DISTRESS COMMUNICATIONS, SAR, URGENCY TRAFFIC

I. Complete the sentences:

1. I am sinking after ..
2. Crew must abandon vessel after ..
3. Keep sharp lookout for .
4. MV is spilling ..
5. Navigation is dangerous in area due to .
6. Buoy No in psn .. .
7. Located a vessel in psn .
8. I require a helicopter .
9. I am making identification signals by .
10. I will use hoist/
II. What is the question/instruction to the following statements:
1. No persons injured.
2. I expect to refloat with tug assistance.
3. I have damage to navigational equipment.
4. No persons will stay on board.
5. Sighted vsl in position .
III. Send an appropriate message.
1. MT Seawolf (HR6F) has collided with the CV Rocky Island- 24 52 N, 149 05 E. The ship has developed a
dangerous list of 24 degrees to port;
- send an appropriate message and decide on the kind of help you will require;
- crew is leaving the ship into lifeboats.
2. You are the OOW on board MV SHARK. You are not sure the distress message from MT SEAWOLF has been
responded and are going to re-transmit the initial distress message from the MT Seawolf. Give the time of receipt of the
distress call.
3. You are DIANA 5, call sign PDQE. You are suffering from engine trouble in position bearing north of Northinder
lightvessel, distance 3 miles. Need immediate tug assistance. Vessels must keep a sharp lookout.
IV. Reply to message:
1. Reply to an instruction stating to leave the fairway that you cannot because you have an engine breakdown. Ask for
tugs.
2. Report that your stability is impaired due to ice packs ahead of you and ask for assistance.
3. Report to the coast guard that because of engine failure you are drifting. You will probably be underway in an hour.
V. Role-play. Intership communication.
1./ . /
..... ..... . ,
.
2. / . / . .
3. / . .
VI. Make a role-play on the following situation:
Colander Two - a ship in distress sinking. Cargo dangerous pollutant chemicals. Poses danger to environment. Persons
on board 26. Endeavouring helicopter rescue because there is heavy pollution in water. Request long range helicopter
which will transfer survivors to Gaynor W which has large helicopter pad. You are HMCS Margaret. Give info to VTS St
John's.
You are HMS Sarah W - vsl in the vicinity. Ask about: distress position; OSC; vessels standing by; distress traffic
channel.
VI. Make up a dialogue using the cue cards.
... ... .
.
,

... ... .
...,
.

 , :

,
;

:
;
;
;
;
;
;
;
20 .

SAFETY COMMUNICATIONS
I. Complete the sentences:
1. MV... tries to proceed.............
2. Visibility is expected to.............in your position.
3. The charted depth of water is.............due to.............
4. .............in position .... Wide berth requested.
5. Gunnery / rocket firing /.............in area bounded by... (positions) from ... (date and time) to... (date and time)
6. Small fishing boats in area around ... -.............
7. Sea smooth/............swell slight/..........metres from ...(cardinal points .
8. Area around... temporarily closed.............
II. Differentiate between:
backing (wind)
veering (wind)
beach
strand
off station
removed (of seamarks)
leaking
spilling
mist
fog
III. Explain:
flooding
retreat signal
off air
a hoist

to recover
transhipment
to make water
sighting

IV. What is the question/instruction to the following statements:

1. The wind in your psn is expected to increase.
2. The barometer is steady.
3. Visibility is restricted by mist.
4. Yes, fishing gear with buoys in psn. Navigate with caution.
5. Ready for helicopter in .. minutes.
V. Role-play. Intership communication.
1.
/ , . /
. , .
2.
VTS, , .
. .
3.
,
.
4.
/ . / . , 5 ,
.
5.
, :
.
. .... .
. . 300 .... .
.

VI. Translate:
1. , .
2. .
3. ?
4. ... / /.
5. // , ..... ..... .
6. ..... / . .
7. .
8. .
9. 10 . .
10. .
VI. Send an appropriate message
VTS Marseille Traffic 1200 UTC. :
: 4 , - 2 , , - 1 ,
. - 1015 , .
: C Landfall Buoy.
.
: (withdraw from pilotage).
2.
: 270 . 2.5
. .
:
Alpha - Securite
Echo - Weather
Foxtrot - Pilot
Lima Traffic
VI. Make up dialogue using the scenario:
/ "" 130 ,
, .
. ""
. ,
. ,
. - , . ""
. 1800 .
IX. Complete the sentences:
1. Located oil spill in ............... .
2. I require .................... .
3. Stay in vicinity of ................. .
4. Located a vessel ................. .
5. What is course ................... ?
6. The polluter left .............. .
7. .................. accidental spillage of oil.
8. ................... can stop spillage.
9. ... environmental pollution.
. Paraphrase into the SMCP format:
1. Ask about the amount of spillage.
2. Ask all crew to contain the spill.
3. Say that oil is spilling into the sea.
4. Report there is no more spilled oil.

5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.

Report how the spill waste is contained.

Report about an accidental escape of oil from a tank which is full because pumping was not stopped in time
Advise the authorities about an oil spill.
Ask if spillage can be stopped.
Report you have sighted an oil spill in
Ask if the vessel which caused the pollution is known.

I. Make up a dialogue using the cue cards.

You are VTS Ouessant receiving a report about an oil spill
from MV Sredets. They have located an oil spill in
position .... extending 20 m in length and 10 m in width and
drifting ashore. VTS asks you questions and gives orders
about:
to repeat position of oil spill;
kind of assistance required;
identify the polluter;
course and speed of polluter;
stay in vicinity and cooperate with oil clearance
operations;
Later VTS asks:
you to act as OSC of oil clearance operations;
use VHF Channel 12;
about extent of spillage;
about protective clothing and breathing apparatus on
board;
about synthetic scoops to remove the spill.

You are MV Sredets reporting about an oil spill to

VTS Ouessant. You have located an oil spill in
position .... extending 20 m in length and 10 m in
width and drifting ashore. Answer questions and
respond to orders:
repeat position of oil spill
oil clearance assistance is needed
polluter is MV Anita
course 1050, speed 20 knots, leaving the scene
agree to stay in vicinity and cooperate with oil
clearance operations
Later on:
agree to act as OSC
change to channel 12
give extent and direction of oil spill
confirm you have protective clothing and
breathing apparatus available on board
say you do not have synthetic scoops on board,
ask to use absorbent material.

VTS STANDARD PHRASES

I. What are the questions to the following statements:
1. I am approaching from ... .
2. My last port of call was ... .
3. No, I am not underway.
4. Yes, I carry the following dangerous goods: ... kilogrammes / tonnes IMO Class ... .
5. No, I have no deficiencies / restrictions.
6. My flag state is ... .
7. No, I am trimmed by the head / stern.
8. I am ready to get underway.
9. Yes, I have a list to port / starboard of ... degrees.
10. My present course is ... degrees, my speed is ... knots.
11. The maximum permitted draft is ... metres.
12. My full speed / full manoeuvring speed is ... knots.
II. React to the following questions/instructions:
1. Spell the name of your vsl.
2. Do you have any deficiencies / restrictions? - Yes, constrained by draught..
3. What was your last port of call?
4. What is your ETD from ... ?
5. Are you underway? - No
6. Do you carry any dangerous goods? - No
7. Are you on even keel? - No
8. What is the name of your vessel and call sign / identification?
9. Do you have a list? - No.
10. What is your cargo?

III. Complete the sentences:

1.
.. established in position .
2.
. moored in position .. - wide berth requested.
3.
Light in position .. .
4.
. operations by (vsl ) from . to in psn .
5.
.. - navigate with caution.
6.
.. near MT in psn . - wide berth requested.
7.
Route/Traffic lane . .
8.
The tide is . .
9.
Charted depth .. by .. meters due to winds.
10.
Navigation in position .. .
11.
. adrift in vicinity ... at ... (date and time).
12.
Uncharted . reported in position ... .
13.
What is the course . you ?
14.
Wind is .. .
15.
MV . of you is . .
V. You are VTS warning other ships:
1. // / /
2. /
3. /
4. .. .
5. , .
6. . .. .. .
7. - .
V. Make up a dialogue on the situation:
Maas Approach wants to know
- Diamond Star's present position, course and speed; - her ETA in position of no. 1 Euro Buoy;
- her draft fore and aft;
- her freeboard and airdraft
Diamond Star: Her position is bearing 045 degrees from no. 1 Euro Buoy at a distance of 12 miles, course 052
degrees true at 7 knots; ETA no. 1 Euro Buoy is 1145 hrs. UTC; draft fore: 5m - draft aft: 6 m. freeboard of 5.5
metres; airdraft of 18.5 metres.
Maas Approach now indicates that Diamond Star may enter traffic lane at 1245 hrs. UTC;
Maas Approach warns of a heavy swell in the fairway;
Diamond Star must maintain present course and reduce her speed to 4 knots.
Vessel astern is going to overtake.
Diamond Star confirms.
Maas Approach reports that Diamond Star's berth is ready and that she will berth at 1300 hrs. UTC. Request to remain
on standby on channel 13.
Diamond Star confirms.
VI. Make up a dialogue using the cue cards:
Coastal Station has located your ship on radar and now
wishes to know:
vessel's name and call sign;
vessel's course and speed;
what her port of destination is;
what port she is coming from;
what port she is heading for now;
whether she is proceeding or not;
what cargo she carries;
if she carries any dangerous goods;
if she has any defects;
what radar range she uses

Answer from vessel:

name and call sign (Seaborne DKEL);

course and speed (125 degr. 12 kn.);
port of destination (Rotterdam);
last port (Marseille);
next port (Antwerp);
proceeding or not (proceeding);
cargo (3500 t general cargo);
any dangerous goods (negative);
any defects (SB ballast pump not working);


.
.

.
:

;

;
;
;
... ;
;
...;
.

radar range (6 miles range).

. ,
,

:
,
; ;
;
;
;
... ;
;
;
...,
- ;

TRAFFIC ORGANIZATION SERVICE PHRASES

I. Complete the sentences:
1. You have permission to . .
2. You have permission to anchor (at ... UTC) .. .
3. Your orders are to ..... .
5. Have your crew on stand by for . .
6. According to my radar, .. Rule 10 of COLREGS.
7. Recover .. .
8. It is dangerous to . .
9. Vessels must .. .
10. Keep clear of ... - .
11. Your present course is . .
12. You are proceeding .
I. Rephrase the sentences into the SMCP format:
1. A vessel abandoned at sea without lights is adrift in vicinity
2. Shallow water in position
3. The tide is flooding/ebbing.
4. Is your radar working?
5. You may enter the traffic lane.
II. Construct correct messages and answer them.
1. Ask a ship if she can proceed without assistance. No.
2. Ask a ship if she requires radar assistance to navigation. Yes.
3. Tell a vessel not to anchor in the fairway.
4. Tell a vessel to slow down to comply with TSS regulations.
5. Tell VTS you are not going to enter the fairway because you are constrained by draught. Acknowledge.
Ask about vessels present draught.
6. Tell all ships that there is a difficult tow from to . .
IV. Make up dialogues using the cue cards.
/ .
VTS
. , .
VTS. / ,

VTS. /

. , .
/ .

 . VTS.
, ,
, .
, .
.
VTS. / , / .
. , VTS.
.
,
. .
Gaynor W VTS

,
.

,
1.
/ . .
VTS. /
. ,
.
V. Role Play: VTS-station to all vessels.
VTS-station Palermo Radio to all vessels in vicinity of Capo Callo:
1) Traffic movement information at 1245 hrs. UTC:
There is a vessel on her way from one berth to another in position 2 miles South of Main Pier, her course is 065
degrees, her speed is 4 knots.
There is also a vessel crossing the fairway on course 056 degrees at a speed of 5 knots.
2) Traffic movement information at 0800 hrs. UTC:
Vessel in posn. 2 miles S of entrance, on course 068 degrees at a speed of 8 knots is not following the traffic
regulations. There is a vessel 2 miles W of the entrance that is constrained by a draught of 22 metres; ships are
requested to stay at a safe distance.
3) Traffic movement information at 1325 hrs. UTC: Salvage operations are in progress in the NE traffic lane.
Salvage vessel Catrina" is hampered. Vessels are requested to keep distance.
4) Traffic movement information at 0000 UTC:
Route from roadstead to entrance temporarily not to be used. Inshore traffic lane permanently closed for inward bound
vessels. Route around dangerous shoal 2 cables S of entrance has been changed; vessels underway to sea are
requested to use the inshore traffic lane.
5) Traffic movement information at 1445 hrs. UTC:
There is a vessel in position 6 miles N of Molehead whose anchor is dragging; she is hindering other traffic.
6) Tidal Information at 1245 hrs. UTC: Tide is getting high.
Tide is moving in direction 120 degrees. Rate of tidal stream is 1.2 knot. Rate of the current 1 mile N of the breakwater is
1.4 knot. Depth as indicated in the chart must be reduced by 1.2 metres because of the wind.
VI. Role-play - intership exchange.
1) Seaborne - VRSH indicates to Anti Costi - V8SH that the course that Anti Costi is steering now is dangerous, because
waters ahead of the vessel are shallow. Vessel is advised to change course to port side.
2) Ocean Queen informs the Arctic Explorer that there is an underwater-wreck on her course. She is advised to change
course to 185 degrees.
3) Castor - PHSA informs Mineshead that she is sailing into a fogbank.
4) Catinca - RRSA indicates to Levanta that she is on a collision course with vessel on starboard hand. She advises her
to change course to port and decrease her speed.
5) Role A: Nedlloyd America - PKNS;
Role B: Unknown ship (Packer - P3XQ - in posn 290 degrees from Cape Gris Nez, distance 2.5 miles);
Nedlloyd America calls unknown vessel to indicate that she intends to overtake her on her port side on course 152
degrees at a speed of 9 knots. Packer acknowledges and closes.
6) Role A: Dian Chi - OSXT;
Role B: Unknown ship (Ice Flower - OVRR - 2 miles N of the breakwater - black hull and yellow superstructure);
Dian Chi is at anchor in the middle of the fairway and calls unknown vessel to ask what her intentions are. Ice Flower
indicates that she will stand on.
Dian Chi warns Ice Flower that she is running into danger, because she is on a collision course with Dian Chi. She
advises Ice Flower to alter course to port side and to proceed on course 168 degrees true. Ice Flower acknowledges
and closes.

7) Role A: Chaser - DEKL;

Role B: Unknown ship (Arctic Flower - RDVW, in posn. 085 degrees from Estoril Lighthouse, distance 8.5 miles).Chaser
calls unknown ship to indicate that she is approaching shoals that are not mentioned in the chart, and advises her to
change course to portside.
VII. Make up a dialogue using the scenario.
/ "" . . / ""

9 .
S13 8 .
"" , ,
, , .
015 . 1020 .
. No 7. .
PILOTAGE, CANAL AND LOCK OPERATIONS AND ICE - BREAKER OPERATIONS
I. What are the questions or instructions to the following statements:
1.
Yes, I will close up on vessel ahead of me.
2.
Yes, I will wait at Gamboa Reach.
3.
Transit will begin at 1345 local time.
4.
Your place in convoy is number 6.
5.
Yes, I will wait for lock clearance off Pedro Miguel Locks until 0930 UTC.
6.
You will enter canal at 1500 local time.
7.
Transit speed is 6 knots.
8.
Yes, I will drop back from vessel ahead of me.
9.
Convoy must wait in the approach to G. Locks.
10.
You will join convoy off approach to Gamboa Reach.
II. Complete the sentences:
1.
Ice-breaker assistance .. .
2.
Proceed along .. .
3.
Switch on .. .
4.
Stand by for .
5.
Keep yourself in the centre.. .
6.
Increase / reduce .. .
7.
Lash together .. .
8.
I start to draw your bow . .
9.
Proceed by .. .
10.
Pass heaving lines .. .
III. Paraphrase into the SMCP format:
1. Vessel requires pilotage in position ........ .
2. Vessel does not require pilotage because there is an exemption certificate on board
3. VTS indicates to vessel that she must take a pilot.
4. Distance between vessel and pilot station is 18.5 miles.
5. Time of arrival at pilot station is 0945 hrs UTC.
6. VTS indicates to vessel that pilotage has stopped until further notice.
7. VTS indicates to vessel that pilotage will start again at 14.00 UTC.
8. VTS indicates to vessel that shore based pilotage is available.
9. VTS indicates to vessel that she is allowed to navigate on her own.
10. Pilot boat is approaching.
11. Pilot will come on board at 13.50 hrs UTC.
12. Vessel must make a lee on sb-side and prepare the pilot ladder.
13. Vessel must keep a heaving line ready and switch on lights at the pilot ladder.
14. Boarding speed: 6 knots.
15. It is not possible for the pilot to embark the vessel.
V. Distinguish between the following expressions:

to dredge anchor
convoy
a blind sector
off air
not under command
list
to divert
to hand over

to drag anchor
escort
an obscured area
off station
manoeuvring with difficulty
heel
to deviate
to take over

V. You must transit Otlar Strait. Ask the Pilot about details.
time of entering the strait
place in the convoy
transit speed
get closer to vessel ahead of you
transit distance
side of fairway to keep
signals to display
if anchoring in the strait allowed
if overtaking allowed
a lay-by to use waiting for opposite traffic to pass you.
V. Make up a dialogue based on the following scenario:
Gaynor W is due to take pilot at St Lawrence Waterway. Winter approaches and she is not sure of the ice situation in
the area. Pilot Station replies that navigation is possible to Quebec for non ice strengthened vessels, to Montreal for ice
strengthened vessels. Close upstream of Yamachiche navigation is closed. Thickness of ice is expected to increase.
VII. Translate:
1.
- .
2.
.
3.
.
4.
.
5.
.
6.
, .
7.
, .
8.
, .
9.
.
10.
.
VIII. Make up a dialogue using the cue cards.
/ . VTS.
.

,
.

VTS. .
.

;
12;

0900;

, , ,
;

6 ;

12,
. .

EXERCISES ON BERTHING AND UNBERTHING

. Paraphrase in the SMCP format:
1. Your berthing instructions are......

2. grant you clearance to enter the port.

3. allow you to lie at anchor until tugs arrive.
4. MV.... is outbound.
5. You cannot berth until.... hrs.
6. You are obliged to keep to the fairway.
7. s your radar working?
8. Lower........shackles in the water.
9. Are you in position?
10. Pass heaving lines to the tugs.
. Which are the questions/instructions to the following statements:
1 .You must take three tugs according to port regulations.
2. Tugs will meet you in psn 8 cables from No 2 Buoy.
3. You are berthing in two hours.
4. Your berth is Cuxhaven 4.
5. We will berth portside alongside.
6. N, no fenders on berth.
7. Fenders ready fore and aft.
8. We have to move 3 meters ahead.
9. Fast forward. Fast aft.
10. No, the radar does not have any blind sectors.
. Give answers to the following questions/instructions:
1 .How is the cable leading?
2. Check the anchor position by bearings.
3. How much weight is on the cable?
4. Let go the tugs.
5. Have fenders ready fore and aft.
6. Are you ready to get underway?
7. Close and secure the hatch covers for sea and report.
8. How much ballast can we take?
9. Check the seaworthiness of the holds and report.
10.Put the windlass in gear.
IV. Construct a message on the following situations:
1. Reply to the following instruction stating that you cannot leave because you have an engine breakdown: Leave berth
number 16 immediately. Ask for tugs.
2. Report to port authority of inability to sail today because your windlass is broken down.
3. Report to the coast guard that because of engine failure you are drifting. You will probably be underway in hour.
V. Make up a dialogue on the following situation.
/ . . ,
.
. . 20 . ,
, .

. . . .
.
VI. You have a pilot on board proceeding to your berth. Ask him questions about:
shoals in the area;
your berth;
depth alongside the berth;
slowdown;
fenders on the berth;
which anchor to drop;
which side to berth;

 need of tension winches;

use centre lead/panama lead first;
heavy lift cranes along the quayside - your port winch out of order
EXERCISES ON POLLUTION PREVENTION
I. What are the questions or instructions to the following statements:
1. . - Scuppers plugged.
2.
. - Sea valves closed.
3.
. - IMO Class of these goods is 4.1.
4.
. - Flammable. Handling them with caution.
5.
. - Liquid leaking from 2 drums.
6.
. - Using absorbents for leakage.
7.
. - Contaminated goods separated.
8.
. - Spill control gear standing by.
9. . - Spillage stopped.
10. . - Yes, the oil pollution prevention plan is available.
11. . - All scuppers / drip-trays are plugged
12. . - All sea-valves / discharges are closed.
13. . - Absorbent materials standing by.
14. . - Spill control gear standing by.
15.
. - Bonding wire is fitted.
I. Fill in the blanks:
1. Fit bonding and report.
2. The oil pollution prevention plan will be in ... minutes.
3. Plug the scuppers / and report.
4. Stand by absorbent and report.
5. Close the sea-valves / and report.
6. Stand by emergency pump / monitor / fire and report.
7. Maintain contact on VHF Channels ... with the bunker / oil terminal
8. Stand by control gear and report.
9. Is the oil prevention plan available ?
10. Instruct the / ... and report.
II. Complete the sentences:
1.
Located oil spill in ............... .
2.
I require .................... .
3.
Stay in vicinity of ................. .
4.
Located a vessel ................. .
5.
What is course ................... ?
6.
The polluter left .............. .
7.
.................. accidental spillage of oil.
8.
................... can stop spillage.
9.
... environmental pollution.
10.
.................. is instructed.
IV. Fill in the missing nouns having in mind these are consecutive measures to ensure safety measures in
bunkers.
1. All / drip-trays are plugged.
2. All / discharges are closed.
3. Absorbent standing by.
4. . gear standing by.
5. Emergency / foam monitor / fire .. standing by.
6. . is fitted.
7. .Maintain contact on VHF Channels ... with ............. barge / oil ............ .
8. I will transfer . / . to stop listing.

V. Paraphrase into the SMCP format:

1. Ask about the amount of spillage.
2. Ask all crew to contain the spill.
3. Say that oil is spilling into the sea.
4. Report there is no more spilled oil.
5. Report how the spill waste is contained.
6. Report about an accidental escape of oil from a tank which is full because pumping was not stopped in
time
7. Advise the authorities about an oil spill.
8. Ask if spillage can be stopped.
9. Report you have sighted an oil spill in
10. Ask if the vessel which caused the pollution is known.
V. Answer the questions:
1.How do you locate an oil spill?
2.What kind of assistance can be provided in case of oil pollution?
3.What action is taken in case of such accidents?
4.What safety measures are taken when handling liquid goods, bunkers and ballast?
5.What information is important to know when operating pumping machinery?
6.Which systems must be operational?
VI. Make up a dialogue on the following situation:
2, St. Johns VTS . , :
1. ; 2. ; 3. ;
4. - 13 ; 5. . .
.
, .
VIII. Translate the sentences:
1. .
2. .
3. .
4. .
5. .
6. .
IX. Make up a dialogue using the cue cards.
You are VTS Ouessant receiving a report about an oil spill
from MV Sredets. They have located an oil spill in
position .... extending 20 m in length and 10 m in width and
drifting ashore. VTS asks you questions and gives orders
about:
to repeat position of oil spill;
kind of assistance required;
identify the polluter;
course and speed of polluter;
stay in vicinity and cooperate with oil clearance
operations;
Later VTS asks:
you to act as OSC of oil clearance operations;
use VHF Channel 12;
about extent of spillage;
about protective clothing and breathing apparatus on
board;
about synthetic scoops to remove the spill.

You are MV Sredets reporting about an oil spill to

VTS Ouessant. You have located an oil spill in
position .... extending 20 m in length and 10 m in
width and drifting ashore. Answer questions and
respond to orders:
repeat position of oil spill
oil clearance assistance is needed
polluter is MV Anita
course 1050, speed 20 knots, leaving the scene
agree to stay in vicinity and cooperate with oil
clearance operations
Later on:
agree to act as OSC
change to channel 12
give extent and direction of oil spill
confirm you have protective clothing and
breathing apparatus available on board
say you do not have synthetic scoops on board,
ask to use absorbent material.