Communications

Communications
Communications

5.1 The International Code of Signals 64

Using the International code

5.2 Operating a radio 65

Frequency bands • Regulations • Licences • R/T procedures • Prowords

5.3 Radio communications systems 65

VHF radio • MF radio • Mobile phones • VOIP • wi-fi/Wi-MAX

5.4 Global communication systems 66

HF radio (SSB) • Satellite communications (Satcoms)

5.5 Navigational warnings 68

5.6 Gunfacts and subfacts 68
5.7 Coast radio stations (CRS) 68
Functions • Track reports • Link calls

5.8 United Kingdom (excluding the Channel Islands) 69

5.9 The Channel Islands 70
5.10 Republic of Ireland 70
5.11 West Denmark 71
5.12 Germany 72
5.13 The Netherlands 73
5.14 Belgium 74
5.15 France 74
5.16 Spain 76
5.17 Mainland Portugal 77
5.18 Portuguese Islands, Gibraltar & Morocco 77
5.19 Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) 78
5.20 International Port Traffic Signals (IPTS) 78
5.21 Flag etiquette 79
Ensigns • Burgees • Salutes • Dressing ship • Ensigns and flags

63
 Code flags – Radio communications

5.1 THE INTERNATIONAL CODE OF SIGNALS

Marine communication is rooted in the International Code French, German, Greek, Italian, Japanese, Norwegian,
of Signals (2005 edition published by IMO) which provides Russian and Spanish. Ships, aircraft and shore stations
for safety of navigation and of persons, especially where can communicate in these languages without knowing a
there are language problems. The present Code came into foreign tongue, provided they have the relevant Code. The
force in 1969 and is available in nine languages: English, English language edition is published by HMSO.

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Fig 5(1) International Code of Signals: code flags, single letter meanings, phonetic alphabet (NATO/ITU) and Morse code symbols

5.1.1 Using the International Code You may also see or hear the following important two-letter
The Code can be used to convey information by: voice, using signals (there are many others):
R/T or loud-hailer; Morse by flashing light and sound signals;
alphabetical flags and numeral pendants; or by hand flags. NC I am in distress and require immediate
Signals consist of: single-letter signals which are urgent or assistance.
much used; two-letter signals in the General Section; and NE2 You should proceed with great caution;
three-letter signals starting with the letter ‘M’ in the Medical submarines are exercising in this area.
Section. Fig 5(1) above shows the Code flags for letters and
numerals, the alphanumeric phonetic alphabet, Morse code RY You should proceed at slow speed when
for letters and numerals, and the meanings of important passing me (or vessels making signals).
or common single-letter signals. Signals marked with * YG You appear to be contravening the rules of a
when made by sound may only be used in compliance with Traffic Separation Scheme.
COLREGs Rules 34 and 35.

64
 Communications

5.2 Operating a radio 5.2.4 R/T procedures

5.2.1 Frequency bands Communications between a vessel and a Coast radio station
For convenience radio frequencies with similar ranges and are controlled by the latter, except for Distress, Urgency or
transmission characteristics are grouped into different Safety messages. Between two vessels, the vessel which is

Communications
‘bands’, such as MF, HF, VHF and UHF (meaning ‘medium’, called nominates the working channel.
‘high’, ‘very high’ and ‘ultra-high’ frequencies, respectively). Before calling, decide exactly what you wish to say; it may
Their ranges and characteristics are described below. help to write the message down. Speak slowly and distinctly.
Repeat (or spell phonetically) names or important words; see
5.2.2 Regulations below for the use and meanings of common prowords.
The regulations for using R/T communications are in the Your position should be given as Lat/Long or the vessel’s
Handbook for Marine Radio Communication (Lloyd’s of bearing and distance from a charted object, eg ‘My position
London Press). They are lengthy and form part of the syllabus 225° Isle of May 4M’ means you are 4M SW of the Isle of May
and examination for certificates of competence. (not 4M NE). Use the 360° True bearing notation and the 24
Some of the more important stipulations are: hours clock (0001–2359), specifying UT or LT.
Operators must not divulge the contents of messages heard; 5.2.5 Prowords
distress calls have priority; Coast radio stations, or MRCCs These simplify and expedite communications:
as appropriate, control communications in their respective
ACKNOWLEDGE Have you received and understood?
areas. Check that the channel is free before transmitting;
unnecessary or superfluous messages are prohibited, as is CONFIRM My version is … is that correct?
bad language. In harbour a yacht may not use inter-ship CORRECTION An error has been made; the correct
channels except for safety; a radio log must be used to record version is …
all messages sent and received. I SAY AGAIN I repeat … (eg vital words)
Communications between CGOCs and second parties are tape I SPELL What follows is spelled phonetically.
recorded, as are intercepted communications with a third OUT End of working.
party. The following statement is included at the request OVER I have completed this part of my
of the MCA: message, and am inviting you to reply.
‘Radio & telephone calls to/from CGOCs are recorded for RECEIVED Receipt acknowledged.
public safety, prevention/detection of crime and to maintain SAY AGAIN Repeat your message (or part of it, ie:
the operational standards of HM Coastguard’. All after/before ...).
5.2.3  Radio licences STATION Used when a station is unsure of
• The vessel requires a Ship Radio Licence for any VHF, UHF, CALLING the identity of the calling station.
MF, HF, satellite or EPIRB equipment on board. It is valid
‘for life’ and is issued free of charge by: Ofcom, Riverside 5.3 RADIO communications SYSTEMS
House, 2a Southwark Bridge Rd, London SE1 9HA. n 020 5.3.1 VHF radio
7981 3040; m 020 7981 3235. [Link]. VHF radio (Marine band 156·00–174·00 MHz) is used by most
This allows the use of international maritime channels, vessels. Range is slightly better than the line of sight between
Ch M for communications between yachts, marinas and aerials, typically about 20M between yachts and up to 65M
clubs, and M2 for race control. to a shore station depending on aerial heights. It always pays
to fit a good aerial, as high as possible.
• The person in charge of a set requires a Certificate of
Competence (Pt 1) and Authority to Operate (Pt 2). VHF sets may be Simplex, ie transmit and receive on the same
This will usually be the Short Range Certificate (SRC), frequency, so only one person can talk at a time. However,
incorporating VHF DSC procedures. The syllabus and most modern sets transmit and receive simultaneously on
conduct of examinations are the RYA’s responsibility; see different frequencies (full Duplex) so conversation is normal,
RYA booklet G26. The former Restricted Certificate of but two aerials are needed.
Competence (VHF only) is no longer issued, but remains Marine VHF frequencies are known by their international
valid for VHF-only radios. channel number (Ch), as shown below.
The Long Range Certificate (LRC) covers MF, HF, Satellite Channels are grouped according to three main purposes, but
communications and EPIRBs, as does the professional some have more than one purpose.
seafarers’ General Operator’s Certificate (GOC).
Public correspondence: (via Coast radio stations).
• Citizen’s Band (CB) and Amateur (Ham) Radio can be Ch 26, 27, 25, 24, 23, 28, 04, 01, 03, 02, 07, 05, 84, 87, 86,
useful means of communication for other than safety 83, 85, 88, 61, 64, 65, 62, 66, 63, 60, 82, 78, 81.
matters, but only supplement maritime radio on VHF, All channels can be used for duplex.
MF or HF. CB no longer requires a licence in the UK, but
Inter-ship:
Amateur Radio licences are issued by: Ofcom, see contact
Ch 06*, 08*, 10, 13, 09, 72*, 73, 69, 77*, 15, 17.
details above.
These are all simplex channels. * for use in UK.
• ATIS (Automatic Transmission Identification System) is
compulsory on European inland waters. An ATIS capable Port Operations:
VHF radio must be used. Ofcom issues a Notice of Simplex: Ch 12, 14, 11, 13, 09, 68, 71, 74, 69, 73, 17, 15.
Variation (NOV) to your exisiting VHF licence on request Duplex: Ch 20, 22, 18, 19, 21, 05, 07, 02, 03, 01, 04, 78, 82,
to licencingcentre@[Link] 79, 81, 80, 60, 63, 66, 62, 65, 64, 61, 84.

65
 Radio systems – Global systems

The following channels have one specific purpose: mobile TV, connections to laptops with wireless modems,
smartphones and other mobile devices.
Ch 0 (156·00 MHz): SAR ops, not available to yachts.
The connection is ‘always on’; charges are according to the
Ch 10 (156·50 MHz), 23 (161·750 MHz), 84 (161·825 MHz) amount of data transmitted, not the duration of the call.
and 86 (161·925 MHz): MSI broadcasts. The optimum Availability of each service from base stations varies and
channel number is stated on Ch 16 in the announcement range offshore cannot be relied upon, especially off sparsely
prior to the broadcast itself. populated coasts where only a limited service is provided.
Ch 13 (156·650 MHz): Inter-ship communications relating
5.3.4 Voice over IP (VOIP)
to safety of navigation; a possible channel for calling a
Internet Protocol, or IP, is the ‘language’ that drives the
merchant ship if no contact on Ch 16.
Internet, and VOIP (Voice over IP) is a system where voice
Ch 16 (156·80 MHz): Distress, Safety and calling. Ch 16, in communication is encoded and transmitted very efficiently
parallel with DSC Ch 70, will be monitored by ships, CG as computer data. Free to join VOIP services such as Skype
rescue centres (and, in some areas, any remaining Coast provide free voice communication between ‘members’, and
Radio Stations) for Distress and Safety until further notice. also (for a small charge) with normal land-line telephones.
Yachts should monitor Ch 16. After an initial call, stations VOIP will work over mobile broadband, but network charges
concerned must switch to a working channel, except for will be high if roaming, so wired broadband connection is
Distress and Safety matters. required, often available on the marina pontoons.
Ch 67 (156·375 MHz): Small craft safety channel used by all 5.3.5 Wi-fi/Wi-MAX
UK CG centres, accessed via Ch 16. Basic wireless telephony services such as GSM handle voice
Note: For routine (non-emergency) traffic contact NMOC communications; 3G/4G wireless broadband service adds
Fareham on Ch 67 using call-sign Solent Coastguard. data capability that may be used with an on board PC (or
Macintosh) to send and receive email, browse websites and
Ch 70 (156·525 MHz): Digital selective calling for Distress
download updates and chart corrections, in exactly the same
and Safety purposes under GMDSS.
way as from a home PC.
Ch 80 (157·025 MHz): Primary working channel between
Wi-fi, on the other hand, is an increasingly common wireless
yachts and UK marinas.
system, independent of the phone operators’ networks,
Ch M (157·85 MHz): Secondary working channel, formerly that provides broadband Internet access via ‘hotspots’, or
known as Ch 37. For use in UK territorial waters only. ‘wireless access points’, often located at marinas. Even with
Ch M2 (161·425 MHz): for race control, with Ch M as stand- special antennae, range is limited and this prevents wi-
by. YCs often use Ch M2. For use in UK waters only. fi being useful to yachts while at sea, but speeds of up to
10,000kbps in the marina are typical and are perfectly suited
5.3.2 MF radio to normal Internet use like web browsing and downloading
MF radios operate in the 1605–4200 kHz wavebands giving Notices to Mariners or Almanac updates.
typical ranges of 100–300M using the Single Sideband The next big thing, Wi-MAX, is an emerging technology that
(SSB) mode of transmission. Double sideband (DSB) promises Internet access at up to 40mbps over much greater
mode transmissions are prohibited except for emergency ranges than wi-fi. Services are appearing but its onset has
transmissions on the marine Distress frequency (2182 kHz). been slower than anticipated.
MF transmissions tend to follow the earth’s curvature, which
5.4 GLOBAL COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS
makes them suitable for direction-finding equipment. The
GMDSS DSC Distress alerting frequency is 2187·5 kHz. Once out of range of VHF/MF or wireless telephony/
broadband service, the yachtsman’s communications options
5.3.3 Mobile phones (GSM/GPRS/3G/4G broadband) are limited to MF/HF radio and satellite systems (Satcoms).
Mobile phones are not suitable for emergency situations, A yachtsman embarking on an extended offshore venture
except in extremis (see 7.6.6), but permit low cost messaging would usually choose a mix of equipment for sensible
as well as roaming when in different countries. Many reasons of redundancy, this will allow a choice of listening
smartphones now incorporate GPS and mapping functionality and transmitting, via terrestrial and satellite radio systems, to
as well as wi-fi (see 5.3.5). meet his needs at various times and in different circumstances.
Ordinary GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) A typical setup might include a fixed or handheld satcoms
wireless telephony allows a PC to connect wirelessly to the transceiver, a HF SSB transceiver and receiver. For data
Internet at a speed of 9.6kbps (thousand bits per second); capability, these would be interfaced to an on-board PC or
slow, but sufficient for sending and receiving basic emails Mac.
and browsing text-only websites; GSM is more likely to 5.4.1 HF/single sideband radio (HF-SSB)
be available than faster, enhanced services (see below), HF SSB radios use frequencies in the 4, 8, 12, 16 and 22 MHz
particularly in less populated areas. bands (short wave), provide worldwide coverage and usually
Enhancements: many data services may be available, include MF frequencies as well.
depending upon where you sail and if you have a compatible Despite rapid growth in marine satellite communications, HF
handset. These include Global Packet Radio Service (GPRS), SSB remains a popular choice amongst long-distance cruisers,
boosting GSM download rates to around 36–48kbps. Wireless providing a cost-free voice (and limited email) capability for
Broadband services such as 3G delivered increasingly better cruisers, sometimes operating over vast distances. Operators
speeds, theoretically up to 14 mbps. The latest Generation, have the Long Range Certificate (LRC; see 5.2.3) or General
4G, is about 5–7 times faster than 3G, with a maximum Operators Certificate (GOC). To use Amateur (ham) bands
potential speed of around 80 mbps, providing rapid mobile (giving more frequencies and higher power, therefore range)
broadband internet access for large downloads like films, operators must take the ham examination.

66
 Communications

Using HF SSB radio for email requires a radio modem, often

Broadband
proprietary to the supplier. Though slow and requiring 1
typical, if in coverage area

Wi-Max
Cellular

Cellular

Cellular
some skill to operate effectively, the almost-nil operating 2
using VOIP

Wired

GPRS
Wi-fi

GSM
costs appeal to many and SSB radio has a strong following 3
Likely to be expensive

Communications
3G
amongst blue-water cruisers. Established suppliers include
Sailmail and Globe Wireless. Range offshore1 (NM) 0 0-1 0-15 0-15 0-15 0-30

HF SSB radio is also extensively used for receipt of weatherfax Voice communication Y 2
Y 2 Y Y Y Y2
images (see Chapter 6), although a receive-only SSB radio (with
an adequate, grounded antenna installation) may be used Text messages Y Y Y Y Y Y

rather than a full transceiver. Though declining in popularity, Light email traffic Y Y Y3 Y Y Y
several useful weatherfax transmitting stations remain,
Text weather forecasts Y Y Y3 Y Y Y
including Northwood, UK and Offenbach, Germany.
Heavy email traffic Y Y × Y 3 Y Y
5.4.2 Satellite Communications (Satcoms)
Satellite communications systems operate over Ultra High Graphical weather forecasts Y Y × Y 3 Y Y

Frequency (UHF) radio using digital technology that makes Full web browsing Y Y × Y 3 Y Y
them easier and more reliable to use than SSB radio; they
operate with either a dedicated ship installation or a Other systems employ many more Low Earth Orbit (LEO)
standalone handset. satellites orbiting the Earth about 540M (1,000km) up.
Ongoing costs usually include a monthly service fee and The smaller, low-data rate, handheld voice terminals
usage charges that will be related to either the amount of incorporate an omni-directional antenna that works best
satellite time used, or the volume of data transmitted and with an unobstructed view of the satellite. Fixed installations
received. use an external gyro-stabilised antenna (to keep it pointing
For two-way voice communications, the ‘Ship Station’ (aka at the satellite as the boat moves); more powerful systems
‘Mobile Earth Station’) transmits to a visible satellite that is that support higher data rates employ antenna radomes that
are really too large for installation aboard a 10–15m yacht.
simultaneously in sight of a ‘Land Earth Station’, eg Goonhilly,
Cornwall. From there, the call is routed to its destination The GMDSS provides automatic distress, urgency and safety
through the normal terrestrial telephone network. communications, with some satcom systems (eg Inmarsat C)
providing a red button that alerts a Coastguard Operations
The satellite ‘constellations’ have different architectures.
Centre (CGOC) when pressed.
Inmarsat for example has several geostationary (GEO)
satellites, each positioned over the equator. Because they are There are several service providers, each offering an array of
comparatively high up 19,400M (36,000km), each satellite has capabilities. Table 5(1) below provides a useful summary of
a large signal ‘footprint’, overlapping the next one and thus systems that might be used aboard a 10–20m yacht.
world-wide coverage is provided (although not in the polar This is a fast moving field: check with manufacturers/retailers
regions above about 70°N and 70°S). for up-to-date specifications and prices.
Table 5(1) Satellite Communications (Satcoms)
System Antenna Satellites Coverage GMDSS Phone Fax SMS Position Data rate
(voice) text tracking

INMARSAT Omnidirectional GEO Global excepting Yes No Yes Yes Yes (GPS) Very low,
C polar regions uneconomic
for email

INMARSAT Gyrostabilised GEO Global excepting No Yes Yes No No 2.4kbps

Mini-M 40cms diameter polar regions

INMARSAT Omnidirectional GEO Global excepting No No No No Yes (GPS) Very low,

D+ polar regions uneconomic
for email

Fleet 33 Gyrostabilised GEO Global excepting No Yes Yes Yes No 9.6kbps

40cms diameter polar regions uncompressed

Iridium Omnidirectional 66 LEO Global No Yes Out Yes No Data kit required
only 2.4kbps (higher
with compression)

Globalstar Omnidirectional 40 LEO Global excepting No Yes Yes Yes To 10km 9.6kbps
polar regions uncompressed,
38.6kbps
compressed, 56k
with data kit

Thuraya Omnidirectional 1 GEO Europe, N Africa No Yes Yes Yes Yes (GPS) 9.6kbps (144kbps
& Middle East, possible with land
India *DSL receiver)

*DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) allows broadband Internet over normal copper telephone lines. It is used in the wireless/Satcoms arena to
denote ‘broadband-like speeds’ over the wireless link and usually means speeds of 5 to 24mbps which is relatively fast for Satcoms.

67
 Nav Warnings – UK CG details

5.5 NAVIGATIONAL WARNINGS of mobile phones. The UK, France and the Netherlands have
Navigational warnings are promulgated for 16 NavAreas no CRS.
(I-XVI) worldwide. An Area co-ordinator oversees each Ireland (but see 5.10.4), Denmark, Belgium, Spain and Portugal
NavArea and handles inputs from national and other still operate CRS. In Germany a commercial company, DP07
authorities. The 3 types of navigational warnings are: Seefunk, provides a limited link call service. Details of national
CRS are given below in the country by country listing.
NavArea warnings which deal with Oceanic matters and are
transmitted over satcoms by SafetyNet and via NAVTEX at 5.7.1 Functions
scheduled times in English and other languages. CRS functions include:
Coastal warnings, up to 250M offshore, are issued by a • control of ship-shore communications; see 5.2.4.
national authority and broadcast in English or the local • providing link calls; see 5.7.3. Note: The Coastguard, or
langauge by NAVTEX, SafetyNet or VHF Coast radio stations. foreign equivalent, do not handle link calls.
These warnings cover navaids, lights, buoys, rocks, wrecks, • Broadcasting at scheduled times traffic lists (messages
naval exercises, SAR operations, cable laying, piracy etc. awaiting ships at sea); navigational warnings; weather
bulletins and gale warnings (Chapter 6). Note: Do not
Local warnings supplement the above for inshore waters and
transmit on a designated broadcast channel when a
within port limits. They are issued by port, pilotage or CG
broadcast is scheduled.
authorities in English and/or the local language.
• Handling Distress and Urgency calls in some countries.
Details of country by country navwarning provision are given
in the relevant country listing.
5.7.2 Track Reports
A Track Report (TR) may be passed to a CRS or Coastguard
5.6 GUNFACTS AND SUBFACTS centre, as appropriate, stating a yacht’s point of departure,
5.6.1 Gunfacts destination, ETA and number of people onboard. This is an
Gunfacts are warnings of intended naval firing practice, obvious safety measure, especially in more remote regions,
broadcast on Ch 16. They include gunnery and missile firings should a yacht subsequently become overdue. On arrival be
and underwater explosions. (For the latter only, broadcasts are sure to inform the local CRS or CG and ask that your TR be
made 1 hour, 30 mins and immediately before detonation.) cancelled with the original CRS/CG. See also Chapter 7.
They do not restrict the passage of any vessel. The onus for 5.7.3 Making a VHF link call
safety is on the firing warship. The broadcasts include: • Within range (up to 40M), select a ‘clear’ channel, ie no
• Time (LT) and approximate location of firings, with a transmissions. A busy channel will have carrier noise,
declared safe distance in nautical miles. speech or the engaged signal (a series of pips).
• Call the CRS on a working channel related to the position
• Whether illuminants, ie flares etc, are to be fired.
of the yacht. Calls should state the calling channel and
Gunfacts (S Coast) are issued from Plymouth for English last at least 6 seconds in order to activate the response
Channel exercise areas (9.1.16). See Subfacts (below) for equipment at the CRS.
details.
For example:
Gunfacts (Ship) are issued by a nominated warship and cover
Bilbao Radio, this is Yacht Seabird, Yacht Seabird, ­Golf Oscar
activity in any UK areas. An initial announcement is made
Romeo India Fower, Channel 27, Over.
on VHF 16.
A four-tone signal or pips indicate a temporary delay, but
5.6.2 Subfacts you will be answered when an operator is free.
These are warnings of planned or known submarine
• When the call is accepted you will hear pips, indicating
activity.
that the channel has been engaged. Wait for the operator
Subfacts (South Coast) give details for the English Channel; to speak. If no response, do not change channel since you
see 9.1.16. They are broadcast on NAVTEX (see Chapter 6) may lose your turn.
and, after an announcement on Ch 16, by Falmouth CGOC
If the pips are not heard, the station’s transmitter has
every 4 hours from 0140 UT on VHF. The VHF channels are
not been activated or may be out of range. Try another
shown on Fig 6(4). For any queries regarding Subfacts and
station or call again when closer.
Gunfacts contact FOST (Flag Officer Sea Training) Plymouth
e 01752 557550, or call ‘FOST Ops’ VHF Ch 74. • The operator will request: Vessel’s callsign (eg Golf Oscar
Romeo India Fower), name, accounting code (see 5.7.4),
Subfacts (Clyde) give details for the W coast of Scotland
type of message (eg telegram, telephone call) and the
(see 9.8.22 and 9.9.16). They are broadcast on NAVTEX
telephone number required (and in the case of a personal
(see Chapter 6) and, after announcements on Ch 16, by
call the name of the person called).
Stornoway CGOC every 4 hours from 0410 UT; and by Belfast
CGOC every 4 hours from 0410 UT. The VHF channels are 5.7.4 Paying for a link call
shown on Fig 6(4). For any queries regarding Subfacts and Calls are accounted for worldwide by quoting an
Gunfacts contact Fleet Operations Northwood e 01923 ‘Accounting Authority Indicator Code’ (AAIC). This must
846371 or 846366. previously have been arranged with an ITU-recognised
NAVTEX also transmits Subfacts and Gunfacts twice daily: authority such as Cable and Wireless, who use GB 02 as
Niton (E) at 0440 and 1640 UT; Portpatrick (O) at 0620 and their AAIC. All CRS hold the complete ITU listing of ship
1820 UT. stations and their AAICs.
5.7.5 MF link calls
5.7 COAST RADIO STATIONS (CRS) Calls should be initiated on 2182 kHz or the nominated
In recent years many European nations have closed, or plan to working frequency. The Coast station will allocate a working
close, their coast radio stations due in part to the popularity channel, and cue you into the system.

68
 Communications

5.8 UNITED KINGDOM (Excluding The Channel Islands)

5.8.1 HM Coastguard Communications
Contact details for UK Coastguard Operations Centres are shown below:

Communications
EASTERN REGION
NATIONAL MARITIME OPERATIONS CENTRE (NMOC) 50°51’·50N 01°14’·90W DSC MMSI, 002320011
e 02392 552100 m 02392 554131/01305 760451. Kites Croft, Fareham PO14 4LW.
Area: South Coast: Topsham (River Exe) to Beachy Head (Note: in this area make initial contact using callsign Solent
Coastguard on Ch 67 (H24) to avoid congestion on Ch 16). East coast: Reculver Towers to Southwold, use callsigns
Thames Coastguard or Dover Coastguard, both on Ch 16.
DOVER COASTGUARD 50°08’N 01°20’E DSC MMSI 002320010 n 01304 210008 m 01304 225762
Langdon Battery, Swingate, Dover CT15 5NA. Area: Beachy Head to Reculver Towers
Operates Channel Navigation Information Service (CNIS); see 9.3.13.
LONDON COASTGUARD 51°30’N 00°03’E MMSI 002320063 n 0208 3127380 m 0208 3098196. Thames Barrier
Navigation Centre, Unit 28, 34 Bowater Road, Woolwich, London SE18 5TF.
Area: River Thames from Shell Haven Pt (N bank) and Egypt Bay (S bank), upriver to Teddington Lock
†HUMBER COASTGUARD 54°06’N 00°11’W MMSI 002320007 n 01262 672317 m 01262 400779
Lime Kiln Lane, Bridlington, Yorks E Riding YO15 2LX. Area: Southwold to the Scottish border.

SCOTLAND & NORTHERN IRELAND REGION

†ABERDEEN COASTGUARD 57°08’N 02°05’W MMSI 002320004 n 01224 592334 m 01224 575920
Marine House, Blaikies Quay, Aberdeen AB11 5PB. Area: English border to Cape Wrath, incl Pentland Firth.
†SHETLAND COASTGUARD 60°09’N 01°08’W MMSI 002320001 n 01595 692976 m 01595 693634
Knab Road, Lerwick ZE1 0AX. Area: Orkney, Fair Isle and Shetland.
†*STORNOWAY COASTGUARD 58°12’N 06°22’W MMSI 002320024 n 01851 702013 m 01851 706796
Battery Point, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis H51 2RT. Area: Cape Wrath to Mull, Western Isles and St Kilda.
†*BELFAST COASTGUARD 54°40’N 05°40’W MMSI 002320021 n 02891 463933 m 02891 469854
Bregenz House, Quay St, Bangor, Co Down BT20 5ED.
Area: Carlingford Lough to Lough Foyle and Firth of Clyde, inc islands.

WESTERN REGION
†HOLYHEAD COASTGUARD 53°19’N 04°38’W MMSI 002320018 n 01407 762051 m 01407 761613
Prince of Wales Rd, Holyhead, Anglesey LL65 1ET. Area: Mull of Galloway to Friog (1·6M S of Barmouth).
†MILFORD HAVEN COASTGUARD 51°42’N 05°03’W MMSI 002320017 n 01646 690909 m 01646 697287
Gorsewood Drive, Hakin, Milford Haven, SA73 2HD. Area: Friog to Marsland Mouth (near Bude).
†*FALMOUTH COASTGUARD 50°09’N 05°03’W MMSI 002320014 n 01326 317575 m 01326 315610
Pendennis Point, Castle Drive, Falmouth TR11 4WZ.
Area: Marsland Mouth (near Bude) to Topsham (River Exe) falmouthcoastguard@[Link]

Notes: † Monitors DSC MF 2187.5 kHz.

* Broadcasts Gunfacts/Subfacts; see 5.6.
The 3 Regions above are Search and Rescue Regions.
THE NATIONAL COASTWATCH INSTITUTION (NCI) operates on dedicated VHF Ch 65. Callsign: use name of selected station
(see Safety, 7.12) plus abbreviation NCI, eg: Froward Point NCI. Do not call on Ch 16 or use call-sign National Coastwatch
which can potentially be confused with Coastguard. There are 50 operational stations (2016) around the English and Welsh
coast. Manned by volunteers keeping a visual watch during daylight hours throughout the year, they are able to provide,
on request, details of actual weather conditions and sea state at their individual coastal locations, radio checks, and local
knowledge, from visitors’ moorings to local hazards.

69
 United Kingdom – Denmark

appropriate. For example a British yacht in difficulty in French

waters may be handled by St Peter Port or Jersey so as to avoid
��������
���� language problems; and vice versa for a French yacht.
��
����� GUERNSEY COASTGUARD (CRS)
��������� �� 49°27’N 02°32’W DSC MMSI 002320064
���
������� n 01481 720672 m 01481 256432
� �����
VHF Ch 16, 20, 62, 67. [Link]@[Link]
Area: The Channel Islands Northern area.
��������
�
JERSEY COASTGUARD (CRS)
������
49°10’·90N 02°06’·80W DSC MMSI 002320060
n 01534 447705/04 m 01534 447799
� VHF Ch 16, 25, 67 82, H24. [Link]@[Link]
���
��
Area: The Channel Islands Southern area.
5.9.2 Emergency VHF D/F
����
���� In the Channel Islands a yacht in distress should call on Ch 16;
�� ����������� expect to be switched to Ch 20 for Guernsey or Ch 82 for Jersey.
������� ������������������
��������� The emergency D/F sites, from which the true bearing of the
� yacht in distress is given, are: VHF D/F stations, ¡ RG.
��� ��
�� ������ Site Lat/Long Controlled via
�� ������
�������� Guernsey 49°26’·27N 02°35’·77W Guernsey Coastguard
��������� � Jersey 49°10’·85N 02°14’·30W Jersey Coastguard

5.9.3 Coast Radio Stations

Guernsey Coastguard and Jersey Coastguard are operated by
���
�� the States of Guernsey and Jersey respectively. They handle
� Distress and Urgency situations as well as providing link calls
���������������������
(in emergencies only).
����� Guernsey Coastguard
���� ������
� ������ VHF 16, 20 (primary working Ch, call direct for safety traffic),
16, small craft distress/emergency. Ch 62 available for link
�������� � calls. Ch 67 on request for yacht safety messages.
���
DSC Ch 70: MMSI 002320064.
� �
Traffic lists: Vessels are called individually on Ch 16.
����� ��
Jersey Coastguard
Fig 5(2) UK Coastal (WZ) Navwarning areas 1–17. The area(s) for VHF 16, 82, primary working Ch, call direct for safety traffic,
which each CGOC is responsible are in brackets 16, small craft distress/emergency. (Ch 25, no continuous
listening watch, link calls for emergencies only.)
5.8.2 Navwarnings (NavArea I Co-ordinator) DSC Ch 70 and 16 H24: MMSI 002320060.
After an announcement on Ch 16, HMCG broadcasts coastal Navigational warnings, weather bulletins and traffic lists
navigational warnings (WZ) on receipt and every 12 hours are broadcast on Ch 82 at times in Chapter 6.
at the same times and on the same frequencies as the Group
A MSI broadcasts. See Table 6(2) for details. WZs are also 5.10 Republic of Ireland
broadcast by NAVTEX at the times shown in Table 6(1), and by 5.10.1 Coast Guard communications
SafetyNET at 1730 UT daily for areas not covered by NAVTEX.
See also weekly Notices to Mariners which include a list of DUBLIN (MRCC)
warnings in force. 53°20’N 06°15W DSC MMSI 002500300 (+2187·5 kHz)
n +353 1 662 0922/3 m +353 1 662 0795
Urgent warnings are broadcast as soon as possible after Area: Carlingford Lough to Youghal.
receipt on Ch 16 and on 2182 kHz. New dangers to navigation
should be notified to other craft and the nearest MRCC by a VALENTIA (MRSC)
Sécurité call. More details at [Link] (see Safety 51°56’N 10°21’W DSC MMSI 002500200 (+2187·5 kHz)
Information/Navigational Safety). n +353 669 476 109 m +353 669 476 289
Area: Youghal to Slyne Head.
5.9 The Channel Islands MALIN HEAD (MRSC)
5.9.1 Coastguard communications 55°22’N 07°20W DSC MMSI 002500100 (+2187·5 kHz)
Guernsey and Jersey Coastguard stations direct SAR operations n +353 74 9370103 m +353 74 9370221
in the North and South of the CI area respectively, they also Area: Slyne Head to Lough Foyle
provide communications on VHF and DSC. Co-ordinates SAR operations around ROI via Dublin MRCC,
Close liaison is maintained with French SAR authorities and Malin Head and Valentia MRSCs and remote sites. It may
a distress situation may be controlled by whichever is more liaise with the UK and France during any rescue operation

70
 Communications

5.10.4 Coast Radio Stations

���������������
�������� The main CRS at Malin Head, Dublin and Valentia are co-
����� ������������
� located with Coast Guard centres. Remote CRS sites, as listed
below, ensure full coastal coverage in the three regions (NW,

Communications
����
SE and SW Ireland). Callsign is station name and Radio.
�����
���� All monitor Ch 16 (H24). Broadcasts are made on a working

� �
���� channel after pre-warning on Ch 16 and 2182 kHz. Ch 67 is
����� ������� only used for Safety messages. See Chapter 6 for times and
��� �������� details of gale warnings and weather bulletins.
��������� ������ �������

�
����� Commercial link calls, ship to shore, are not available, but
Medico link calls can be made on both VHF and MF. Call
� �����
�
� CRS on a working channel; only call Ch 16 if in difficulty or
emergency.
�����������
����� Ships should pass their intended voyage or position to Malin
Head Coast Guard, Dublin Coast Guard or Valentia Coast

�
������� ����������� Guard, as appropriate. Update voyage details by TR.
�
�����

�
�����
������ � NW Ireland (clockwise from the west)
�������
Clifden Coast Guard Radio 26
��������
����� �������
������������
����� � Belmullet Coast Guard Radio 83
�� Donegal Bay Coast Guard Radio 02

� �������
����� ���������
Glen Head Coast Guard Radio
MALIN HEAD Coast Guard RADIO 23, 85
24

��
� ��������
MF: Tx 1677 kHz, Rx 2102

� �
�������������

�
����� SE Ireland
�������� ���� ����
����� ����� ���� Carlingford Coast Guard Radio 04
� �
������
����� �����
����� ����� Dublin Coast Guard RADIO (No MF) 83
������
����� Wicklow Head Coast Guard Radio 02
Rosslare Coast Guard Radio 23
Fig 5(3) Irish coast radio stations, CG centres and boundaries
Mine Head Coast Guard Radio 83
within 100M of the Irish coast. Dept of Transport, Leeson SW Ireland
Lane, Dublin 2. n (01) 6620922; admin@[Link] Cork Coast Guard Radio 26
The Irish EPIRB Registry is also at this address.
Mizen Coast Guard Head Radio 04
The MRCC/MRSCs are co-located with the Coast radio stations
Bantry Coast Guard Radio 23
of the same name and manned by the same staff. All stations
keep watch H24 on VHF Ch 16 and DSC Ch 70. If ashore dial VALENTIA Coast Guard RADIO 24
999 or 112 in an emergency and ask for Marine Rescue. MF: Tx 1752 kHz, Rx 2045
Shannon Coast Guard Radio 28
5.10.2 SAR resources Galway Coast Guard Radio 04
The Irish Coast Guard provides some 50 units around the coast
and is on call H24. The RNLI maintains four stations around the 5.11 WEST Denmark
coast and operates 42 lifeboats. Additionally, six community-
5.11.1 Coast Guard communications
run inshore rescue boats are available.
The national SAR agency is:
Helicopters, based at Dublin, Waterford, Shannon and Sligo,
can respond within 15 to 45 minutes and operate to a radius JRCC Admiral Danish Fleet, PO Box 1483, DK-8220 Brabrand,
of 200M. They are equipped with infrared search equipment Denmark. e+45 894 33099 m+45 728 50384.
and can uplift 30 survivors. The SAR coordinator is:
Military and civilian aircraft and vessels, together with the JRCC Denmark, n+45 728 50000 switchboard;
Garda (Police) and lighthouse service, can also be involved. m+45 728 50384; jrcc@[Link]
Some stations provide specialist cliff climbing services. They MMSI 002191000
are manned by volunteers, who are trained in first aid and MF DSC 2187·5 kHz TX/RX (Routine national traffic TX
equipped with inflatables, breeches buoys, cliff ladders etc. 1624·5 kHz, RX 2159·5 kHz; Routine international TX
Their n numbers (the Leader’s residence) are given, where 2177·0 kHz, RX 2189·5 kHz).
appropriate, under each port.
JRCC Denmark has no direct communications with vessels in
5.10.3 Navwarnings distress, but operates via two Maritime Operations Centres
Navwarnings are broadcast by Malin Hd and Valentia NAVTEX (MOC’s) and Coast Radio Station (CRS) Lyngby Radio.
518 kHz, see Table 6(1) and by MRCCs/MRSCs every 4 hours
MOC North (MRSC) n+45 992 21520; m+45 992 21538,
on VHF: Dublin and Malin Head from 0033 UT; Valentia from
mocn-orum@[Link], covers the W coast of Denmark.
0233 UT.

71
 Denmark – Netherlands

�
������
VHF and MF CRS
��������� Call Ch 16/2182 kHz callsign Lyngby Radio
����� � �����
��������� Skagen VHF Ch 04; MF Tx 1758 kHz, Rx 2102 kHz.
��������� Hirtshals VHF Ch 63.
��������� Hanstholm VHF Ch 01.
�
����� Bovbjerg VHF Ch 02; MF Tx 1734 kHz, Rx 2111 kHz.
� Blåvand VHF 07; MF Tx 1734 kHz, Rx 2078 kHz.
��������
����
5.12 Germany
5.12.1 Coast Guard communications
��������
�����
� The national SAR agency is:

���������� Deutsche Gesellschaft zur Rettung Schiffbrüchiger

���������� (DGzRS), German Maritime Search & Rescue Service.
���������� Werderstrasse 2, D-28199 Bremen. info@[Link]
n+49 421 536870 (emergency),+49 421 53707-0 (ops);
m+49 421 53707-690.
������
� ������ DGzRS is responsible for co-ordinating SAR operations,
and operates 60 rescue units.
�
������� � Bremen MRCC (n + 49 421 536870; MMSI 002111240), using
����� callsign Bremen Rescue Radio, maintains an H24 watch on MF
����������� 2182 kHz and Ch 16 VHF, also DSC MF 2187·5 kHz and VHF Ch
���������� 70 via remote coast radio stations Fig(5)at:
�
Blumenthal Norderney Borkum
Stade Cuxhaven Wangerooge
Helgoland Westerhever Kampen
Bremen MRCC guarantees assistance, on request, to foreign
MRCCs co-ordinating SAR measures for German vessels in
Fig 5(4) Danish Coast Guard and Coast Radio Stations foreign waters.
5.11.2 SAR resources ������������
There are at least 12 lifeboats stationed at the major harbours ���������
along this west-facing coast. They double up as Pilot boats. �����
5.11.3 Navwarnings ������������� �����
�����������������
Navwarnings are broadcast by Lyngby Radio on VHF and MF
���������
1734 kHz, 1738 kHz every 4 hours from 0133 UT. ����������
�����
5.11.4 Firing practice areas �������
There are 4 such areas on the W coast as in Fig 5(4) and listed ��������������
����������������
below. Firing times are broadcast daily by Danmarks Radio at ���������������� �����������
���������������
1745 LT after the weather. Times are also available from the �����������������
Range office by n or Ch 16, using callsigns below.
�������
A Tranum & Blokhus n +45 72839699 or call Tranum �����
������
B Nymindegab n +4572839560 or call Nymindegab ������������� ����������������
�����������
C Oksbøl n +45 72839560, call Oksbøl or see ����������� ������������
[Link]/oksbl Fig 5(5) German Coastal Radio Stations
D Rømø E n +45 72839560 (n +45 73755219 during
firing) or call Fly Rømø. 5.12.2 SAR resources
Rømø W e +45 72848121 DGzRS has a total of 20 offshore lifeboats 20–26m LOA, and
40 <11m LOA along the German seaboard, with 12 large and
5.11.5 Coast Radio Stations 16 small based on their North Sea coast at:
All Danish VHF/MF CRS are remotely controlled by Lyngby Borkum, Juist, Norderney, Norddeich, Baltrum, Langeoog,
and use the callsign Lyngby Radio. Neuharlingersiel, Wangerooge, Horumersiel, Hooksiel,
The stations listed below monitor Ch 16 and DSC Ch 70, H24. Wilhelmshaven, Fedderwardersiel, Bremerhaven, Cuxhaven,
Call on working frequencies, to keep Ch 16 clear. MF stations Brunsbüttel, Helgoland, Büsum Eiderdamm, Nordstrand,
do not monitor 2182 kHz. Traffic lists are broadcast on all VHF Amrum, Hörnum and List.
channels every odd H+05. There are also many inshore lifeboats.

72
 Communications

5.12.3 Navwarnings The Netherlands CG at Den Helder, co-located with the Navy
Navwarnings (Nautische Warnnachricht) are broadcast HQ, co-ordinates SAR operations as the Dutch JRCC for A1
in English by Pinneberg NAVTEX 518 kHz (see Table 6(1)) and A2 Sea Areas. (JRCC = Joint Rescue Coordination Centre
every 4 hours from 0300 UT. Bremen MRCC broadcasts vital – marine & aeronautical.) Callsign is Netherlands Coast Guard,

Communications
Navwarnings for the North Sea Coast on VHF 16 on receipt but Den Helder Rescue during SAR operations.
of a warning and every H and H+30 until cancelled. The JRCC keeps a listening watch H24 on DSC Ch 70, and MF
DSC 2187·5 kHz (but not on 2182 kHz); MMSI 002442000.
5.12.4 Coast Radio Stations
Coast Guard Operations can be contacted H24 via:
DP07 – Seefunk, Estedeich 84, 21129 Hamburg.
Emergency and Operations telephone number:
n + 49 040 23855782. m+49 040 74134242. info@[Link]
[Link] MMSI 002113100 n+31 223 542300 m+31 223 658358 ccc@[Link]

This company operates six CRS on the North Sea coast and Admin/info (HO):
five on the Baltic coast as shown on Fig 5(5) and listed below. n+31 223 658300 m+31 223 658303
The Coast Guard CRS monitor Ch 16 and DSC Ch 70. info@[Link] www. [Link] PO Box 10.000/
Traffic Lists: at 0745, 0945, 1245, 1645 and 1945LT. Callsign is MPC 10A, 1780 CA Den Helder.
the name of the remote station. Remote CG stations are shown on Fig 5(6). Working channels
are VHF 23 and 83.
Nordfriesland 26 Baltic coast
Elbe-Weser 24 Kiel 23 5.13.2 Medical advice
Hamburg 83 Flensburg 27 Call initially on Ch 16, DSC Ch 70 or 2187·5 kHz (MMSI
Bremen 25 002442000). Working chans are VHF Ch 23 & 83 or MF 2824
kHz (transmit), 2520 kHz (receive).
Accumersiel 28
Borkum 61 5.13.3 SAR resources
The Dutch Lifeboat Ass’n (KNRM) manages 45 all-weather
5.13 The Netherlands lifeboat stations and 13 inshore lifeboat stations along the
coast. The 75 lifeboats include 13m LOA water-jet, rigid
5.13.1 Coast Guard communications
inflatables capable of 36 kn. Helicopters, fixed wing aircraft and
The national SAR agency is:
ships of the RNN can be called upon; also Air Force helicopters
SAR Commission Maritime, Ministry of Infrastructure and at Leeuwarden. The area of activity extends across the Dutch
the Environment, PO Box 5807, 2280 HV The Hague, The Continental Shelf and into the Waddenzee, IJsselmeer and
Netherlands. estuaries of Zuid Holland and Zeeland.

���������������
�����������������
�����������
� �����������
��������������� � ���������� �
�����������
��������

����������������� � ��������������
�����������
�����������
�
�������
�����������
�
� �����
����������� �����
��������
��������� � �����������
����������� �
������������
�����������
��������
� ���������
���������������
�
�������
����������� �
�����������
�����������
� �����������
� �����������
Fig 5(6) Netherlands Coast Guard and Radio stations

73
 Netherlands – France

5.13.4 Navwarnings The Belgian Air Force provides helicopters from Koksijde near
Navwarnings are broadcast by Netherlands Coast Guard on the French border. The Belgian Navy also participates in SAR
NAVTEX 518 kHz (see Table 6(1)) every 4 hours from 0230 UT, operations as required, n +32 50 558324 m +32 50 558319
and in English on VHF Ch 23 or Ch 83 and MF 3673 kHz every mik@[Link]
4 hours from 0333 UT.
5.14.3 Navwarnings
5.14 Belgium Navwarnings are broadcast by Oostende on NAVTEX 518 kHz
(see Chapter 6, Table 6(1)), and in English every 4 hrs on VHF
5.14.1 Coast Guard communications 27 and MF 2761 kHz on receipt, every H+03 and H+33, and
The Belgian Coast Guard co-ordinates SAR operations from every 4 hours from 0233 UT. Local messages are broadcast on
Oostende MRCC, callsign Coast Guard Oostende. The MRCC 490 kHz. Navwarnings are broadcast by Antwerpen for the
and Oostende Radio (CRS, see below) both keep listening Schelde on VHF 24 on receipt and every H+55.
watch H24 on Ch 16, 67, 2182 kHz and DSC Ch 70 and
2187·5 kHz. 5.14.4 Coast Radio Stations
Coast Guard stations
OOSTENDE RADIO
MRCC Oostende n +32 59 255439 m +32 59 255467. rmd@[Link]
n +32 59 701000 m +32 59 703605 MMSI 002050480 Ch 16, DSC Ch 70 and 2187·5 kHz (H24)
MMSI 002059981 MF: Tx 2484, Rx 3178 kHz. VHF Ch 27, 63, 78, 85
mrcc@[Link] Zeebrugge Ch 27, 63
RCC BRUSSELS (Point of contact for Cospas/Sarsat) Middelkerke (Oostende) Ch 27
n +32 (0)2 751 4615 m +32 (0)2 7524201 De Panne (French border) Ch 78
rcc@[Link]

5.14.2 SAR resources Antwerpen Radio (remote control by Oostende CRS)

Offshore and inshore lifeboats are based at Nieuwpoort, Ch 16, DSC Ch 70; MMSI 002050485. Working channels:
Oostende and Blankenberge. Antwerp Ch 07, 27; Ghent Ch 81; rest of Belgium Ch 24.

5.15 France.

���������
�����
��������

���������

������� �����������������
�������
���������� �����
��������
��������������
��������������
����������� ���������
����� �������� � � �
������ ������ � �������
���������� ������� �����
������������� ��������� ���
�������� ����������� �������
����� ����������
��������� ���������������
���� �������������
��������� ������
���������
��������� ������

����� ���������
����
������������
���������
�����������������
����� �����������������������������
���������������
�������
���������� ��������
������������������

���������

����� �����

Fig 5(7) CROSS centres and signal stations (for remote stations see 6(12))

74
 Communications

5.15.1 French CROSS infrastructure English every 4 hours from 0000 UT, and in French every 4
CROSS (Centres Régionaux Opérationnels de Surveillance et hours from 0040 UT. CROSS also broadcasts Navwarnings on
de Sauvetage) provide an all-weather presence H24 along the VHF 79/80 after initial call on VHF 16 (Jobourg rarely).
French coast in liaison with foreign CGs. CROSS is an MRCC.

Communications
5.15.5 Semaphore (signal) stations
The main functions include: These keep visual, radar and radio watch (VHF Ch 16) around
• Co-ordinating SAR operations the coast and are manned by the French Navy. They relay
emergency calls to CROSS and are equipped with VHF DF.
• Navigational surveillance
They show gale warning signals, repeat forecasts and offer
• Broadcasting navigational warnings (5.5) local weather reports. They are listed below.
• Broadcasting weather information (6.20)
• Anti-pollution control Semaphore (Signal) stations
• Marine and fishery surveillance Dunkerque 03·28·66·86·18
Boulogne 03·21·31·32·10
All centres monitor VHF Ch 16 and DSC Ch 70 and
co-ordinate SAR on Ch 10, 13, 15, 67, 68, 73; DSC Ault 03·22·60·47·33
Ch 70, Corsen MRCC additionally monitors MF DSC Dieppe 02·35·84·23·82
(2187·5 kHz). They can be contacted by phone 112; Fécamp 02·35·28·00·91
via the National Gendarmerie, Affaires Maritimes or a
La Hève 02·35·46·07·81
Semaphore station. If a nautical emergency is witnessed from
the land, phone direct on 196. CROSS also monitors the TSS Villerville 02·31·88·11·13
in the Dover Strait, off Casquets and off Ouessant using, for Port-en-Bessin 02·31·21·81·51
example, callsign Ushant Traffic. St Vaast 02·33·54·44·50
For medical advice at sea call the appropriate CROSS which Barfleur 02·33·54·04·37
will contact the French TMAS (Telemedical Maritime
Le Homet 02·33·92·60·08
Assistance Service) and co-ordinate an evacuation if necessary.
ƒ Note: SAMU (Ambulance) will respond more quickly to an La Hague 02·33·52·71·07
emergency onshore than calling a doctor. Simply dial 15. Barneville-Carteret 02·33·53·85·08
Granville Le Roc 02·33·50·05·85
5.15.2 CROSS locations/contact details
Any CROSS can be telephoned simply by dialling 112. * St Cast 02·96·41·85·30
St Quay-Portrieux 02·[Link]
CROSS Gris-Nez 50°52’N 01°35’E
MMSI 002275100 n 03·21·87·21·87 m 03·21·87·78·55 * Bréhat 02·96·20·00·12
gris-nez@[Link] Area: Belgian border–Cap Ploumanac’h 02·96·91·46·51
d’Antifer. CROSS Gris-Nez responds to Cospas/Sarsat * Batz 02·98·61·76·06
alerts.
Brignogan 02·98·83·50·84
CROSS Jobourg 49°41’N 01°54’W Ouessant Stiff 02·98·48·81·50
MMSI 002275200 n 02·33·52·16·16 m 02·33·52·78·23.
St-Mathieu 02·98·89·01·59
jobourg@[Link] Area: Cap d’Antifer–Mt St Michel
Portzic (Ch 08) 02·98·22·21·47
CROSS Corsen 48°24’N 04°47’W
* Toulinguet 02·98·27·90·02
MMSI 002275300 n 02·98·89·31·31 m 02·98·89·65·75
corsen@[Link] Area: Mt St Michel–Pointe de * Cap-de-la-Chèvre 02·98·27·09·55
Penmarc’h Pointe-du-Raz 02·98·70·66·57
CROSS Étel 47°39’N 03°12’W Penmarc’h 02·98·58·61·00
MMSI 002275000 n 02·97·55·35·35 m 02·97·55·49·34 * Beg Meil 02·98·94·98·92
etel@[Link] Area: Pointe de Penmarc’h to the Étel Mât Fenoux (HW-3 to HW+2) 02·97·55·35·39
Spanish border.
Beg Melen (Groix) 02·97·86·80·13
5.15.3 Lifeboats * Talut (Belle-Île) 02·97·31·85·07
Société National de Sauvetage en Mer (SNSM; lifeboat St Julien 02·97·50·09·35
service) comes under CROSS. At sea, all vessels must contact * Piriac-sur-Mer 02·40·23·59·87
CROSS to call upon the services of SNSM, they should not Chemoulin 02·40·91·99·00
be contacted directly in an emergency. A hefty charge may
St Sauveur (Yeu) 02·51·58·31·01
be levied for a false call-out.
* Les Baleines (Ré) 05·46·29·42·06
5.15.4 Navwarnings (NavArea II Co-ordinator) Chassiron (Oléron) 05·46·47·85·43
Navwarnings are of two types: Long-range for NavArea II Pointe-de-Grave 05·56·09·60·03
issued by SHOM and broadcast by SafetyNet.
Cap Ferret 05·56·60·60·03
AvurNavs include Coastal and Local warnings. They are issued
* Messanges 05·58·48·94·10
by Cherbourg for the coast from the Belgian border to Mont
St Michel, and by Brest from Mont St Michel to the Spanish Socoa 05·59·47·18·54
border. They are broadcast by CROSS (Corsen) NAVTEX in *Operates sunrise to sunset only. Remainder are H24

75
 France – Morocco

5.15.6 Emergency VHF DF stations – France MRCC Madrid co-ordinates SAR operations via 3 MRCCs
A vessel in emergency can obtain its true bearing from a DF (Coruña, Gijon and Finisterre) on the N coast and Tarifa MRCC
station. DF stations are remotely controlled by a semaphore on the SW coast – as listed below.
(signal) station, a †Naval lookout station or a *cross, all of All facilities monitor (H24) VHF Ch 16, MF 2182 kHz and DSC Ch
which keep primary watch on Ch 16. 70, 2187·5 kHz. They broadcast weather as shown in Chapter 6
To obtain a true bearing from asterisked DF stations, call and Nav warnings, Chapter 3; they do not handle link calls.
CROSS on Ch 16, 11 or 67. Also available are seven continuously
North and North West Spain
scanned frequencies from among Ch 1–29, 36, 39, 48, 50, 52,
In N and NW Spain CG Centres do not keep continuous watch
55, 56 and 60–88.
on Ch 16, so call on a working channel; see Fig 5(8).
VHF DF stations are listed below (NE to NW then S):
Dunkerque 51°03’·40N 02°20’·40E Madrid MRCC MMSI, 002241022.
*Gris-Nez 50°52’·20N 01°35’·01E n917 559 132 m915 261 440. cncs@[Link]
Boulogne 50°44’·00N 01°36’·00E Bilbao MRCC
Ault 50°06’·50N 01°27’·50E 43°21’N 03°02’W MMSI 002240996
Dieppe 49°56’·00N 01°05’·20E n944 839 411 m944 839 161 bilbao@[Link]
Fécamp 49°46’·10N 00°22’·20E
La Hève 49°30’·60N 00°04’·20E Santander MRSC
Villerville 49°23’·20N 00°06’·50E 43°28’N 03°43’W MMSI 002241009
Port-en-Bessin 49°21’·10N 00°46’·30W n942 213 030 m942 213 638 santander@[Link]
St Vaast 49°34’·50N 01°16’·50W
Gijón MRCC
Barfleur 49°41’·90N 01°15’·90W
43°34’N 05°42’W MMSI 002240997
Levy 49°41’·70N 01°28’·20W
n985 326 050 m 985 320 908 gijon@[Link]
†Homet 49°39’·50N 01°37’·90W
*Jobourg 49°41’·50N 01°54’·50W Finisterre MRCC
La Hague 49°43’·60N 01°56’·30W 42°42’N 08°59’W MMSI 002240993
Carteret (Barneville) 49°22’·40N 01°48’·30W n981 767 320 m981 767 740 finisterre@[Link]
Le Roc (Granville) 48°50’·10N 01°36’·90W Coruña MRSC
Grouin (Cancale) (HJ) 48°42’·60N 01°50’·60W 43°22’N 08°23’W MMSI 002240992
St Cast 48°38’·60N 02°14’·70W n981 209 541 m981 209 518 coruna@[Link]
St Quay-Portrieux (HJ) 48°39’·30N 02°49’·50W
Bréhat 48°51’·30N 03°00’·10W Vigo MRSC
Ploumanac’h (HJ) 48°49’·50N 03°28’·20W 42°10’N 08°41’W MMSI 002240998
Batz 48°44’·80N 04°00’·60W n986 222 230 m986 228 957 vigo@[Link]
Brignogan (HJ) 48°40’·60N 04°19’·70W
Creac’h (Ouessant) 48°27’·60N 05°07’·70W South West Spain
*Creac’h (Ouessant) 48°27’·60N 05°07’·80W Tarifa MRCC co-ordinates SAR in SW Spain and the Gibraltar
†St Mathieu 48°19’·80N 04°46’·20W Strait, thus accepts Distress, Urgency and Safety traffic only.
Toulinguet (HJ) 48°16’·80N 04°37’·50W
Tarifa MRCC
Cap de la Chèvre (HJ) 48°10’·20N 04°33’·00W
36°01’N 05°35’W MMSI 002240994
Pointe du Raz 48°02’·30N 04°43’·80W
n956 684 740 m956 680 606 tarifa@[Link]
Penmarc’h 47°47’·90N 04°22’·40W
Beg-Meil (HJ) 47°51’·30N 03°58’·40W Huelva MRSC
Beg Melen 47°39’·20N 03°30’·10W 37°13’N 07°07’W MMSI 002241012
*Etel 47°39’·80N 03°12’·00W n959 243 000 m959 242 103 algeciras@[Link]
St Julien (HJ) 47°29’·70N 03°07’·50W huelva@[Link]
Taillefer 47°21’·80N 03°09’·00W
Le Talut 47°17’·70N 03°13’·00W cádiz MRSC
Piriac 47°22’·50N 02°33’·40W 36°32’N 06°18’W MMSI 002241011
Chemoulin 47°14’·10N 02°17’·80W n956 214 253 m956 226 091 cadiz@[Link]
St Sauveur 46°41’·70N 02°18’·80W Algeciras MRSC (controlled by Malaga MRCC)
Les Baleines (HJ) 46°14’·60N 01°33’·70W 36°08’N 05°26’W MMSI 002241001
Chassiron 46°02’·80N 01°24’·50W n956 580 930 m956 581 951 algeciras@[Link]
La Coubre 45°41’·90N 01°13’·40W
Pointe de Grave 45°34’·30N 01°03’·90W 5.16.2 Navwarnings (NavArea III Co-ordinator)
Cap Ferret 44°37’·50N 01°15’·00W Long-range Navwarnings for NavArea III are broadcast by
Messanges (HJ) 43°48’·80N 01°23’·90W SafetyNet. Coastal warnings are broadcast in English and
Socoa 43°23’·30N 01°41’·10W Spanish by Coast radio stations on NAVTEX 518 kHz (see Table
6(1)) and on VHF; monitor VHF Ch 16 or MF 2182 kHz.
5.16 Spain
5.16.1 Coast Guard communications 5.16.3 Coast Radio Stations (CRS)
The Society for Maritime Rescue and Safety (Sociedad de CRS monitor (H24) Ch 16, 2182 kHz and DSC (VHF & MF) call
Salvamento y Seguridad Maritima – SASEMAR) is the national Ch 16, then switch to a working channel. Traffic lists not
agency for SAR operations (and the prevention of pollution); broadcast on VHF, but passed on a working VHF channel; or
akin to MCA in the UK. on MF at every odd H +33, except 0133 and 2133.

76
 Communications

North Spain (Callsign for all: Bilbao Radio) ������

����
������������
���������
���������� ����������
� �������������������� ������������
Remote stations controlled by Bilbao Comms Centre are: ����������� � ����������
�������� � � �
�����
Pasajes Ch 27 ���������� ��������� ��������� �������

Communications
Machichaco MF: Tx 1677 & 2182; Rx 2102 & 2182. ���� ���� ���������
����������� ���������
No VHF or DF �������� ���� ������
���� ����
Bilbao Ch 26 ��������� ���������
Santander Ch 24 ���������� � � ����
���������
���������������������
North West Spain (Callsign for all: Coruña Radio)

� �
Remote stations controlled by Coruña Comms Centre are:
�������

� � �
Cabo Ortegal Ch 02 ����������
�
��������������
Coruña MF: Tx 1707 & 2182; Rx 2132 & 2182. Ch 26
Finisterre MF: Tx 1698 & 2182; Rx 2123 & 2182. ������
����
Ch 22

� � �
Vigo Ch 20
� � � � �
La Guardia Ch 82
Cabo Peñas Ch 27 ������ � ����������
���� ���������������������
Navia Ch 62
����������
�����������
South West Spain ������������� � �������
�������������������������
Remote stations controlled by Malaga Comms Centre include: ����
����������
Chipiona Radio MF: Tx 1656; Rx 2081. No VHF � ���������� �����������
�
Cádiz Radio Ch 28 ����� ����������������������
���������� �����
Tarifa Radio MF: Tx 1704; Rx 2129. Ch 83 ���������� ����
���������

5.17 MAINLAND Portugal ������ � ���������

���� ��������������
5.17.1 Coast Guard communications �����������
��������
The Portuguese Navy co-ordinates SAR in two regions, Lisboa
Fig 5(8) Spanish and Portuguese CG radio stations
and Santa Maria (Azores), via MRCCs at Lisboa, Ponta Delgada
(Azores) and Funchal MRSC (Madeira). A network of CRS Funchal MRSC
maintains an H24 listening watch on all distress frequencies; 38°38’N 16°54’W MMSI 002550100 VHF Ch 11
see Fig 5(8). 2182 kHz n+351 291 213112 (Emergency) +351 919
Their HQ (Ministério da Defensa Nacional – Marinha) is at: 678140 m+351 291 228232 [Link]@[Link]
Estado-Maior da Armada, Rua do Arsenal, 1149-001 Lisboa 5.18.2 Coast Radio Stations (CRS)
n+351 210 984450 (HO); m+351 214 401954 All CRS monitor Ch 16 (H24) and are remotely controlled
by Lisboa Radio. The following MF frequencies and VHF
Lisboa MRCC channels are used:
38°41’N 09°19’W MMSI 002630100
Flores Radio 23
n+351 214 401919 (Emergency), +351 214 401950;
m+351 214 401954 Faial Radio MF: Tx 2741 & Rx 2237 kHz. 25 (H24), 26, 28
[Link]@[Link] [Link]@[Link]; Pico Radio 24 (H24), 26, 28
Full DSC Ch70 2187.5 kHz coverage not complete but São Miguel Radio MF: Tx & Rx 2182 kHz. 23 (H24), 26, 27
7 stations remotely controlled by Lisboa MRCC now Porto Santo Radio 23, 28 (H24)
operational, DSC Ch70/ Voice, VHF Ch16/ 2182 kHz.
Gibraltar
5.17.2 Coast Radio Stations (CRS)
Lisboa Radio controls all remote stations. SAR communications
n+351 214 190424 m+351 214 199900 Gibraltar VTS
[Link]@[Link] 36°09’N 5°22’W MMSI 002361001 VHF & MF DSC
All CRS, Ch 16 (H24). Call name, (see Fig 5(8)) plus ‘Radio’. n +350 200 462 54 m +350 200 770 11
ops@[Link]
5.18 POrtuguese Islands
5.18.1 Coast Guard communications MOROCCO
Ponta Delgada MRCC Coast Guard communications
37°45’N 25°38’W MMSI 002040100 VHF Ch 16 2182 kHz Rabat MRCC
Planned DSC Ch 70; 2182 kHz n+351 296 281777; 33°49’N 07°09’W MMSI 002424133 VHF & MF DSC
(Emergency) +351 917 777461; m+351 296 205239 n+212 537 625897 emergency +212 537 625877
[Link]@[Link] [Link]@[Link] [Link]@[Link]
Horta MRSC Agadir MRSC
38°32’N 28°38’W MMSI 002040200 VHF Ch 16 30°25’N 09°38’W MMSI 002424136 VHF & MF DSC;
2057 kHz Remotely controlled from Lisbon Ch 16 n+212 528 842964 [Link]@[Link]

77
 VTS – Flag etiquette

5.19 VESSEL TRAFFIC SERVICES (VTS)

�� ������ ������������
VTS primarily assist commercial shipping and depend on
correct sequential use of communications. VTS usually exist
� ����������������������������������
in areas of high traffic density with complex routeing and/ ���������������������������

��������
or navigational constraints, eg shoal water, narrow channels ������������
and tight bends. Such conditions are stressful and demanding
even for the professional mariner. Small craft must therefore
keep clear of big ships, eg by navigating just outside buoyed
channels. � �������������������������
VTS both formalises, and is shorthand for, services which have ����������������������������
���������������������������������
existed for years. These include: Position reporting; radar
surveillance; procedural control of traffic (not to be confused
with TSS, although the two may exist in close proximity to each
other); traffic, weather, navigational and tidal information;
pilotage advice; and berthing instructions. � ��������������������
���������������
Monitoring of VHF radio channels is therefore compulsory

�����������������������
for big ships, but yachts can benefit by:

• Being aware of what commercial ships are doing

• Thereby being better able to avoid them � ��������������������
• Making use of radar assistance if the need arises ���������������
• Hearing any constraints on their own movements
• Being readily contactable by the VTS authority.

It is rarely necessary (and often undesirable) for yachts

to transmit on a busy VTS channel; indeed many marine � ������������������������������
authorities discourage this. In Dutch and German waters �����������������������������������
������
the letter of the law is often more rigidly enforced than ����������������������������
elsewhere; violations may incur on-the-spot fines. ���������������������������������
VTS diagrams appear in the relevant geographic area of
Chapter 9, with detailed notes in the harbour text.
�����������������
������������
5.20 INTERNATIONAL PORT
TRAFFIC SIGNALS (IPTS) �� ���������������������������������
The International system (IPTS) is now widely used on the �����������������������������������
�����������������������

��������������������������������
Continent, but its universal adoption may take some years. ���������������������
Obsolescent national signals may occasionally be seen in a few
minor ports. In some major ports, eg Calais, these important
signals are the primary means of controlling traffic, thereby �� �����������������������������
much reducing or even eliminating VHF radio ‘chatter’. ����������������������������������
• The main movement message always comprises three �����������������������������
���������������������������������
lights, vertically disposed. No additional light shall be �����������������������������
added to the column carrying the main message. �������
Thus the main message is always recognisable as IPTS,
and not as lights of navigational significance. IPTS may �����������������
also be used to control traffic at locks and bridges. ������������

• Red lights indicate Do not proceed. ��������������������������� ������������������������������

����������������������� ��������������������
• Green lights indicate Proceed, subject to the conditions ������
stipulated. Red and green lights are never displayed
together, to avoid confusion.
• Signals may be omni-directional, ie seen by all vessels
simultaneously; or directional, ie seen only by vessels 5 and level with the upper light, means Vessels which
entering or by vessels leaving harbour. can safely navigate outside the main channel need not
comply with the main message. This signal, shown as
• Signal 1 Serious Emergency must show at least 60 flashes/ Nos 2a and 5a, is obviously important to small craft.
minute. All other signals may be fixed or slow occulting
(useful when background glare is a problem). A mixture • Signals which are auxiliary to the main message may
of fixed and occulting lights must not be used. be devised by local authorities. Such auxiliary signals
should show only white and/or yellow lights, and be
• Signal No 5 assumes that VHF, signal lamp, loud-hailer, displayed to the right of the column carrying the main
auxiliary signal or other means of communication will message. Ports with complex entrances and much traffic
specifically inform a vessel that she may proceed. may need many auxiliary signals, which will have to be
• Exemption signals. A single yellow light, displayed to documented. Smaller harbours with less traffic may only
the left of the column carrying main messages Nos 2 or need the basic signals, such as Nos 2 and 3.

78
 Communications

5.21 FLAG ETIQUETTE should be avoided unless strictly necessary. A long bamboo
Flags are still used to express identity – by national ensigns, cane can readily be hoisted to the masthead as a staff,
club burgees, etc. Brief guidance on their use is given below keeping the burgee clear above sensors and aerials.
and in Reeds Maritime Flag Handbook (ACN). A yacht should not fly more than one burgee. A burgee is

Communications
5.21.1 Ensign not flown when a yacht is racing. If the yacht is on loan, or
A yacht’s ensign is the national maritime flag corresponding is chartered, it is correct to use the burgee of the skipper or
to the nationality of her owner; Fig 5(9). Thus a British yacht charterer – not that of the absent owner. Normal practice has
should wear the Red Ensign unless she qualifies for a Special been to lower the burgee at night, at the same time as the
ensign (5.21.2). The national ensign should be kept clean and ensign, but nowadays many owners leave the burgee flying
in good repair. It should normally be worn at the stern, or if if they are on board or ashore in the vicinity.
that’s not possible the nearest position should be used, eg 5.21.5 Choice of burgee
at the peak in a gaffer, at the mizzen masthead in a ketch An owner who is not a Flag Officer, and who belongs to
or yawl, or about two-thirds up the leech of the mainsail. In more than one club, should normally fly the burgee (and
harbour or at anchor the proper position is at the stern. if authorised the special ensign) of the senior club in the
In British harbours by custom the ensign is hoisted at 0800 harbour where the yacht is lying. An exception may be if
(0900 between 1 Nov and 14 Feb) or as soon after that time another club is staging a regatta or similar function.
as people come on board; and lowered when the crew leaves
the boat for the evening, at sunset or at 2100LT, whichever 5.21.6 Flag Officer’s flag
occurs first. Clubs authorise their Flag Officers to fly special swallow-tailed
flags, with the same design as the club burgee and in place
Abroad the ensign (and burgee) are increasingly left flying
of it. The flags of a vice-commodore and a rear-commodore
at all times, to identify nationality – even at night in harbour,
carry one and two balls respectively. A Flag Officer’s flag is
unless the boat is unattended.
flown day and night while he is on board, or ashore nearby. A
At sea the ensign must be worn when meeting other
Flag Officer should fly his flag with the Red Ensign (or special
vessels, when entering or leaving foreign ports, or when
ensign, where authorised) in preference to the burgee of
approaching forts, Signal and CG stations – ie virtually at
some other club.
all times.
It is customary for a Flag Officer to be saluted (not more than
When racing the ensign should not be worn after the five
once a day) by a yacht flying the burgee of that club.
minute gun. It should be hoisted on finishing or retiring.
5.21.2 Special ensigns 5.21.7 House flag
Members of certain clubs may apply for a permit to wear An owner may fly his personal flag when he is on board in
a special ensign (eg Blue Ensign, defaced Blue Ensign, or harbour. It must not conflict with the design of an existing
defaced Red Ensign). The yacht must either be registered flag. A house flag is normally rectangular, and is flown at the
under Part I of the Merchant Shipping Act 1995 and of at crosstrees in a sloop or cutter, at the mizzen masthead in a
least 2 tons gross tonnage, or be registered on the Small Ships ketch or yawl, or at the foremast head in a schooner.
Register and of at least 7m LOA. The owner(s) must be British 5.21.8 St George’s Flag
subjects, and the yacht must not be used for any professional, This is predominantly a land flag, commonly misused
business or commercial purpose. Full details can be obtained afloat. It may only be flown at sea by admirals on duty
from Secretaries of the clubs concerned. The permit must be and members of the Association of Dunkirk Little Ships (in
carried on board. conjunction with their burgee).
A special ensign must only be worn when the owner is on
board or ashore in the vicinity, and only when the yacht 5.21.9 Q Flag
is flying the burgee (or a Flag Officer’s flag) of the club Vessels requiring customs’ clearance should fly the yellow
concerned. When the yacht is sold, or the owner ceases to Q flag. This declares that ‘my vessel is healthy and I request
be a member of the club, the permit must be returned to the free pratique’ ie to clear in and come ashore. This is not
Secretary of the club. required for vessels from, and sailing within, the EU.
5.21.3 Courtesy ensign 5.21.10 Salutes
It is customary when abroad to fly a small maritime ensign of Yachts should salute all Royal Yachts, and all warships of
the country concerned at the starboard spreader. A courtesy whatever nationality. A salute is made by dipping the ensign
ensign must not be worn below any other flag on the same (only). The vessel saluted responds by dipping her ensign,
halyard. Thus a club burgee, if usually flown at the starboard and then re-hoisting it, whereupon the vessel saluting re-
spreader, must be shifted to the port spreader when abroad, hoists hers.
permitting the courtesy ensign to be close up at the starboard
5.21.11 Dressing ship
spreader. The correct courtesy flag for a foreign yacht in
Dressing overall (as opposed to dressing with masthead flags)
British waters is the Red Ensign. British yachts do not need
is normally only done in harbour to mark national festivals.
to fly a courtesy flag in the Channel Islands.
The international code flags and pennants (Fig 5(1)) are
5.21.4 Burgee flown in the following order from stem to masthead(s) to
A burgee shows that a yacht is in the charge of a member stern:
of the club indicated, and does not necessarily indicate E, Q, p 3, G, p 8, Z, p 4, W, p 6, P, p 1, I,
ownership. It should be flown at the masthead. Code, T, Y, B, X, 1st Sub, H, 3rd Sub, (masthead) D, F, 2nd Sub, U, A,
If this is impossible due to wind sensors, radio aerials etc, O, M, R, p 2, J, p 0, N, p 9, K, p 7, V, p 5, L, C, S.
the burgee may be flown at the starboard spreader, but this (Total = 40).

79
 Ensigns and flags

Fig 5(9) Ensigns and flags

��������������� �������������� ������������� ���������

������� ����������� ������� ������

������ ������� ������� ������

������� ������ �������� ������

������� ������ ����� �������

����� ������ ������� �����������

����������� ������ ������ ������

�������� ������������ ����� ������

����������� ������� ������ ���

80