3
5. Miscellaneous Phrases
5.9 Correction . . .
6. Repetition
4
“Do not, repeat, not overtake”.
7. Position
When latitude and longitude are used, these shall be expressed in degrees and
minutes (and decimals of a minute if necessary), North or South of the Equator and
East or West of Greenwich.
When the position is related to a mark, the mark shall be a well-defined charted
object. The bearing shall be in the 360 degree notation from True North and shall
be that of the position FROM the mark.
“Your position is 137 degrees from Barr Head lighthouse distance two
decimal four miles.”
8. Courses
Always to be expressed in 360 degree notation from North (True North unless
otherwise stated). Whether this is TO or FROM a mark can be stated.
9. Bearings
The bearing of the mark or vessel concerned, is the bearing in the 360 degree
notation from North (True North unless otherwise stated), except in the case of
relative bearings. Bearings may be either FROM the mark or FROM the vessel.
Note: Vessels reporting their position should always quote their bearing FROM
the mark, as described in paragraph 7.
Relative Bearings
5
Relative D/F bearings are more commonly expressed in the 360 degree notation.
10. Distances
11. Speed
To be expressed in knots:
12. Numbers
Place names used should be those on the chart or Sailing Directions in use. Should
these not be understood, latitude and longitude should be given.
14. Time
Times should be expressed in the 24 hour notation indicating whether UTC, zone
time or local shore time is being used.
6
PART II
GLOSSARY
1. General
Dragging (of An anchor moving over the sea bottom involuntarily because
anchor it is anchor no longer preventing the movement of the vessel.
Dredging Anchor Vessel moving, under control, with anchor moving along the
sea bottom.
Foul (anchor) Anchor has its own cable twisted around it or has fouled an
obstruction.
Foul (propeller) A line, wire, net, etc. is wound round the propeller.
7
Hampered Vessel A vessel restricted in her ability to manoeuvre by the nature of
her work.
8
2. Terms used in ships’ routeing
Attention is drawn to the following terms which are regularly used in communications
regarding ships routeing and are defined in the General Provisions on Ships Routeing.
- Two-way-route
9
SKETCH 1
10
SKETCH 2
11
SKETCH 3
12
PART Ill
1. Warnings
1.8 It is dangerous to . . .
(stop)
(remain in present position)
(alter course to starboard)
(alter course to port)
(approach close to my vessel)
(. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .).
13
1.11 Large vessel leaving. Keep clear of approach channel.
2. Assistance
2.3 I am on fire . . .
(in the engine-room)
(in the hold)
(in the cargo tanks)
(in the accommodation)
(in the living spaces)
(. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .)
2.4 I have lost a man overboard (at . . . ). Help with search and rescue.
14
2.5 What is your position?
What is the position of the vessel in distress?
2.7 I require . . .
(a lifeboat)
(a helicopter)
(medical assistance*)
(fire-fighting assistance)
(a tug)
(tugs)
(. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . )
*Note: Further messages should be made using the Medical Section of the
International Code of Signals.
2.10 Send a . . .
(boat)
(raft).
15
2.15 I will attempt rescue by Breeches-buoy.
2.21 You must keep radio silence in this area unless you have messages
about the casualty.
CHAPTER B - GENERAL
3. Anchoring
16
You must anchor
(at . . . hours)
(in . . . position)
(until pilot arrives)
(until tug(s) arrive(s))
(until there is sufficient water)
(. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .).
17
3.20 I have slipped my anchor (and cable) (and buoyed it) in position . . .
I have lost my anchor (and cable) (and buoyed it) in position . . .
4.7 My destination is . . .
18
There is a vessel manoeuvring at . . .
4.25 I am underway.
5. Course
19
5.2 My course is . . .
6.2 My draught is . . .
20
I have a list to starboard of . . . degrees.
6.10 My freeboard is . . .
Note 1: When necessary it must be specified whether salt or fresh water draught
is given.
Note 2: Air draught is the highest point of the vessel’s structure above the
waterline.
7 a) Fairway Navigation
21
7.7 I am crossing the fairway from . . . to . . .
7.8 I am passing . . .
22
23
b) Canal and Lock Operations
24
8. Manoeuvring
The use of these messages does not relieve vessels of their obligations to comply
with local bye-laws and the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at
Sea.
25
8.16 I will alter course to port.
I will alter course to starboard.
26
8.28 I will pass North of . . . vessel.
I will pass South of . . . vessel.
I will pass East of . . . vessel.
I will pass West of . . .vessel.
I will pass North of . . . mark.
I will pass South of . . . mark.
I will pass East of . . . mark.
I will pass West of . . . mark.
9. Pilotage
27
9.9 Pilot is coming to you.
9.22 Stop where you are and wait for the pilot.
10. Position
10.3 My position is . . .
28
Your position is . . .
29
11.3 I do not have radar.
11.14 My position is . . .
*
This message may only be used when the vessel is positively identified.
30
Shore-based radar assistance is not available.
31
11.21 I am at way point . . ., course . . ., speed . . .
I am at reporting point . . ., course . . ., speed . . .
I am at C. I. P. . . ., course. . ., speed . . .
I am approaching way point . . ., course . . ., speed . . .
I am approaching reporting point . . ., course . . ., speed . . .
I am approaching C.I.P. . . ., course. . ., speed . . .
32
11.35 Your position is buoy number . . . distance: . . . metres
PORT/STARBOARD from reference line . . . track . . . diverging from
reference line.
33
12.10 There is a vessel with a difficult tow on passage from . . . to . . .
34
12.21 There is a vessel not under command in position . . .
There is a vessel not under command in area . . .
12.24 Advise you keep clear of sea area . . . search and rescue in
operation.
13. Routeing
35
13.8 There is a vessel anchored ahead of you in position . . .
14. Speed
36
14.10 I am increasing speed.
37
15.10 Tide is setting in direction . . .
16.5 What is the position, direction and speed of the tropical storm centre
(name)?
16.6 The tropical storm centre (name) was (at . . . hours) in position . . .
moving . . . at . . . knots.
38
17. Tugs
19. Weather
39
19.4 Is the wind expected to change?
19.7 The wind at . . . will increase to force . . . within the next . . . hours.
The wind at . . .will decrease to force . . . within the next . . . hours.
The wind at . . . will increase to speed . . . within the next . . . hours.
The wind at . . . will decrease to speed . . . within the next . . .hours.
19.15 Are sea conditions expected to change within the next hours?
40
19.16 Sea is expected to increase within the next . . . hours.
Swell is expected to increase within the next . . . hours.
Sea is expected to decrease within the next . . . hours.
Swell is expected to decrease within the next . . .hours.
CHAPTER C - SPECIAL
20. Fishing
20.1 Navigate with caution small fishing boats are within . . . miles of me.
41
21. Helicopters
21.15 I am landing.
I am commencing operation.
22 Ice-Breakers
42
If there is more than one vessel being assisted, ice-breaker commands concerning
all the vessels in a convoy are to be immediately obeyed and repeated
consecutively by each vessel in turn. Ice-breaker commands applying to a single
vessel in a convoy are repeated only by that vessel.
43
ICE-BREAKER ASSISTED VESSEL(S)
5. Proceed along the ice channel. I am proceeding along the ice channel.
7. Do not follow me. Proceed along the ice I will not follow you; I will proceed along the
channel. ice channel.
44
may be given.
14. Shorten the distance between vessels to I am shortening the distance between
. . . cables/metres. vessels to . . . cables/metres.
15. Increase the distance between vessels I am increasing the distance between
to . . . cables/metres. vessels to . . . cables/metres.
16. Prepare to receive tow line. I will prepare to receive tow line.
Prepare to cast off tow line. I will prepare to cast off tow line.
18. Stop vessel to receive tow line. I will stop and receive tow line.
Stop vessel to cast off tow line. I will stop and cast off tow line.
45
*Reason/time may be given.
46
PART IV
All wheel orders given should be repeated by the helmsman and the officer of the
watch should ensure that they are carried out correctly and immediately. All wheel
orders should be held until countermanded. The helmsman should report
immediately if the vessel does not answer the wheel*.
Order Meaning
*
When there is concern that the helmsman is inattentive he should be questioned and
he should respond in accordance with the terminology in Part III, sub-paragrahs 5.1 and 5.2
of the Standard Marine Navigational Vocabulary: This is a reminder to the helmsman to
mind his helm.
47
1.12 Starboard twenty-five 25’ of starboard rudder to be held.
When the officer of the watch requires a course to be steered by compass, the
direction in which he wants the wheel turned should be stated followed by each
numeral being said separately, including zero, for example:
48
On receipt of an order to steer, for example, 182° the helmsman should repeat it
and bring the ship round steadily to the course ordered. When the ship is steady on
the course ordered, the helmsman is to call out:
The person giving the order should acknowledge the helmsman’s call out.
The helmsman should repeat the order and when steady on the mark call out:
The person giving the order should acknowledge the helmsman’s call out.
Any engine order given should be repeated by the person operating the bridge
telegraph(s) and the officer of the watch should ensure the order is carried out
correctly and immediately.
49
2.7 Slow astern Revolutions as indicated in ship’s
orders.
In ships fitted with twin propellers, the word “both” should be added to all orders
affecting both shafts, e.g. “Full ahead both”, and “Slow astern both”, except that the
words “Stop all engines” should be used, when appropriate. When required to
manoeuvre twin propellers independently, this should be indicated, i.e. “Full ahead
starboard”, “Half astern port”, etc.
Where bow thrusters are used, the following orders are used:
Order Meaning
2.13 Bow thrust full (half) to port Ship’s head to move to port with
power as specified.
2.14 Bow thrust full (half) to Ship’s head to move to starboard with
starboard power as specified.
2.15 Stern thrust full (half) to port Ship’s stern to move to port with
power as specified.
2.16 Stern thrust full (half) to Ship’s stern to move to starboard with
starboard. power as specified.
50
2.17 Bow (stern) thrust stop No bow (stern) thrust revolutions.
Note: For vessels with variable pitch propellers, the meaning of the order would
include the combination of pitch and revolutions as indicated in ship’s
orders.
3. Pilotage
4. Manoeuvring
4.3 What are the advance and transfer distance in a crash stop?
51
4.5 Is the turning effect of the propeller very strong?
4.7 What notice is required to reduce from full sea speed to manoeuvring
revolutions?
5. Propulsion system
5.3 How long does it take to change the engine from ahead to astern?
5.4 How long does it take to start the engine from stopped?
52
5.5 Is there extra power available in emergency while manoeuvring?
6. Anchoring
a) Going to anchor
53
6.10 Drop port/starboard/both anchor(s).
54
6.30 How many shackles are left (to come in)?
7. Berthing/unberthing
a) General
b) Berthing
55
7.13 Do you have tension winches forward/aft on all/some lines?
7.15 Send a heaving line/the head line/the stern line/the breast line ashore
to the boatmen/linesmen.
56
7.33 We are in position.
57
c) Unberthing
8. Radar
58
8.6 Switch your radar to:
- relative head up
- relative north up
- relative course up
- true north up
- true course up
9. Tugs
9.5 The forward tug will make fast alongside on the port/starboard side.
9.6 The after tug(s) will make fast alongside on the port/starboard side.
59
9.16 Slack away the towing line.
9.18 Put/do not put the eye of the towing line on the bitts.
Note 1: When necessary it must be specified whether salt or fresh water draught
is given.
Note 2: “Air draught” is the height of the highest point of the vessel above the
waterline (see sketch 2).
60