1. Overview
Source: INTERNATIONAL MARITIME ORGANIZATION. IMO Standard Marine Communication Phrases (SMCP). London: IMO, 2001. Resolution A.918(22), adotada em 29/11/2001. Este capitulo cobre a Part A / AI (Safety, Pilotage, Specials and VTS Phrases), linhas 1480-2665 do MD da obra: AI/3 Safety Communications, AI/4 Pilotage, AI/5 Specials, AI/6 Vessel Traffic Service Standard Phrases.
Syllabus: Anexo 2-A (item VI Comunicacoes), topico VI.1.4.1 - Frases de comunicacao externa (parte A). Escopo definido pelo _capitulo.md desta unidade.
This chapter reproduces Part A of the IMO Standard Marine Communication Phrases, the block of the Code labelled internally AI in the source. It runs, in the book's own order, through four divisions: AI/3 Safety Communications (weather and sea state, navigational warnings, environmental protection), AI/4 Pilotage, AI/5 Specials (helicopter and ice-breaker operations), and AI/6 Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) Standard Phrases — by far the largest of the four.
AI/4 Pilotage carries the highest weight for this exam. The request, embark/disembark and tug-request phrases in that division are the most literally examinable material in the whole document, and every one of them is reproduced here verbatim, in table form, exactly as printed.
The source repeats one convention constantly and it is preserved throughout this apostila: a line that opens with a tilde, ~, is not a new sentence — it is an alternative ending for the sentence introduced immediately above it. Example from the source itself: "The wind in your position ... is expected
~ from direction ... (cardinal points), force Beaufort ... .
~ to increase / decrease.
~ variable." Read each ~-line as completing the phrase that opens the group. All tables below keep the ~ exactly where the source places it.
~ from direction ... (cardinal points), force Beaufort ... .
~ to increase / decrease.
~ variable." Read each ~-line as completing the phrase that opens the group. All tables below keep the ~ exactly where the source places it.
Two further notes on how the tables read. First, where the source pairs a question with one or more numbered answers (".N" / ".N.1" / ".N.2"...), every alternative answer gets its own row — nothing is merged into a single cell. Second, slashes ("port side / starboard side"), ellipses ("... UTC") and parenthetical qualifiers ("(if requested)") are the source's own notation for the blanks and options a speaker fills in live; they are kept exactly as printed, never resolved or guessed.
2. AI/3.1 — Winds, Storms, Sea State and Visibility
AI/3 opens the chapter with Safety Communications. Its first sub-block, AI/3.1, is a question-and-answer set covering wind, gale and tropical-storm warnings, atmospheric pressure, sea state, and restricted visibility — the phrases a vessel and a shore station exchange to establish the weather picture.
2.1 Winds, storms, tropical storms, sea state
| Standard Phrase (verbatim, source order) |
|---|
| What is wind direction and force in your position / in position ... ? |
| Wind direction ...(cardinal points), force Beaufort ... in my position / in position ... . |
| What wind is expected in my position / in position ... ? |
| The wind in your position / in position ... is expected ~ from direction... (cardinal points), force Beaufort ... . ~ to increase / decrease. ~ variable. |
| What is the latest gale / storm warning? |
| The latest gale / storm warning is as follows: Gale / storm warning. Winds at ... UTC in area ... (met.area) from direction ...(cardinal points) and force Beaufort ... backing/veering to ... (cardinal points). |
| What is the latest tropical storm warning? |
| The latest tropical storm warning is as follows: Tropical storm warning at ... UTC. Hurricane... (name) / tropical cyclone /tornado/ willy-willy / typhoon ... (name) with central pressure of ... millibars /hPascals located in position ... Present movement... (cardinal points) at ... knots. Winds of ... knots within radius of ... miles of centre. Seas smooth/moderate/rough/high. Further information on VHF Channel ... / frequency ... . |
| What is the atmospheric pressure in your position / in position ... ? |
| The atmospheric pressure in your position / in position ... is ... millibars/hPascals. |
| What is the barometric change in your position / in position ... ? |
| The barometric change in your position / in position ... is ... millibars/hPascals per hour / within the last ... hours. |
| The barometer is steady / dropping (rapidly) / rising (rapidly). |
| What maximum winds are expected in the storm area? |
| Maximum winds of ... knots are expected ~ in the storm area. ~ within a radius of ... kilometres / miles of the centre. ~ in the safe / dangerous semicircle. |
| What is sea state in your position / in position ... ? |
| The smooth/moderate/rough/high sea/ slight/moderate/heavy swell in my position / in position ... is ... metres from... (cardinal points). |
| Is the sea state expected to change ( - within the next hours)? |
| No, the sea state is not expected to change (- within the next hours). |
| Yes, a sea / swell of ... metres from ...(cardinal points) is expected (- within the next hours). |
| A tsunami / an abnormal wave is expected by ... UTC. |
2.2 Restricted visibility
| Standard Phrase (verbatim, source order) |
|---|
| What is visibility in your position / in position ... ? |
| Visibility in my position / in position is ... metres / nautical miles |
| Visibility is restricted by mist / fog / snow / dust / rain. |
| Visibility is increasing / decreasing / variable. |
| Is visibility expected to change in my position / in position ... (within the next hours)? |
| No, visibility is not expected to change in your position / in position... (- within the next hours). |
| Yes, visibility is expected to increase / decrease to ... metres / nautical miles in your position / in position ... ( within the next hours). |
| Visibility is expected to be variable between ... metres / nautical miles in your position / in position ... ( within the next hours). |
3. AI/3.1 — Ice and Abnormal Tides
The same AI/3.1 block closes with two shorter sets: ice conditions, and abnormal tides and depth. Both keep the question/answer pattern where the source has one, and list the remaining broadcast statements in the order printed.
3.1 Ice
| Standard Phrase (verbatim, source order) |
|---|
| What is the latest ice information? |
| Ice warning. Ice / iceberg(s) located in position ... / reported in area around ... |
| No ice located in position ... / reported in area around ... . |
| What ice situation is expected in my position / area around ... ? |
| Ice situation is ~ not expected to change in your position / area around ... . ~ expected to improve / deteriorate in your position / area around ... . |
| Thickness of ice is expected to increase / decrease in your position / area around ... . |
| Navigation is dangerous in area around ... due to floating ice / pack ice / iceberg(s). |
| Navigation in area around ... is only possible ~ for high-powered vessels of strong construction . ~ with ice-breaker assistance. |
| Area around ... temporarily closed for navigation. |
| Danger of icing in area around ... . |
3.2 Abnormal tides
| Standard Phrase (verbatim, source order) |
|---|
| The present tide ... is metres above / below datum in position ... . |
| The tide ... is metres above/below prediction. |
| The tide is rising / falling. |
| Wait until high / low water. |
| Abnormally high / low tides are expected in position ... at about ... UTC / within ... hours. |
| Is the depth of water sufficient in position ... ? |
| Yes, the depth of water is sufficient in position ... . |
| No, the depth of water is not sufficient in position ... . |
| The depth of water is ... metres in position ... . |
| My draft ... is metres - can I enter / pass ... (charted name of place)? |
| Yes, you can enter / pass (charted name of place). |
| No, you cannot enter / pass (charted name of place) - wait until ... UTC. |
| The charted depth of water is increased / decreased by ... metres due to sea state / winds. |
4. AI/3.2 — Navigational Warnings: Marks, Drifting Objects, Electronic Aids, Wrecks
AI/3.2 is the "Navigational warnings involving..." block: broadcast-style reports, not dialogue. Under "Land- or seamarks" the source prints three labelled sub-groups — Defects, Alterations and New and moved — and each becomes its own table below. The fog-signal item that closes the sub-block carries no heading of its own in the source and is kept at the foot of the third table, where the source prints it.
4.1 Land- or seamarks
| Defects — Standard Phrase (verbatim) |
|---|
| ...( charted name of light / buoy) in position ... ~ unlit / unreliable / damaged / destroyed / off station / missing. |
| Alterations — Standard Phrase (verbatim) |
|---|
| ... ( charted name of lightbuoy / buoy) in position ... ~ (temporarily) changed to ...(full characteristics). ~ (temporarily) removed. ~ (temporarily) discontinued. |
Exception noted in the source: the fog-signal phrase below applies only for major fog signal stations.
| New and moved — Standard Phrase (verbatim) |
|---|
| ...( charted name of light / buoy) ...(full characteristics) ~ established in position ... . ~ re-established in position ... . ~ moved ... kilometres / nautical miles in ... (direction) to position ... . |
| Fog signal ...( charted name of light / buoy) in position ... inoperative. |
4.2 Drifting objects
| Standard Phrase (verbatim) |
|---|
| Superbuoy / mine / unlit derelict vessel / ... (number) container(s) adrift in vicinity ...(position) at ...(date and time if known). |
4.3 Electronic navigational aids
| Standard Phrase (verbatim) |
|---|
| GPS Satellite ...(number) unusable from ... (date and time) to ...(date and time). Cancel one hour after time of restoration. |
| LORAN station ...(name or number of master / secondary) off air from ...(date and time) to ... (date and time). Cancel one hour after time of restoration. |
| RACON ... (name of station) in position ... off air from ...(date and time) to... (date and time). Cancel one hour after time of restoration. |
4.4 Seabottom characteristics, wrecks
Source rule (verbatim): "Use REPORTED when position is unconfirmed, and use LOCATED when position has been confirmed by survey or other means."
| Standard Phrase (verbatim) |
|---|
| Uncharted reef / rock / shoal / dangerous wreck / obstruction reported / located in position ... . |
| Dangerous wreck in position... marked by ... (type)buoy ...(distance in kilometres/nautical miles ) ...(direction). |
5. AI/3.2.5 — Miscellaneous Warnings (I): Operations at Sea
The "Miscellaneous" sub-block of AI/3.2 groups warnings by activity. The source bolds each activity as its own heading; those headings become the table titles below. Almost every phrase here ends with "Wide berth requested" — the chapter's standing request that other traffic keep clear of the reported operation.
5.1 Cable, pipeline and seismic / hydrographic operations
| Standard Phrase (verbatim) |
|---|
| Cable / pipeline operations by ... (vessel) in vicinity / along line joining ... (positions) from ...(date and time)to ...(date and time). Wide berth requested (if requested). Contact via VHF Channel ... (if requested). |
| Seismic survey / hydrographic operations by ...(vessel) from ...(date and time) to... (date and time) in ...(position). Wide berth requested. (if requested). Contact via VHF Channel ... (if requested). |
| Survey vessel ...(name) towing ...(length) seismic cable along line joining / in area bounded by / in vicinity ...(position) from ...(date and time) to ...(date and time). Wide berth requested (if requested). Contact via VHF Channel ... (if requested). |
| Hazardous operations by ...(vessel) in area bounded by / in vicinity ... (position) from ... (date and time) to ...(date and time). Wide berth requested (if requested). Contact via VHF Channel ... (if requested). |
| Current meters / hydrographic instruments moored in ...(position). Wide berth requested (if requested). |
5.2 Diving, towing and dredging operations
| Standard Phrase (verbatim) |
|---|
| Diving/dredging operations by vessel ... (name) from ...(date and time) to ...(date and time) in position ... . Wide berth requested (if requested). |
| Difficult tow from ...(port of departure)on ... (date) to ...(destination)on ...(date). Wide berth requested. |
5.3 Tanker transhipment
| Standard Phrase (verbatim) |
|---|
| Transhipment of ...(kind of cargo) in position... . Wide berth requested. |
| I am / MT ... spilling oil / chemicals /... in position...Wide berth requested. |
| I am / LNG-tanker ... leaking gas in position... - do not pass to windward. |
| Oil clearance operations near MT ... in position ... . Wide berth requested. |
6. AI/3.2.5 — Miscellaneous Warnings (II): Installations, Locks, Exercises, Fishery
The remaining four "Miscellaneous" headings from AI/3.2.5, still in source order.
6.1 Off-shore installations, rig moves
| Standard Phrase (verbatim) |
|---|
| Platform ...(name/number if available) reported / established in position... at ... (date and time).Wide berth requested (if requested). |
| Platform ...(name/number if available) removed from ...(position) on ... (date). |
| Pipeline / platform ...(name/number if available) in position ... spilling oil / leaking gas. Wide berth requested. |
| Derelict platform ...(name/number if available) being removed from ...(position) at ... (date and time).Wide berth requested. |
6.2 Defective locks or bridges
| Standard Phrase (verbatim) |
|---|
| Lock ...(name) defective. |
| For entering ...(charted name of place) use lock ...(name). |
| Lock / bridge ... (name) defective. |
| Avoid this area - no possibility for vessels to turn. |
6.3 Military operations
| Standard Phrase (verbatim) |
|---|
| Gunnery / rocket firing / missile / torpedo / underwater ordnance exercises in area bounded by ... (positions) from ... (date and time) to... (date and time). Wide berth requested (if requested). |
| Mine clearing operations from ...(date time) to ...(date and time) in area bounded by ...(positions).Wide berth requested. Contact via VHF channel ...(number) (if requested). |
6.4 Fishery
| Standard Phrase (verbatim) |
|---|
| Small fishing boats in area around ... - navigate with caution. |
| Is fishing gear ahead of me? |
| No fishing gear ahead of you. |
| Yes, fishing gear with buoys / without buoys in position .../ area around ... - navigate with caution. |
| Fishing gear has fouled my propeller(s). |
| You have caught my fishing gear. |
| Advise you to recover your fishing gear. |
| Fishing in area ... prohibited. |
7. AI/3.3 — Environmental Protection Communications
The last block of AI/3 closes Safety Communications with spill reporting, requests for assistance, and identification of a polluter.
7.1 Standard phrases
| Standard Phrase (verbatim, source order) |
|---|
| Located oil spill in position ... extending ... (length and width in metres) to ... (cardinal points). |
| Located oil spill ~ in your wake. ~ in the wake of MV ... . |
| I have / MV ... has accidental spillage of oil / ... . |
| Can you / MV ... stop spillage? |
| Yes, I / MV ... can stop spillage. |
| No, I / MV ... cannot stop spillage. |
| What kind of assistance is required? |
| I require / MV ... requires - oil clearance assistance. - floating booms / oil dispersants / ... . |
| Stay in vicinity of pollution and co-operate with oil clearance team. |
| ... (number) barrels / drums / containers with IMDG - Code marks reported adrift near position... . |
| Located a vessel dumping chemicals / waste / ... in position ... . |
| Located a vessel incinerating chemicals / waste / ... in position ... . |
| Can you identify the polluter? |
| Yes, I can identify the polluter - polluter is MV ... . |
| No, I cannot identify the polluter. |
| What is course and speed of the polluter? |
| Course of the polluter ... degrees, speed ... knots. |
| The polluter left the scene. |
8. AI/4 — Pilotage
AI/4 is the shortest division of the chapter and the one this exam weighs most heavily: pilot request, embarking and disembarking the pilot, and tug request. Every phrase below is reproduced verbatim, without exception and without summarizing.
8.1 AI/4.1 Pilot request
The source itself does not print separate content here: AI/4.1 reads, in full, "See AI/6 - .4.3 'Pilot request'." That cross-reference is honored below by placing the entire AI/6.4.3 Pilot request table at this point in the chapter, since this is where the exam's own topic label (VI.1.4.1) points. Section 20 of this apostila (AI/6.4, Communication with emergency services) cross-references back here rather than repeating the table.
| Source item | Standard Phrase (verbatim, source order — printed in the book at AI/6.4.3) |
|---|---|
| .1 | Must I take a pilot? |
| .1.1 | Yes, you must take a pilot - pilotage is compulsory. |
| .1.2 | No, you need not take a pilot. |
| .2 | Do you require a pilot? |
| .2.1 | Yes, I require a pilot. |
| .2.2 | No, I do not require a pilot - I am holder of Pilotage Exemption Certificate (No. ...). |
| .3 | You are exempted from pilotage. |
| .4 | Do you require a pilot at ...(name) Pilot Station? |
| .4.1 | Yes, I require a pilot at ...(name) Pilot Station. |
| .4.2 | No, I do not require a pilot at ...(name) Pilot Station - I require a pilot in position ... |
| .5 | What is your ETA at ...(name) Pilot Station in local time? |
| .5.1 | My ETA at...(name) Pilot Station is ... hours local time. |
| .6 | What is local time? |
| .6.1 | Local time is ... hours. |
| .7 | What is your position? |
| .7.1 | My position is ... . |
| .8 | What is your distance from ...(name) Pilot Station? |
| .8.1 | My distance from ...(name) Pilot Station is ... kilometres / nautical miles. |
| .9 | Is the pilot boat on station? |
| .9.1 | Yes, the pilot boat is on station. |
| .9.2 | No, the pilot boat is not on station. |
| .9.3 | The pilot boat will be on station at ... hours local time. |
| .10 | In what position can I take the pilot? |
| .10.1 | Take the pilot at ...(Pilot Station) / near ... at ... hours local time. |
| .11 | When will the pilot embark? |
| .11.1 | The pilot will embark at ... hours local time. |
| .12 | The pilot boat is coming to you. |
| .13 | Stop in present position and wait for the pilot. |
| .14 | Keep the pilot boat ... (cardinal points) of you. |
| .15 | What is your freeboard? |
| .15.1 | My freeboard is ... metres. |
| .16 | Change to VHF Channel ... for pilot transfer. |
| .17 | Stand by on VHF Channel ... until pilot transfer is completed. |
| .18 | Pilotage at ...(name) Pilot Station has been suspended until ... (date and local time). |
| .19 | Pilotage at ...(name) Pilot Station has been resumed. |
| .20 | The pilot cannot embark at ... (name) Pilot Station due to ... . |
| .21 | Do you accept shore-based navigational assistance from VTS Centre? |
| .21.1 | Yes, I accept shore-based navigational assistance. |
| .21.2 | No, I do not accept shore-based navigational assistance. |
| .21.3 | I will stay in position ... until ... . |
| .22 | You have permission to proceed by yourself (or wait for the pilot at ... buoy). |
| .23 | Follow the pilot boat inward where the pilot will embark. |
8.2 AI/4.2 Embarking / disembarking pilot
| Standard Phrase (verbatim, source order) |
|---|
| Stand by pilot ladder. |
| Rig the pilot ladder on port side / starboard side ... metres above water. |
| The pilot ladder is rigged on port side / starboard side. |
| You must rig another pilot ladder |
| The pilot ladder is unsafe. |
| What is wrong with the pilot ladder? |
| The pilot ladder ~ has broken / loose steps. ~ has broken spreaders. ~ has spreaders too short. ~ is too far aft / forward. |
| Move the pilot ladder ~ ... metres aft / forward. ~ clear of discharge. |
| Rig the accommodation ladder in combination with the pilot ladder. |
| Rig the pilot ladder alongside hoist. |
| Put lights on at the pilot ladder. |
| Man ropes are required / not required. |
| Have a heaving line ready at the pilot ladder. |
| Correct the list of the vessel. |
| Make a lee on your port side / starboard side. |
| Steer ... degrees to make a lee. |
| Keep the sea on your port quarter / starboard quarter. |
| Make a boarding speed of ... knots. |
| Stop engine(s) until pilot boat is clear. |
| Put helm hard to port / starboard. |
| Alter course to ... (cardinal points) - the pilot boat cannot clear the vessel. |
| Put engine(s) ahead / astern. |
| Embarkation is not possible. |
| Boarding arrangements do not comply with SOLAS - Regulations. |
| Vessel is not suited for the pilot ladder. |
8.3 AI/4.3 Tug request
| Standard Phrase (verbatim, source order) |
|---|
| Must I take tug(s)? |
| Yes, you must take ... tug(s). |
| No, you need not take tug(s). |
| How many tugs must I take? |
| You must take ... tug(s) according to Port Regulations. |
| You must take ... tug(s) fore and ... tug(s) aft. |
| I require ... tug(s). |
| In what position will the tug(s) meet me? |
| The tug(s) will meet you in position ... at ...UTC. |
| Wait for the tug(s) in position ... |
| Must I use the towing lines of my vessel? |
| Yes, you must use the towing lines. |
| No, you must use the towing lines of the tug. |
9. AI/5.1 — Helicopter Operations
AI/5 opens the "Specials" division. Helicopter operations are the only block in the whole chapter where the source itself marks who is speaking — H: from the helicopter, V: from the vessel, and once, MRCC:, which the source prints without expanding — its speaker key gives only 'H: = from helicopter V: = from vessel' — and the table below keeps that speaker column exactly as printed.
9.1 Standard phrases by speaker
| Speaker | Standard Phrase (verbatim, source order) |
|---|---|
| V: | I require a helicopter. ~ to pick up persons. ~ with doctor. ~ with liferaft / ... |
| MRCC: | I will send a helicopter with ... |
| H: | MV ..., I will drop ... |
| H: | MV ..., are you ready for the helicopter? |
| V: | Yes, I am ready for the helicopter. |
| V: | No, I am not ready for the helicopter (yet). |
| V: | Ready for the helicopter in ... minutes. |
| H: | MV ..., helicopter is on the way to you. |
| H: | MV ..., what is your position. |
| V: | My position is ... |
| H: | MV ..., what is your present course and speed. |
| V: | My present course is ... degrees, speed is ... knots. |
| H: | MV ..., make identification signals. |
| V: | I am making identification signals by smoke (buoy) / search light / flags / signalling lamp / ... . |
| H: | MV ... , you are identified. |
| H: | MV ... , what is the relative wind direction in degrees and knots. |
| V: | The relative wind direction is ... degrees and ... knots. |
| H: | MV ... , keep the wind on port / starboard bow. |
| H: | MV ... , keep the wind on port / starboard quarter. |
| H: | MV ... , indicate the landing / pick-up area. |
| V: | The landing / pick-up area is ... . |
| H: | MV ... , can I land on deck? |
| V: | Yes, you can land on deck. |
| V: | No, you cannot land on deck (yet). |
| V: | You can land on deck in ... minutes. |
| H: | MV ... , I will use hoist / rescue sling / rescue basket / rescue net / rescue litter / rescue seat / double lift. |
| V: | I am ready to receive you. |
| H: | MV ... , I am landing. |
| H: | MV ... , I am starting operation. |
| H: | MV ... , do not fix the hoist cable. |
| H: | MV ... , operation finished. |
| H: | MV ... , I am taking off. |
10. AI/5.2 — Ice-breaker Operations
The second special operation is ice-breaker assistance, in three parts: the request, commands to a convoy, and the specific procedure for close-coupled towing.
10.1 Ice-breaker request
| Standard Phrase (verbatim, source order) |
|---|
| I am / MV is ... fast in ice in position ... . |
| I require / MV ... requires ice-breaker assistance to reach ... . |
| Ice-breaker assistance ~ will arrive at ... UTC / within ... hours. ~ is not available until ... UTC. ~ is available only up to latitude... longitude... ~ is suspended until...(date and time). ~ is suspended after sunset. ~ is suspended until favourable weather conditions. ~ will be resumed at ... UTC. |
10.2 Ice-breaker assistance for convoy
Source (verbatim): "Ice-breaker commands applying to all the vessels in a convoy have to be immediately confirmed consecutively by each vessel in turn and executed according to the pattern given in GENERAL 4.6. Ice-breaker commands applying to a single vessel are confirmed and executed only by that vessel, this applies also for close coupled towing. When being assisted by an ice-breaker it is important to maintain a continuous listening watch on the appropriate VHF Channel and to maintain a proper lookout for sound and visual signals."
| Standard Phrase (verbatim, source order) |
|---|
| Ice breaker assistance for convoy will start now / at ... UTC. |
| Your place in convoy is number ... . |
| MV ... will follow you. |
| You will follow MV ... . |
| Go ahead and follow me. |
| Do not follow me. |
| Proceed along the ice channel. |
| Increase / reduce your speed. |
| Reverse your engines. |
| Stop engines. |
| Keep a distance of ... metres /cables between vessels. |
| Increase / reduce the distance between vessels to ... metres / cables. |
| Stand by for receiving towing line. |
| Stand by for letting go towing line. |
| Switch on the bow / stern search light |
| Stop in present position. |
| Ice-breaker ... will escort you. |
| Ice-breaker assistance for convoy finished. |
| Open water / light ice conditions ahead. |
| Proceed by yourself (to area ...). |
10.3 Ice-breaker assistance in close-coupled towing
| Standard Phrase (verbatim, source order) |
|---|
| Stand by for close coupled towing. |
| Slack out your anchors under the hawse-pipes. |
| Pass heaving lines through the hawse-pipes. |
| Receive towing line on deck. |
| Lash together the eyes of the towing line with manila lashing. |
| Fasten towing line on your bitts. |
| I start to draw your bow into the stern notch of the ice-breaker. |
| Stand by for cutting the manila lashing if required. |
| Keep yourself in the centre-plane of the ice-breaker. |
11. AI/6 — Vessel Traffic Service: Message Markers
AI/6 is the largest division of the chapter and covers Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) Standard Phrases end to end. It opens with a device the source leaves to the sender's discretion in any VTS exchange — spoken before a message, never printed inside the phrase tables that follow: the eight message markers.
Source (verbatim): "In order to especially facilitate shore-to-ship and ship-to-shore communication or when one of the Standard Marine Communication Phrases will not fit the meaning desired, one of the following eight message markers may be used to increase the probability of the purpose of the message being properly understood. It is at the discretion of the shore personnel or the ship's officer whether to use one of the message markers and if so which of them to apply depending on the user's qualified assessment of the situation. If used the message marker is to be spoken preceding the message or the corresponding part of the message. The IMO VTS Guidelines recommend that in any message directed to a vessel it should be clear whether the message contains information, advice, warning, or instruction and IMO Standard Marine Communication Phrases should be used where practicable."
Source (verbatim), closing the same passage: "For further standardized VTS communications, also see other sections of PART AI. For VTS Standard Reporting Procedures see IMO Resolution A. 851 (20) on 'General Principles for Ship Reporting Systems and Ship Reporting Requirements, including guidelines for reporting incidents involving dangerous goods, harmful substances and / or marine pollutants'."
Source note (verbatim): "All of the following phrases must come as the culmination (message content) of a radio message exchange between stations covered by the ITU Radio Regulations, and the relevant calling procedures have to be observed."
11.1 The eight message markers
| Marker | Definition (verbatim) | Comment (verbatim) | Example (verbatim) |
|---|---|---|---|
| INSTRUCTION | This indicates that the following message implies the intention of the sender to influence others by a Regulation. | This means that the sender, e.g. a VTS - Station or a naval vessel, must have the full authority to send such a message. The recipient has to follow this legally binding message unless s/he has contradictory safety reasons which then have to be reported to the sender. | 'INSTRUCTION. Do not cross the fairway.' |
| ADVICE | This indicates that the following message implies the intention of the sender to influence others by a Recommendation. | The decision whether to follow the ADVICE still stays with the recipient. ADVICE does not necessarily have to be followed but should be considered very carefully. | 'ADVICE. (Advise you) stand by on VHF Channel six nine.' |
| WARNING | This indicates that the following message implies the intention of the sender to inform others about danger. | This means that any recipient of a WARNING should pay immediate attention to the danger mentioned. Consequences of a WARNING will be up to the recipient. | 'WARNING. Obstruction in the fairway.' |
| INFORMATION | This indicates that the following message is restricted to observed facts, situations, etc. | This marker is preferably used for navigational and traffic information, etc. Consequences of INFORMATION will be up to the recipient. | 'INFORMATION. MV Noname will overtake to the West of you.' |
| QUESTION | This indicates that the following message is of interrogative character. | The use of this marker removes any doubt on whether a question is being asked or statement being made, especially when interrogatives such as What, Where, Why, Who, How are additionally used at the beginning of the question. The recipient is expected to return an answer. | 'QUESTION. (What is) your present maximum draft?' |
| ANSWER | This indicates that the following message is the reply to a previous question. | Note that an answer should not contain another question. | 'ANSWER. My present maximum draft is zero seven metres.' |
| REQUEST | This indicates that the following message is asking for action from others with respect to the vessel. | The use of this marker is to signal: I want something to be arranged or provided, e.g. ship's stores requirements, tugs, permission, etc. | 'REQUEST. I require two tugs.' |
| INTENTION | This indicates that the following message informs others about immediate navigational action intended to be taken. | The use of this message marker is logically restricted to messages announcing navigational actions by the vessel sending this message. | 'INTENTION. I will reduce my speed.' |
Source note (verbatim), placed under REQUEST: "REQUEST must not be used involving navigation, or to modify COLREGS."
12. AI/6.1 — Acquiring and Providing Data for a Traffic Image
The identification and status questions a VTS station asks a vessel to build its traffic picture — name, flag, position, course/speed, destination, draft, cargo, and any deficiencies.
12.1 Acquiring and providing routine traffic data
| Standard Phrase (verbatim, source order) |
|---|
| What is the name of your vessel and call sign / identification? |
| The name of my vessel is ... , call sign ... / identification ... . |
| Spell the name of your vessel. |
| What is your flag state? |
| My flag state is ... . |
| What is your position? |
| My position is ... . |
| What is your present course and speed? |
| My present course is ... degrees, my speed is ... knots. |
| From what direction are you approaching? |
| I am approaching from ... . |
| What is your port of destination / destination? |
| My port of destination / destination is ... . |
| What was your last port of call? |
| My last port of call was ... . |
| What is your ETA in position ... ? |
| My ETA is ... UTC. |
| What is your ETD from ... ? |
| My ETD from ... is ... UTC. |
| What is your draft forward / aft? |
| My draft forward / aft is ... metres. |
| What is your present maximum draft ? |
| My present maximum draft is ... metres. |
| What is your freeboard? |
| My freeboard is ... metres. |
| What is your air draft? |
| My air draft is ... metres. |
| Are you underway? |
| Yes, I am underway. |
| No, I am not underway. |
| I am ready to get underway. |
| What is your full speed / full manoeuvring speed? |
| My full speed / full manoeuvring speed is ... knots. |
| What is your cargo? |
| My cargo is ... . |
| Do you carry any dangerous goods? |
| Yes, I carry the following dangerous goods: ... kilogrammes / tonnes IMO Class ... . |
| No, I do not carry any dangerous goods. |
| Do you have any deficiencies / restrictions? |
| No, I have no deficiencies / restrictions. |
| Yes, I have the following deficiencies / restrictions: ... . |
| I am / MV ... is constrained by draft. |
| The maximum permitted draft is ... metres. |
| Do you have any list? |
| Yes, I have a list to port / starboard of ... degrees. |
| No, I have no list. |
| Are you on even keel? |
| Yes, I am on even keel. |
| No, I am trimmed by the head / stern. |
12.2 Acquiring and providing distress traffic data
The source does not print separate content here: it reads, in full, "See AI/1.1 'Distress communications'." AI/1 lies outside the excerpt covered by this chapter, so no phrase from it is reproduced here.
13. AI/6.2.1 — Information Service (I): Warnings, Traffic and Route Information
AI/6.2 covers the three VTS services in the source's own order: Information, Navigational Assistance, and Traffic Organization. The Information service opens with four phrase sets which, in the source's own words, are "normally transmitted from the shore" — each with its own table below.
13.1 Navigational warnings
| Standard Phrase (verbatim, source order) |
|---|
| Unknown object(s) in position ... . |
| Ice / iceberg(s) in position ... / area around ... . |
| Unlit derelict vessel adrift in vicinity ... at ... (date and time). |
| Dangerous wreck / obstruction located in position ... marked by ... (type) buoy. |
| Hazardous mine adrift in vicinity ... at ... (date and time). |
| Uncharted reef / rock / shoal reported in position ... . |
| Pipeline is leaking gas / oil in position ... - wide berth requested. |
| Depth of water not sufficient in position ... . |
| Navigation closed in area ... . |
13.2 Navigational information
| Standard Phrase (verbatim, source order) |
|---|
| Oil spill in position ... . |
| Current meters / hydrographic instruments moored in position ...- wide berth requested. |
| Platform ...(name / number) reported / established in position ... - wide berth requested. |
| ...( charted name of light / buoy) in position ... ~ unlit / unreliable / damaged / destroyed / off station / missing. ~ (temporarily) changed to ...(full characteristics). ~ (temporarily) removed. ~ (temporarily) discontinued. |
| ...( charted name of light / buoy) ...(full characteristics) ~ established in position ... . ~ re-established in position ... . ~ moved ... kilometres / nautical miles in ... (direction) to position ... . |
| (Note: Only for major fog signal stations.) Fog signal ...( charted name of light / buoy) in position ... inoperative. |
13.3 Traffic information
| Standard Phrase (verbatim, source order) |
|---|
| Gunnery / rocket firing / missile / torpedo / underwater ordnance exercises in area bounded by ...(positions) and ... from ... (date and time) to ... (date and time). Wide berth requested. |
| Cable / pipeline operations by... (vessel) in vicinity ... / along a line joining ...(position) from ... (date and time) to... (date and time) - wide berth requested. Contact via VHF Channel ... |
| Salvage operations in position ... from ... (date and time) to ... (date and time) - wide berth requested. Contact via VHF Channel ... |
| Seismic / hydrographic operations by ... (vessel)... from ... (date and time) to ...(date and time) in position ... - wide berth requested. Contact via VHF Channel ... |
| Oil clearance operations near MT ... in position ... - wide berth requested. |
| Transhipment of ...(kind of cargo) in position ... - wide berth requested. |
| Difficult tow from ...(port of departure) to ...(destination) on ...(date) - wide berth requested. |
| Vessel not under command in position ... / area ... |
| Hampered vessel in position ... area ... (course ... degrees, speed ... knots). |
| Vessel in position ... on course ... and speed ... is not complying with traffic regulations. |
| Vessel is crossing ... traffic lane on course ... and speed ... in position ... |
| Small fishing boats in area around ... - navigate with caution. |
| Submarines operating in sea area around ... surface vessels are in attendance. |
13.4 Route information
| Standard Phrase (verbatim) |
|---|
| Route .../ Traffic Lane ... has been suspended / discontinued / diverted. |
14. AI/6.2.1 — Information Service (II): Hydrographic, Electronic Aids and Meteorological
The remaining four phrase sets of the Information service.
14.1 Hydrographic information
| Standard Phrase (verbatim, source order) |
|---|
| Tidal prediction for ... (name of station(s)) / area ... : |
| A tide of ... metres above / below datum is expected in position ... / area ... at about ... UTC. |
| Abnormally high / low tides are expected in position ... / area ... at about ... UTC. |
| The tide is rising - ~ it is ... hours before high water / after low water. ~ it is ... metres below high water / above low water. |
| The tide is falling - ~ it is ... hours after high water / before low water. ~ it is ... metres below high water / above low water. |
| The tide is slack. |
| Present tide is ... metres above / below datum ... in position ... |
| The tide is ... metres above / below prediction |
| The tidal stream / current is ... knots in position ... |
| The tide is setting in direction ... degrees. |
| The depth of water is / is not sufficient in position ... |
| Charted depth has increased / decreased by ... metres due to winds / sea state. |
14.2 Electronic navigational aids information
| Standard Phrase (verbatim, source order) |
|---|
| GPS Satellite ...(number) unusable from ...(date and time) to ... (date and time). Cancel one hour after time of restoration. |
| LORAN station ...(name number of master / slave) |
| RACON ... (name of station) in position ... off air ... from ... (date and time) to ... (date and time). |
The LORAN line above is reproduced exactly as printed in the source at this point (it breaks off without the "off air from ... to ..." clause that the equivalent AI/3.2 phrase carries); nothing has been added to complete it.
14.3 Meteorological warnings
| Standard Phrase (verbatim, source order) |
|---|
| Gale warning / storm warning was issued at ... UTC starting at ... UTC. Gale warning / storm warning. Wind at ... UTC in area ... (met. area) from direction ... (cardinal points) and force Beaufort ... backing / veering to ... (cardinal points). |
| Tropical storm warning was issued at ... UTC starting at ... UTC. Tropical storm warning at ... UTC. Hurricane ... (name) / tropical cyclone / tornado / willy-willy / typhoon / ... with central pressure of ... millibars/hPascals located in position ... Present movement ... (cardinal points) at ... knots. Winds of ... knots within radius of ... nautical miles of centre. Seas over ... metres. Further information on VHF Channel ... / frequency ... (at ... UTC). |
14.4 Meteorological information
| Standard Phrase (verbatim, source order) |
|---|
| Position of tropical storm ... (name) ..., path ... (cardinal points), speed of advance ... knots. |
| Wind direction ...(cardinal points), force Beaufort ... in position ... |
| Wind is backing / veering and increasing / decreasing. |
| Wind is expected to increase / decrease in position ... to force Beaufort ... within the next... hours. |
| Visibility in position ... ~ metres / nautical miles. ~ reduced by mist / fog / snow / dust / rain / ... ~ expected to increase / decrease to ... metres / nautical miles within the next ... hours. |
| Sea / swell in position ... ~ metres from ...(cardinal points). ~ expected to increase / decrease within the next ... hours. |
| Icing is expected / not expected in area ... . |
The source closes this set with a cross-reference rather than new content: "AI/6.2.1.9 Meteorological questions and answers — See AI/3.1 'Meteorological and hydrological conditions'" (covered in section 2 of this apostila).
16. AI/6.2.3 — Traffic Organization Service (I): Clearance and Anchoring
The third VTS service, Traffic Organization, is the biggest of the three and covers everything from clearance to canal/lock operations. It opens with forward planning and anchoring.
16.1 Clearance, forward planning
| Standard Phrase (verbatim, source order) |
|---|
| Traffic clearance is required before entering ... . |
| Do not enter the traffic lane / ... . |
| Proceed to the emergency anchorage. |
| Keep clear of .../ avoid ... . |
| You have permission ~ to enter the traffic lane / route - traffic clearance granted. ~ to enter traffic lane / route in position ... at ... UTC. |
| Do not pass the reporting point ... until ... UTC. |
| Report at the next way point / way point ... / at ... UTC. |
| You must arrive at way point ... at ... UTC - your berth is clear. |
| Do not arrive in position ... before / after ... UTC. |
| The tide is with you / against you. |
16.2 Anchoring
| Standard Phrase (verbatim, source order) |
|---|
| You must anchor ~ at ... UTC. ~ until the pilot arrives. ~ in a different position. ~ clear of fairway. |
| Do not anchor in position ... . |
| Anchoring is prohibited. |
| You must heave up anchor. |
| You are at anchor in a wrong position. |
| Have your crew on stand by for heaving up anchor when the pilot embarks. |
| You have permission to anchor (at ... UTC) ~ in position ... . ~ until the pilot arrives. ~ until the tugs arrive. ~ until sufficient water. |
| You are obstructing the fairway / other traffic. |
| Are you dragging / dredging anchor? |
| Yes, I am dragging / dredging anchor. |
| No, I am not dragging / dredging anchor. |
| Do not dredge anchor. |
17. AI/6.2.3 — Traffic Organization Service (II): Arrival, Berthing, Departure and Enforcement
17.1 Arrival, berthing and departure
| Standard Phrase (verbatim, source order) |
|---|
| Your orders are to berth on ... . |
| Your orders are changed to proceed to ... . |
| Proceed to ... for orders. |
| You have permission to enter / to proceed at ... UTC. |
| Vessel is turning / manoeuvring in position ... . |
| MV ... ~ will turn in position ... . ~ will leave ... at ... UTC. ~ is leaving ... . ~ has left ... . ~ entered fairway in position ... . |
| Your berth is not clear (until ... UTC) |
| Your berth will be clear at ... UTC. |
| You will berth / dock at ... UTC . |
| Berthing has been delayed by ... hours. |
| Be ready to get underway. |
| I am ready to get underway |
| Get underway. |
| Are you underway? |
| Yes, I am underway. |
| No, I am not underway. |
| Move ahead / astern ... metres. |
| Your vessel is in position - make fast. |
17.2 Enforcement
| Standard Phrase (verbatim, source order) |
|---|
| According to my radar, your course does not comply with Rule 10 of COLREGS. |
| Your actions will be reported to the Authorities. |
| You are ~ not complying with traffic regulations. ~ not keeping to the correct traffic lane. |
| Have all navigational instruments in operation before entering this area / area ... . |
| Your navigation lights are not visible. |
| Recover your fishing gear. |
| You are fishing in the fairway. |
| Fishing gear is to the ... (cardinal points) of you. |
| Fishing in area ...is prohibited. |
| You are approaching a prohibited fishing area. |
| Fairway speed is... knots. |
18. AI/6.2.3 — Traffic Organization Service (III): Avoiding Danger, Canal and Lock Operations
18.1 Avoiding dangerous situations, providing safe movements
| Standard Phrase (verbatim, source order) |
|---|
| It is dangerous ~ to anchor in your present position. ~ to remain in your present position. ~ to alter course to ... (cardinal points). |
| Large vessel is leaving the fairway- keep clear of the fairway approach. |
| Nets with buoys / without buoys in this area - navigate with caution. |
| Collision in position ... . |
| MV ... is aground / on fire / ... in position ... . |
| Stand by for assistance. |
| Vessels must ~ keep clear of this area / area ... . ~ avoid this area / area ... . ~ navigate with caution. |
| Keep clear of ... - search and rescue in progress. |
| Your present course is too close ~ to ingoing / outgoing vessel. ~ to the vessel that you are overtaking. ~ to the ... (cardinal points) limit of the fairway. |
| Your course is deviating from the radar reference line. |
| You are running into danger ~ shallow water ... (cardinal points) of you. ~ submerged wreck ... (cardinal points) of you. ~ fog bank ... (cardinal points) of you. ~ risk of collision (with vessel bearing ... degrees, distance ... kilometres / nautical miles). ~ bridge is defective. |
| You are proceeding at a dangerous speed. |
| You must ~ proceed by the fairway / route ... . ~ keep to the ... (cardinal points) of the fairway line / radar reference line. ~ stay clear of the fairway. |
| You must wait for MV ... to cross ahead of you. |
| You must wait for MV ... to clear ... before ~ entering the fairway. ~ getting underway. ~ leaving the berth. |
| Do not ~ overtake. ~ cross the fairway. |
| Alter course to ... (cardinal points) of you. |
| Pass ... (cardinal points) of ~ ingoing /outgoing / anchored / disabled vessel. ~ of ... mark / ... . |
| Stop engines. |
| MV ... ~ wishes to overtake ... (cardinal points) of you. ~ agrees / does not agree to be overtaken. ~ is approaching an obscured area ... - approaching vessels acknowledge. |
The source's numbered item .20 carries a stray, contentless line between its second and third ~-alternatives (a lone period); it is skipped above as a formatting artifact, not as lost content — the three substantive alternatives are all reproduced.
18.2 Canal and lock operations
| Standard Phrase (verbatim, source order) |
|---|
| You must ~ close up on the vessel ahead of you. ~ drop back from the vessel ahead of you. ~ wait at ... . ~ moor at ... . ~ wait for lock clearance at ... until ... UTC. |
| Convoy ... must wait / moor at ... . |
| You will ~ join convoy ... at ... UTC. ~ enter canal / lock at ... UTC. |
| Transit will begin at ... UTC. |
| Your place in convoy is number ... . |
| Transit / convoy speed is ... knots. |
| Convoys / vessels will pass in area ... . |
19. AI/6.3 — Handing Over to Another VTS
A short, self-contained set of three templates a VTS station uses to hand a vessel's radar track off to the next VTS along the coast.
19.1 Standard phrases
| Standard Phrase (verbatim, source order) |
|---|
| ... VTS this is ... VTS: MV ... position is bearing... degrees, distance ... kilometres / nautical miles from ... . working frequency is VHF Channel ... . Your target. Please confirm. |
| ... VTS this is ... VTS: MV ... position bearing is ... degrees, distance ... kilometres / nautical miles from ... . I confirm. My target. |
| ... VTS this is ... VTS: MV ... position is bearing... degrees, distance ... kilometres / nautical miles from ... . I am unable to take over this target. |
20. AI/6.4 — Communication with Emergency Services and Allied Services
The chapter's closing block. Two of its four sub-points are, again, cross-references rather than new content in this excerpt; the other two are reproduced verbatim.
20.1 Emergency services (SAR, fire fighting, pollution fighting)
The source reads, in full: "See AI/1 'Distress Communication'." AI/1 is outside the excerpt covered by this chapter.
20.2 Tug services
The source also notes here: "Also see AII/3.6 'Tug assistance'" — AII lies outside this chapter's excerpt.
| Standard Phrase (verbatim, source order) |
|---|
| How many tugs do you require? |
| I require ... tug(s). |
| You must take ~ ... tug(s) according to port regulations. ~ ... tug(s) fore and ... tug(s) aft. |
| Wait for the tug(s) in position ... . |
| The tugs will meet you in position ... at ... UTC. |
| Tug services have been suspended until ...(date and time) / resumed on...(date and time). |
20.3 Pilot request
This is where the source physically prints the pilot-request content that AI/4.1 points to. To keep the "heart of the exam" together in one place, the full verbatim table is given in section 8.1 above (AI/4.1 Pilot request) rather than repeated here.
20.4 Embarking / disembarking pilot
The source reads, in full: "See AI/4.2 'Embarking/disembarking pilot'" — reproduced in section 8.2 above.