OUR LADY OF FATIMA UNIVERSITY
WEEK 9
College of Maritime
Education
Importance of SMCP in Maritime Operations
1. Enhances Safety – Reduces the risk of miscommunication, which can lead
to maritime accidents, collisions, and other hazards.
2. Facilitates International Communication – Provides a common language
for seafarers from different linguistic backgrounds.
Standardizes Communication – Ensures uniformity in maritime terminology,
particularly in emergency situations, navigation, and onboard commands
OUR LADY OF FATIMA UNIVERSITY
WEEK 9
College of Maritime
Education
4. Complies with IMO Regulations – SMCP is part of the IMO’s SOLAS
Convention and is recommended for all seafarers.
5. Improves Efficiency – Helps in the smooth operation of ships, especially in
busy waterways and ports where clear instructions are crucial.
6. Essential for Training – Used in maritime education and training
programs to prepare seafarers for real-life communication scenarios
OUR LADY OF FATIMA UNIVERSITY
WEEK 9
College of Maritime
Education
Standard Marine Communication Phrases (SMCP)
Task: Students simulate a conversation using IMO
SMCP between a vessel and a VTS center regarding
navigation in restricted waters.
Procedure:
oProvide a script for the VTS center.
oStudents, acting as vessel officers, respond using
IMO SMCP phrases.
OUR LADY OF FATIMA UNIVERSITY
Week 9
College of Maritime
Education
Include communication about vessel position, course
changes, and acknowledgment of instructions
Standard Marine Communication Phrases (SMCP) • Task:
Students simulate a conversation using IMO SMCP between a
vessel and a VTS center regarding navigation in restricted waters. •
Procedure: o Provide a script for the VTS center. o Students, acting
as vessel officers, respond using IMO SMCP phrases. Include
communication about vessel position, course changes, and
acknowledgment of instructions
OUR LADY OF FATIMA UNIVERSITY
WEEK 9
College of Maritime
Education
VTS Center – Vessel Communication in Restricted Waters
VTS Center:
"This is [VTS Name] VTS. Vessel [Vessel Name], report
your position, course, and speed. Over."
(Student Response - Vessel Officer):
"[VTS Name] VTS, this is [Vessel Name]. My position is
[latitude, longitude]. My course is [XXX] degrees, speed is
[XX] knots. Over."
OUR LADY OF FATIMA UNIVERSITY
WEEK 9
College of Maritime
Education
VTS Center:
"[Vessel Name], you are entering restricted waters. Keep a
safe distance of [XXX] meters from the starboard side of
the channel. Report any course alterations. Over."
(Student Response - Vessel Officer):
"Understood, [VTS Name] VTS. I will maintain a safe
distance of [XXX] meters. Will report any course
alterations. Over."
OUR LADY OF FATIMA UNIVERSITY
WEEK 9
College of Maritime
Education
VTS Center:
"[Vessel Name], alter course to [XXX] degrees to avoid
traffic. Acknowledge. Over."
(Student Response - Vessel Officer):
"Alter course to [XXX] degrees. Understood. Standing by
for further instructions. Over."
OUR LADY OF FATIMA UNIVERSITY
WEEK 9
College of Maritime
Education
VTS Center:
"[Vessel Name], confirm when you have altered course.
Over."
(Student Response - Vessel Officer):
"[VTS Name] VTS, course altered to [XXX] degrees.
Over."
OUR LADY OF FATIMA UNIVERSITY
WEEK 9
College of Maritime
Education
VTS Center:
"Roger. Proceed with caution. Report when clear of
restricted waters. Over."
(Student Response - Vessel Officer):
"Will report when clear of restricted waters. Over."
VTS Center:
"Copy that. VTS out."
OUR LADY OF FATIMA UNIVERSITY
WEEK 9
College of Maritime
Education
VTS – Vessel Communication Scenarios
1. Pilot Boarding Communication
VTS Center:
"[Vessel Name], this is [VTS Name] VTS. Confirm ETA at
pilot station. Over."
(Vessel Response - Officer):
"[VTS Name] VTS, this is [Vessel Name]. ETA at pilot
station is [XX:XX UTC]. Over."
OUR LADY OF FATIMA UNIVERSITY
References
College of Maritime
Education
VTS Center:
"Roger, [Vessel Name]. Pilot will board at [Pilot Boarding Position]. Ensure pilot
ladder is rigged on [port/starboard] side at [XX] meters above water level.
Report when pilot is on board. Over."
(Vessel Response - Officer):
"Understood, pilot ladder rigged on [port/starboard] side at [XX] meters. Will
report when pilot is on board. Over."
VTS Center:
"[Vessel Name], confirm pilot on board. Over."
(Vessel Response - Officer):
"Pilot is on board. Proceeding as per pilot instructions. Over."
OUR LADY OF FATIMA UNIVERSITY
WEEK 9
College of Maritime
Education
2. Anchorage Communication
VTS Center:
"[Vessel Name], this is [VTS Name] VTS. Proceed to anchorage
area [XX]. Report when anchored. Over."
(Vessel Response - Officer):
"Proceeding to anchorage area [XX]. Will report when anchored.
Over."
OUR LADY OF FATIMA UNIVERSITY
WEEK 9
College of Maritime
Education
VTS Center:
"[Vessel Name], confirm when you have dropped anchor and
provide position. Over."
(Vessel Response - Officer):
"Anchor dropped at [latitude, longitude]. Vessel is anchored and
maintaining anchor watch. Over."
VTS Center:
"Roger, [Vessel Name]. Maintain VHF watch and report any
dragging or movement. Over."
OUR LADY OF FATIMA UNIVERSITY
WEEK 9
College of Maritime
Education
3. Arrival Communication
VTS Center:
"[Vessel Name], this is [VTS Name] VTS. Confirm arrival time at berth [XX].
Over."
(Vessel Response - Officer):
"ETA at berth [XX] is [XX:XX UTC]. Tug assistance required. Over."
VTS Center:
"Understood, [Vessel Name]. Tugs will meet you at [position]. Reduce speed
to [XX] knots. Stand by for further instructions. Over."
(Vessel Response - Officer):
"Reducing speed to [XX] knots. Standing by. Over."
OUR LADY OF FATIMA UNIVERSITY
WEEK 9
College of Maritime
Education
VTS Center:
"[Vessel Name], confirm all fast at berth. Over."
(Vessel Response - Officer):
"All fast at berth [XX] at [XX:XX UTC]. Over."
VTS Center:
"Roger. Welcome to [Port Name]. VTS out."
OUR LADY OF FATIMA UNIVERSITY
WEEK 9
College of Maritime
Education
4. Departure Communication
VTS Center:
"[Vessel Name], this is [VTS Name] VTS. Confirm departure
time and request clearance. Over."
(Vessel Response - Officer):
"[VTS Name] VTS, this is [Vessel Name]. Departing berth [XX]
at [XX:XX UTC]. Request traffic clearance. Over."
OUR LADY OF FATIMA UNIVERSITY
WEEK 9
College of Maritime
Education
VTS Center:
"[Vessel Name], you are cleared to depart. Proceed with caution. Report when
clear of port limits. Over."
(Vessel Response - Officer):
"Understood. Departing now. Will report when clear of port limits. Over."
VTS Center:
"[Vessel Name], confirm when clear of port limits. Over."
(Vessel Response - Officer):
"Clear of port limits at [XX:XX UTC]. Resuming passage. Over."
VTS Center:
"Roger. Safe voyage. VTS out."