Structure of VHF message for making and maintaining contact

1. The name of the station you are calling + its call signs e.g. m/v ‘Atlantica ’ HPRK

2. Ship station identity / This is..    /

e.g. This is m/v ‘Batabano ’ COGX

3. Date and time /GMT/UTC/ e.g. time 15.35. GMT

4. Position

e.g. position: bearing two-seven- zero degrees true from West Cape, distance 6 mls

5. Over

NB: If the name of the ship is not known it should be addressed by the phrase ‘ALL SHIPS (IN AREA) followed by the

- ship-type and special features

- position

- course and speed

e.g. All ships in west Cape area, calling unknown ship, position: bearing:234 degrees true, from West Cape, distance 2 mls.

To ensure that you actually say what you want to, and that you eliminate unneces­sary repetition, PLAN WHAT YOU WANT TO SAY BEFORE STARTING.

Radio telephone communication glossary