OUR LADY OF FATIMA UNIVERSITY
References
College of Maritime
Education
1. Categories of Maritime Communication Messages
Maritime communication messages are divided into four main
categories based on their level of priority:
1.1 Distress Messages (MAYDAY) – Life-threatening Emergencies
Definition: A distress message is transmitted when a vessel,
aircraft, or person is in grave and imminent danger requiring
immediate assistance.
IMO SMCP Keywords: "MAYDAY" (spoken three times), position,
nature of distress, type of assistance required
OUR LADY OF FATIMA UNIVERSITY
References
College of Maritime
Education
Example Role-Play Scenario:
Ship A (Distressed Vessel):
"MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY. This is MV Atlantic Star, MV Atlantic Star, MV Atlantic
Star. We are on fire in engine room. Position 35 degrees 20 minutes North, 15 degrees 10
minutes West. Require immediate assistance. Over."
Ship B (Receiving Vessel/Coast Guard):
"MV Atlantic Star, this is MV Pacific Breeze. Roger, MAYDAY. We are altering course to
your position and will arrive in two hours. Over."
OUR LADY OF FATIMA UNIVERSITY
References
College of Maritime
Education
2 Urgency Messages (PAN-PAN) – Situations Requiring
.
Timely Assistance
Definition: Urgency messages are sent when there is a
serious situation that is not immediately life-threatening
but requires urgent attention.
IMO SMCP Keywords: "PAN-PAN" (spoken three
times), nature of urgency, position, type of assistance
required.
OUR LADY OF FATIMA UNIVERSITY
References
College of Maritime
Education
Example Role-Play Scenario:
• Ship A (Disabled Vessel):
"PAN-PAN, PAN-PAN, PAN-PAN. This is MV Ocean Wave. Our propulsion system
has failed, and we are drifting towards shallow waters. Position 48 degrees 30
minutes North, 10 degrees 45 minutes West. Request tug assistance. Over.“
• Port Authority or Another Ship Responding:
"MV Ocean Wave, this is Port Control. Roger, PAN-PAN. Tugboat will be
dispatched to your position within three hours. Keep us informed. Over."
OUR LADY OF FATIMA UNIVERSITY
References
College of Maritime
Education
.3 Safety Messages (SECURITÉ) – Navigational and
Meteorological Warnings
• Definition: Safety messages are used to communicate
important navigational or weather-related warnings.
• IMO SMCP Keywords: "SECURITÉ" (spoken three times),
nature of hazard, position.
OUR LADY OF FATIMA UNIVERSITY
References
College of Maritime
Education
Example Role-Play Scenario:
• Coast Guard or Traffic Control Station:
"SECURITÉ, SECURITÉ, SECURITÉ. All ships in vicinity of 50 degrees
North, 20 degrees West. Large floating object reported. Proceed with
caution. Over.“
• Ship A (Acknowledging the Message):
"Roger, SECURITÉ. This is MV Blue Horizon. We acknowledge the
warning and will navigate with caution. Over."
OUR LADY OF FATIMA UNIVERSITY
References
College of Maritime
Education
1.4 Routine Messages – Regular Operational Communication
• Definition: Routine messages involve general
operational communication between vessels, ports, and
maritime authorities.
• IMO SMCP Keywords: Standard phrases for navigational
intentions, pilot requests, mooring instructions, cargo
operations, etc.
OUR LADY OF FATIMA UNIVERSITY
References
College of Maritime
Education
Example Role-Play Scenario:
• Ship A (Entering Port and Requesting Berth Assignment):
"Port Control, this is MV Sunrise requesting pilot and berth
assignment. ETA 12:30 UTC. Over.“
• Port Control Responding:
"MV Sunrise, this is Port Control. Pilot will board at 12:15
UTC at pilot station. Proceed to berth number 5. Over."
OUR LADY OF FATIMA UNIVERSITY
References
College of Maritime
Education
2. Key Principles for Effective Communication Using IMO SMCP
• Use Standard Phrases: Ensures clarity and avoids
misunderstandings.
• Speak Clearly and Slowly: Enhances comprehension, especially
for non-native speakers.
• Repeat Critical Information: Important details (position, nature
of emergency) should be repeated for accuracy.
• Acknowledge Messages Properly: Confirm receipt and
understanding before taking action.
• Follow Proper Radio Protocols: Use standard distress
frequencies and maintain discipline in communication
OUR LADY OF FATIMA UNIVERSITY
References
College of Maritime
Education
3. Training with Role-Playing Exercises
To improve communication skills in emergency and routine scenarios, maritime
personnel should engage in realistic role-playing exercises. These exercises help
in:
✅ Practicing correct phraseology
✅ Enhancing response times
✅ Reducing communication errors in high-pressure situations
Example Role-Playing Activity:
1. Assign roles (Distressed ship, Coast Guard, Rescue Ship, Port Authority,
etc.).
2. Conduct simulated distress, urgency, safety, or routine communication.
3. Provide feedback on clarity, accuracy, and adherence to IMO SMCP.