General Section — Distress, Casualties, Aids to Navigation, Manoeuvres and Pilot

1. Overview

Source: INTERNATIONAL MARITIME ORGANIZATION. International Code of Signals. London: IMO, 2005. Recorte esparso da Seção Geral (General Section): I Distress – emergency (Abandon, Assistance, Distress, Search and rescue, Survivors); II Casualties – damages (Collision, Fire–explosion, Towing–tugs); III Aids to navigation – navigation – hydrography (Aids to navigation/Bar, Canal–channel–fairway, Dangers to navigation–warnings); IV Manoeuvres (integral); e, de V Miscellaneous, apenas o bloco Pilot.

Syllabus: Anexo 2-B recorta os subtópicos acima dentro da Seção Geral do Código Internacional de Sinais · Anexo 2-A, item VI.3 Código Internacional de Sinais — Seção Geral.

This chapter reproduces the part of the Code's General Section that the syllabus names by subtopic rather than by page range: distress and emergency (Abandon, Assistance, Distress, Search and rescue, Survivors); casualties and damage (Collision, Fire–explosion, Towing–tugs); aids to navigation (Aids to navigation/Bar, Canal–channel–fairway, Dangers to navigation–warnings); the whole of Chapter IV Manoeuvres; and, from Chapter V Miscellaneous, the Cargo – ballast and Pilot blocks.

Every entry is a group of one or two letters — often followed by a numeral complement — paired with the exact meaning the Code assigns to it. Groups are reproduced in the order the source prints them, including the many places where the same group reappears as a cross-reference inside a different topical table; that repetition is the Code's own indexing method, not padding.

Some groups reach this cut only through a cross-reference line printed inside another topic's table: YG, which appears three times and never with a table of its own; AJ and AK, which appear only under Radiation danger; and the single letters the source prints beside a two-letter group (V, W, J, Z, O, U, S, L, M, X, D, Y, B, H, G) — sometimes carrying exactly that group's meaning, as J beside IT 1 or U beside NF, sometimes carrying a meaning of their own, as Z ("I require a tug.") beside KF ("I require a tug (or . . . (number) tugs).") or H and G beside UB and UC. A group such as CH 2 is printed once and never repeated. For all of these the meaning given here is exactly, and only, what the source states — nothing has been completed from outside this cut.

2. Abandon

2.1 AA–AI

The Abandon block opens Chapter I Distress – emergency. It runs from two general-purpose repeat instructions through the full range of intention around abandoning a vessel: the master's own decision, a request lacking the means to carry it out, and the corresponding orders and questions directed at another vessel.

SignalMeaning
AARepeat all after . . .
ABRepeat all before . . .
ACI am abandoning my vessel.
ADI am abandoning my vessel which has suffered a nuclear accident and is a possible source of radiation danger.
AEI must abandon my vessel.
AE 1I (or crew of vessel indicated) wish to abandon my (or their) vessel, but have not the means.
AE 2I shall abandon my vessel unless you will remain by me, ready to assist.
AFI do not intend to abandon my vessel.
AF 1Do you intend to abandon your vessel?
AGYou should abandon your vessel as quickly as possible.
AHYou should not abandon your vessel.
AIVessel (indicated by position and/or name or identity signal if necessary) will have to be abandoned.

Two further groups touching a nuclear accident — AJ and AK — belong to this same family of ideas but this cut reaches them only later, as cross-references inside the Radiation danger table (section 12.2). The source's own running head for the page that opens this block reads "I Distress – emergency – AA-AK" while the table above stops at AI, so AJ and AK are printed on this same spread, in a block the cut does not include. They are listed at 12.2, not repeated here, to keep this table exactly as the Code prints it.

3. Assistance

The Code organises Assistance into four movements: assistance required, assistance not required or declined, assistance given or not given, and a vessel proceeding to assistance. The table below follows that order exactly, including the single-letter and short cross-references the source places inside each block.

3.1 Required

SignalMeaning
NCI am in distress and require immediate assistance.
CBI require immediate assistance.
CB 1I require immediate assistance; I have a dangerous list.
CB 2I require immediate assistance; I have damaged steering gear.
CB 3I require immediate assistance; I have a serious disturbance on board.
CB 4I require immediate assistance; I am aground.
CB 5I require immediate assistance; I am drifting.
CB 6I require immediate assistance; I am on fire.
CB 7I require immediate assistance; I have sprung a leak.
CB 8I require immediate assistance; propeller shaft is broken.
CCI am (or vessel indicated is) in distress in lat . . . long . . . (or bearing . . . from place indicated, distance . . .) and require immediate assistance (Complements Table II, if required).
VI require assistance.
CDI require assistance in the nature of . . . (Complements Table II).
WI require medical assistance.
TYI request assistance from fishery protection (or fishery assistance) vessel . . .
CEI will attempt to obtain for you the assistance required.
BFAircraft is ditched in position indicated and requires immediate assistance.
CFSignals from vessel/aircraft requesting assistance are coming from bearing . . . from me (lat . . . long . . . if necessary).
CGStand by to assist me (or vessel indicated).
CG 1I will stand by to assist you (or vessel indicated).
HMSurvivors are in bad condition. Medical assistance is urgently required.
CHVessel indicated is reported as requiring assistance in lat . . . long . . . (or bearing . . . from place indicated, distance . . .).
CH 1Lightvessel (or lighthouse) indicated requires assistance.
CH 2Spaceship is down in lat . . . long . . . and requires immediate assistance.
CIVessel aground in lat . . . long . . . requires assistance.
CJDo you require assistance?
CJ 1Do you require immediate assistance?
CJ 2Do you require any further assistance?
CJ 3What assistance do you require?
CJ 4Can you proceed without assistance?

3.2 Not required – declined

SignalMeaning
CKAssistance is not (or is no longer) required by me (or vessel indicated).
CLI offered assistance but it was declined.

3.3 Given – not given

SignalMeaning
CMOne or more vessels are assisting the vessel in distress.
CM 1Vessel/aircraft reported in distress is receiving assistance.
CNYou should give all possible assistance.
CN 1You should give immediate assistance to pick up survivors.
CN 2You should send survival craft to assist vessel indicated.
COAssistance cannot be given to you (or vessel/aircraft indicated).
CO 1I cannot give the assistance required.

3.4 Proceeding to assistance

SignalMeaning
CPI am (or vessel indicated is) proceeding to your assistance.
CP 1SAR aircraft is coming to your assistance.
*CQCall for unknown station(s) or general call to all stations.
CRI am proceeding to the assistance of vessel/aircraft in distress in lat . . . long . . .
*CSWhat is the name or identity signal of your vessel (or station)?
CTI (or vessel indicated) expect to reach you at time indicated.
CUAssistance will come at time indicated.
CU 1I can assist you.
CVI am unable to give assistance.
CV 1Will you go to the assistance of vessel indicated (in lat . . . long . . .)?
CV 2May I assist you?
CV 3Can you assist me (or vessel indicated)?
CV 4Can you assist?
Footnote against *CQ and *CS: "* Procedure signal."

3.5 Cross-references gathered on the same page (CW–CX)

The source closes the Assistance block with a short table of groups whose full topic lives elsewhere — abandoning ship, fire, collision, towing and steering — printed here because each of them turns on whether assistance is needed or available.

SignalMeaning
TZCan you offer assistance? (Complements Table II)
AE 2I shall abandon my vessel unless you will remain by me, ready to assist.
IX 1I cannot get the fire under control without assistance.
IYI can get the fire under control without assistance.
IY 1Can you get the fire under control without assistance?
KA 1I have placed the collision mat. I can proceed without assistance.
KN 1I cannot take you (or vessel indicated) in tow but I will report you and ask for immediate assistance.
PKI cannot steer without assistance.

4. Distress

4.1 Vessel/aircraft in distress

SignalMeaning
NCI am in distress and require immediate assistance.
DZVessel (or aircraft) indicated appears to be in distress.
DZ 1Is vessel (or aircraft) indicated in distress?
DZ 2What is the name (or identity signal) of vessel in distress?
EAHave you sighted or heard of a vessel in distress? (Approximate position lat . . . long . . . or bearing . . . from place indicated, distance . . .).
EA 1Have you any news of vessel/aircraft reported missing or in distress in this area?
CCI am (or vessel indicated is) in distress in lat . . . long . . . (or bearing . . . from place indicated, distance . . .) and require immediate assistance (Complements Table II, if required).
EBThere is a vessel (or aircraft) in distress in lat . . . long . . . (or bearing . . . distance . . . from me, or Complements Table III).
ECA vessel which has suffered a nuclear accident is in distress in lat . . . long . . .

4.2 Distress signals

This block covers acknowledging and cancelling an SOS/MAYDAY, and the watch for an emergency position-indicating radio beacon on 2182 kHz or on another frequency.

SignalMeaning
EDYour distress signals are understood.
ED 1Your distress signals are understood; the nearest life-saving station is being informed.
EFSOS/MAYDAY has been cancelled.
EF 1Has the SOS/MAYDAY been cancelled?
FFI have intercepted SOS/MAYDAY from vessel (name or identity signal) (or aircraft) in position lat . . . long . . . at time indicated.
EGDid you hear SOS/MAYDAY given at time indicated?
EG 1Will you listen on 2182 kHz for signals of emergency position-indicating radio beacons?
EG 2I am listening on 2182 kHz for signals of emergency position-indicating radio beacons.
EG 3Have you received the signal of an emergency position-indicating radio beacon on 2182 kHz?
EG 4I have received the signal of an emergency position-indicating radio beacon on 2182 kHz.
EG 5Will you listen on . . . MHz for signals of emergency position-indicating radio beacons?
EG 6I am listening on . . . MHz for signals of emergency position-indicating radio beacons.
EG 7Have you received the signal of an emergency position-indicating radio beacon on . . . MHz?
EG 8I have received the signal of an emergency position-indicating radio beacon on . . . MHz.
EJI have received distress signal transmitted by coast station indicated.
EJ 1Have you received distress signal transmitted by coast station indicated?
EKI have sighted distress signal in lat . . . long . . .
EK 1An explosion was seen or heard (position or direction and time to be indicated).
EK 2Have you heard or seen distress signal from survival craft?
Footnote against this block: "* Reference is made to signals prescribed by the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974, as replies from life-saving stations or maritime rescue units to distress signals made by a ship or person. See appendix 3."

4.3 Position of distress

SignalMeaning
ELRepeat the distress position.
EL 1What is the position of vessel in distress?
FGPosition given with SOS/MAYDAY from vessel (or aircraft) was lat . . . long . . . (or bearing . . . from place indicated, distance . . .).
FG 1What was the position given with SOS/MAYDAY from vessel (or aircraft)?
FHPosition given with SOS/MAYDAY is wrong. The correct position is lat . . . long . . .
FIPosition given with SOS/MAYDAY by vessel is wrong. I have her bearing by radio direction-finder and can exchange bearings with any other vessel.
GISurvival craft are believed to be in the vicinity of lat . . . long . . .
EMAre there other vessels/aircraft in the vicinity of vessel/aircraft in distress?

4.4 Contact or locate

SignalMeaning
ENYou should try to contact vessel/aircraft in distress.
EOI am unable to locate vessel/aircraft in distress because of poor visibility.
EPI have lost sight of you.
GLI have located (or found) wreckage from the vessel/aircraft in distress (position to be indicated if necessary by lat . . . and long . . . or by bearing . . . from specified place and distance . . .).
EQI expect to be at the position of vessel/aircraft in distress at time indicated.
EQ 1Indicate estimated time of your arrival at position of vessel/aircraft in distress.
BII am flying to likely position of vessel in distress.
CMOne or more vessels are assisting the vessel in distress.
CM 1Vessel/aircraft reported in distress is receiving assistance.
CRI am proceeding to the assistance of vessel/aircraft in distress (in lat . . . long . . .).
GFI have found vessel/aircraft in distress in lat . . . long . . .

5. Search and Rescue

This is the longest block in the whole cut: it moves from a vessel proceeding to an accident, through pinpointing and marking the position, giving course/contact instructions, running the search itself, reporting its results, and finally the rescue and its own results. The syllabus names it as a single subtopic, "Search and rescue"; the tables below keep every one of the source's own internal subheadings.

5.1 Assistance, proceeding to

SignalMeaning
CRI am proceeding to the assistance of vessel/aircraft in distress (lat . . . long . . .).
FEI am proceeding to the position of accident at full speed. Expect to arrive at time indicated.
FE 1Are you proceeding to the position of accident? If so, when do you expect to arrive?
CVI am unable to give assistance.
CV 4Can you assist?

5.2 Position of distress or accident

SignalMeaning
FFI have intercepted SOS/MAYDAY from vessel (name or identity signal) (or aircraft) in position lat . . . long . . . at time indicated.
FF 1I have intercepted SOS/MAYDAY from vessel (name or identity signal) (or aircraft) in position lat . . . long . . . at time indicated; I have heard nothing since.
FGPosition given with SOS/MAYDAY from vessel (or aircraft) was lat . . . long . . . (or bearing . . . from place indicated, distance . . .).
FG 1What was position given with SOS/MAYDAY from vessel (or aircraft)?
FHPosition given with SOS/MAYDAY is wrong. The correct position is lat . . . long . . .
FIPosition given with SOS/MAYDAY by vessel is wrong. I have her bearing by radio direction-finder and can exchange bearings with any other vessel.
FJPosition of accident (or survival craft) is marked.
FJ 1Position of accident (or survival craft) is marked by flame or smoke float.
FJ 2Position of accident (or survival craft) is marked by sea marker.
FJ 3Position of accident (or survival craft) is marked by sea marker dye.
FJ 4Position of accident (or survival craft) is marked by radio beacon.
FJ 5Position of accident (or survival craft) is marked by wreckage.
FKIs position of accident (or survival craft) marked?

5.3 Information – instructions

SignalMeaning
FLYou should steer course . . . (or follow me) to reach position of accident.
MFCourse to reach me is . . .
MF 1What is the course to reach you?
FMVisual contact with vessel is not continuous.
FNI have lost all contact with vessel.
EPI have lost sight of you.
FOI will keep close to you.
FO 1I will keep close to you during the night.
FPEstimated set and drift of survival craft is . . . degrees and . . . knots.
FP 1What is the estimated set and drift of survival craft?
FQYou should transmit your identification and series of long dashes or your carrier frequency to home vessel (or aircraft) to your position.
FQ 1Shall I home vessel (or aircraft) to my position?

Six of these groups (FR 2–FR 7) carry a footnote marker in the source: they are intended for use in connection with the IAMSAR Manual, Volume III – Mobile Facilities.

SignalMeaning
FRI am (or vessel indicated is) in charge of co-ordinating search.
FR 1Carry out search pattern . . . starting at . . . hours. Initial course . . ., search speed . . . knots.
*FR 2Carry out radar search, ships proceeding in loose line abreast at intervals between ships . . . miles. Initial course . . . search speed . . . knots.
*FR 3Vessel indicated (call sign or identity signal) is allocated track number . . .
*FR 4Vessel(s) indicated adjust interval between ships to . . . miles.
*FR 5Adjust track spacing to . . . miles.
*FR 6Search speed will now be . . . knots.
*FR 7Alter course as necessary to next leg of track now (or at time indicated).
FSPlease take charge of search in sector stretching between bearings . . . and . . . from vessel in distress.
FTPlease take charge of search in sector between lat . . . and . . . and long . . . and . . .
FUThe search area of the aircraft is between lat . . . and . . . and long . . . and . . .
FVSearch by aircraft/helicopter will be discontinued because of unfavourable conditions.
FWYou should search in the vicinity of lat . . . long . . .
FXShall I search in the vicinity of lat . . . long . . . ?
FYI am in the search area.
FY 1Are you in the search area?
BPAircraft is coming to participate in search. Expected arrive over the area of accident at time indicated.
FZYou should continue search according to instructions and until further notice.
FZ 1I am continuing to search.
FZ 2Are you continuing to search?
FZ 3Do you want me to continue to search?
GAI cannot continue to search.
GBYou should stop search and return to base or continue your voyage.
Footnote against FR 2–FR 7: "* These signals are intended for use in connection with the International Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue Manual (IAMSAR Manual) Volume III – Mobile Facilities."
SignalMeaning
GCReport results of search.
GC 1Results of search negative. I am continuing to search.
GC 2I have searched area of accident but have found no trace of derelict or survivors.
GC 3I have noted patches of oil at likely position of accident.
GDVessel/aircraft missing or being looked for has not been heard of since.
GD 1Have you anything to report on vessel/aircraft missing or being looked for?
GD 2Have you seen wreckage (or derelict)?
GEVessel/aircraft has been located at lat . . . long . . .
GFI have found vessel/aircraft in distress in lat . . . long . . .
GGVessel/aircraft was last reported at time indicated in lat . . . long . . . steering course . . .
GHI have sighted survival craft in lat . . . long . . . (or bearing . . . distance . . . from me).
GISurvival craft are believed to be in the vicinity of lat . . . long . . .
GJWreckage is reported in lat . . . long . . .
GJ 1Wreckage is reported in lat . . . long . . . No survivors appear to be in the vicinity.
GKAircraft wreckage is found in lat . . . long . . .
GLI have located (or found) wreckage from the vessel/aircraft in distress (position to be indicated if necessary by lat . . . and long . . . or by bearing . . . from specified place and distance . . .).

5.6 Rescue

SignalMeaning
GMI cannot save my vessel.
GM 1I cannot save my vessel; keep as close as possible.
GNYou should take off persons.
GN 1I wish some persons taken off. Skeleton crew will remain on board.
GN 2I will take off persons.
GN 3Can you take off persons?
GOI cannot take off persons.
GPYou should proceed to the rescue of vessel (or ditched aircraft) in lat . . . long . . .
GQI cannot proceed to the rescue owing to weather. You should do all you can.
GRVessel coming to your rescue (or to the rescue of vessel or aircraft indicated) is steering course . . . , speed . . . knots.
GR 1You should indicate course and speed of vessel coming to my rescue (or to the rescue of vessel or aircraft indicated).
GSI will attempt rescue with whip and breeches buoy.
*GTI will endeavour to connect with line-throwing apparatus.
GT 1Look out for rocket-line.
GUIt is not safe to fire a rocket.
GVYou should endeavour to send me a line.
GV 1Have you a line-throwing apparatus?
GV 2Can you connect with line-throwing apparatus?
GV 3I have not a line-throwing apparatus.
GWMan overboard. Please take action to pick him up (position to be indicated if necessary).
OMan overboard.
Footnote against *GT: "* Reference is made to signals prescribed by the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974, in connection with the use of shore life-saving apparatus. See appendix 3."

5.7 Results of rescue

SignalMeaning
GXReport results of rescue.
GX 1What have you (or rescue vessel/aircraft) picked up?
GYI (or rescue vessel/aircraft) have picked up wreckage.
GZAll persons saved.
GZ 1All persons lost.
HAI (or rescue vessel/aircraft) have rescued . . . (number) injured persons.
HBI (or rescue vessel/aircraft) have rescued . . . (number) survivors.
HCI (or rescue vessel/aircraft) have picked up . . . (number) bodies.
HDCan I transfer rescued persons to you?

6. Survivors

6.1 HF–HT

Where Search and rescue tracks the operation, this block tracks the people: where survivors have been located (water, survival craft, drifting ice), their condition, and the acts of proceeding, picking up and transferring them.

SignalMeaning
HFI have located survivors in water, lat . . . long . . . (or bearing . . . from place indicated, distance . . .).
HGI have located survivors in survival craft lat . . . long . . . (or bearing . . . from place indicated, distance . . .).
HJI have located survivors on drifting ice, lat . . . long . . .
HKI have located bodies in lat . . . long . . . (or bearing . . . from place indicated, distance . . .).
HLSurvivors not yet located.
HL 1I am still looking for survivors.
HL 2Have you located survivors? If so, in what position?
HMSurvivors are in bad condition. Medical assistance is urgently required.
HM 1Survivors are in bad condition.
HM 2Survivors are in good condition.
HM 3Condition of survivors not ascertained.
HM 4What is condition of survivors?
HNYou should proceed to lat . . . long . . . to pick up survivors.
HOPick up survivors from drifting ice, lat . . . long . . .
HO 1Pick up survivors from sinking vessel/aircraft.
HPSurvivors have not yet been picked up.
HP 1Have survivors been picked up?
CN 1You should give immediate assistance to pick up survivors.
HQTransfer survivors to my vessel (or vessel indicated).
HQ 1Have you any survivors on board?
HRYou should try to obtain from survivors all possible information
HTYou should indicate position of survivors by throwing pyrotechnic signals.

7. Collision

7.1 HV–KA 2

Opening Chapter II Casualties – damages, this block asks whether a collision occurred, names what was struck (surface craft, lightvessel, submarine, an unknown vessel, an underwater object, a navigation buoy, an iceberg, floating ice), reports the damage above or below the waterline, and asks after the other vessel involved.

SignalMeaning
HVHave you been in collision?
HWI have (or vessel indicated has) collided with surface craft.
HW 1I have (or vessel indicated has) collided with lightvessel.
HW 2I have (or vessel indicated has) collided with submarine.
HW 3I have (or vessel indicated has) collided with unknown vessel.
HW 4I have (or vessel indicated has) collided with underwater object.
HW 5I have (or vessel indicated has) collided with navigation buoy.
HW 6I have (or vessel indicated has) collided with iceberg.
HW 7I have (or vessel indicated has) collided with floating ice.
HXHave you received any damage in collision?
HX 1I have received serious damage above the waterline.
HX 2I have received serious damage below the waterline.
HX 3I have received minor damage above the waterline.
HX 4I have received minor damage below the waterline.
HYThe vessel (name or identity signal) with which I have been in collision has sunk.
HY 1The vessel (name or identity signal) with which I have been in collision has resumed her voyage.
HY 2I do not know what has happened to the vessel with which I collided.
HY 3Has the vessel with which you have been in collision resumed her voyage?
HY 4What is the name (or identity signal) of the vessel with which you collided?
HY 5What is the name (or identity signal) of vessel which collided with me? My name (or identity signal) is . . .
HY 6Where is the vessel with which you collided?
HZThere has been a collision between vessels indicated (names or identity signals).
KAI urgently require a collision mat.
KA 1I have placed the collision mat. I can proceed without assistance.
KA 2Can you place the collision mat?

8. Fire – Explosion

8.1 Fire

SignalMeaning
ITI am on fire.
IT 1I am on fire and have dangerous cargo on board; keep well clear of me.
JI am on fire and have dangerous cargo on board; keep well clear of me.
IT 2Vessel (name or identity signal) is on fire.
IT 3Are you on fire?
IUVessel (name or identity signal) on fire is located at lat . . . long . . .
CB 6I require immediate assistance; I am on fire.
IVWhere is the fire?
IV 1I am on fire in the engine-room.
IV 2I am on fire in the boiler-room.
IV 3I am on fire in hold or cargo.
IV 4I am on fire in passenger's or crew's quarters.
IV 5Oil is on fire.
IWFire is under control
IXFire is gaining.
IX 1I cannot get the fire under control without assistance.
IX 2Fire has not been extinguished.
IYI can get the fire under control without assistance.
IY 1Can you get the fire under control without assistance?
IZFire has been extinguished.
IZ 1I am flooding compartment to extinguish fire.
IZ 2Is fire extinguished?
JAI require fire-fighting appliances.
JA 1I require foam fire extinguishers.
JA 2I require CO2 fire extinguishers.
JA 3I require carbon tetrachloride fire extinguishers.
JA 4I require material for foam fire extinguishers.
JA 5I require material for CO2 fire extinguishers.
JA 6I require material for carbon tetrachloride fire extinguishers.
JA 7I require water pumps.

8.2 Explosion

SignalMeaning
JBThere is danger of explosion.
JCThere is no danger of explosion.
JC 1Is there any danger of explosion?
JDExplosion has occurred in boiler.
JD 1Explosion has occurred in tank.
JD 2Explosion has occurred in cargo.
JD 3Further explosions are possible.
JD 4There is danger of toxic effects.
JEHave you any casualties owing to explosion?
EK 1An explosion was seen or heard (position or direction and time to be indicated).

9. Towing – Tugs

9.1 Tug

SignalMeaning
KFI require a tug (or . . . (number) tugs).
ZI require a tug.
KGDo you require a tug(s)?
KG 1I do not require tug(s).
KHTug(s) is (are) coming to you. Expect to arrive at time indicated.
KH 1Tug with pilot is coming to you.
KH 2You should wait for tugs.
KIThere are no tugs available.
KI 1Tugs cannot proceed out.

9.2 Towing – taking in tow

SignalMeaning
KJI am towing a submerged object.
KJ 1I am towing a float.
KJ 2I am towing a target.
KKTowing is impossible under present weather conditions.
KK 1Towing is very difficult.
KK 2I cannot connect at present but will attempt when conditions improve.
KK 3I cannot connect tonight. I will try in daylight.
KK 4Can you assist with your engines?
KLI am obliged to stop towing temporarily.
KL 1You should stop towing temporarily.
KMI can take you (or vessel indicated) in tow.
KM 1Shall I take you in tow?
KNI cannot take you (or vessel indicated) in tow.
KN 1I cannot take you (or vessel indicated) in tow but I will report you and ask for immediate assistance.
KN 2I cannot take you (or vessel indicated) in tow but can take off persons.
KOYou should endeavour to take vessel (name or identity signal) in tow.
KO 1You should report whether you have taken vessel (name or identity signal) in tow.
KO 2Can you take me (or vessel indicated) in tow?
KPYou should tow me to the nearest port or anchorage (or place indicated).
KP 1I will tow you to the nearest port or anchorage (or place indicated).
KP 2I must get shelter or anchorage as soon as possible.
KQPrepare to be taken in tow.
KQ 1I am ready to be taken in tow.
KQ 2Prepare to tow me (or vessel indicated).
KQ 3I am ready to tow you.
KQ 4Prepare to resume towing.
KQ 5I am ready to resume towing.
KRAll is ready for towing.
KR 1I am commencing to tow.
KR 2You should commence towing.
KR 3Is all ready for towing?

9.3 Towing line – cable/hawser

SignalMeaning
KSYou should send a line over.
KS 1I have taken the line.
KTYou should send me a towing hawser.
KT 1I am sending towing hawser
KUI cannot send towing hawser.
KU 1I have no, or no other, hawser.
KU 2I have no wire hawser.
KU 3Have you a hawser?
KVI intend to use my towing hawser/cable.
KV 1I intend to use your towing hawser/cable.
KWYou should have towing hawser/cable ready.
KW 1Towing hawser/cable is ready.
KW 2You should have another hawser ready.
KW 3You should have spare towing hawser/cable ready.
KW 4Spare towing hawser/cable is ready.
KW 5You should have wire hawser ready.
KW 6Wire hawser is ready.
KXYou should be ready to receive the towing hawser.
KX 1I am ready to receive the towing hawser.
KX 2You should come closer to receive towing hawser.
KX 3I am coming closer to receive towing hawser.
KX 4I have received towing hawser.
KYLength of tow is . . . (number) fathoms.
KZYou should shorten in the towing hawser (or shorten distance between vessels).
KZ 1I am shortening towing hawser (or I am shortening distance between vessels).
KZ 2You should haul in the hawser.
KZ 3I am hauling in the hawser.
KZ 4You should haul in the slack.
KZ 5I am hauling in the slack.
LATowing hawser/cable has parted.
LA 1Towing hawser/cable is in danger of parting.
LA 2Towing hawser/cable is damaged.
LA 3You should reinforce the hawsers.
LA 4I am reinforcing the hawsers.

9.4 Make fast – veer

SignalMeaning
LBYou should make towing hawser fast to your chain cable.
LB 1Towing hawser is fast to chain cable.
LB 2You should make towing hawser fast to wire.
LB 3Towing hawser is fast to wire.
LB 4My towing hawser is fast.
LB 5Is your towing hawser fast?
LCYou should make fast astern and steer me.
LDYou should veer your hawser/cable ( . . . (number) fathoms)
LEI am about to veer my hawser/cable.
LE 1I am veering my hawser/cable.
LE 2I have veered my hawser/cable.
LE 3I shall veer cable attached to hawser.
LE 4How much cable should I veer?
LFYou should stop veering your hawser/cable.
LF 1I cannot veer any more hawser/cable.

9.5 Cast off

SignalMeaning
LGYou should prepare to cast off towing hawser(s).
LG 1I am preparing to cast off towing hawser(s).
LG 2I am ready to cast off towing hawser(s).
LG 3You should cast off starboard towing hawser.
LG 4I have cast off starboard towing hawser.
LG 5You should cast off port towing hawser.
LG 6I have cast off port towing hawser.
LG 7You should cast off hawser(s).
LG 8I must cast off towing hawser(s).

At this point the source prints an "Engine manoeuvres" cross-reference table: the whole of QD–QM (ahead and astern, headway and sternway) together with RL, RL 1, RM and RM 1 (stopping the engines). Every one of those groups is reproduced in full in its own block — sections 13.1, 13.2 and 14.1 — so the table is not repeated here.

9.6 Speed in tow

SignalMeaning
LHMaximum speed in tow is . . . (number) knots.
LII am increasing speed.
LI 1Increase speed.
LJI am reducing speed.
LJ 1Reduce speed.

10. Aids to Navigation / Bar

10.1 Buoys – beacons

SignalMeaning
LKBuoy (or beacon) has been established in lat . . . long . . .
LLBuoy (or beacon) in lat . . . long . . . has been removed.
PLYou should steer directly for the buoy (or object indicated).
PL 1You should keep buoy (or object indicated) on your starboard side.
PL 2You should keep buoy (or object indicated) on your port side.
PL 3You can pass the buoy (or object indicated) on either side.
LMRadio beacon indicated is out of action.

10.2 Lights – lightvessels

SignalMeaning
LNLight (name follows) has been extinguished.
LN 1All lights are out along this coast (or the coast of . . .).
LOI am not in my correct position (to be used by a lightvessel).
LO 1Lightvessel (name follows) is out of position.
LO 2Lightvessel (name follows) has been removed from her station.
CH 1Lightvessel (or lighthouse) indicated requires assistance.

10.3 Bar

The bar block asks only about the depth of water and whether it is safe to cross.

SignalMeaning
LPThere is not less than . . . (number) feet or metres of water over the bar.
LQThere will be . . . (number) feet or metres of water over the bar at time indicated.
LRBar is not dangerous.
LR 1What is the depth of water over the bar?
LR 2Can I cross the bar?
LSBar is dangerous.

11. Canal – Channel – Fairway

11.1 Canal

SignalMeaning
LXThe canal is clear.
LX 1The canal will be clear at time indicated.
LX 2You can enter the canal at time indicated.
LX 3Is the canal clear?
LX 4When can I enter the canal?
LYThe canal is not clear

11.2 Channel/fairway

SignalMeaning
LZThe channel/fairway is navigable.
LZ 1I intend to pass through the channel/fairway.
LZ 2Is the channel/fairway navigable?
LZ 3What is the state of the channel/fairway?
LZ 4What is the least depth of water in the channel/fairway?
MAThe least depth of water in the channel/fairway is . . . (number) feet or metres.
MBYou should keep in the centre of the channel/fairway.
MB 1You should keep on the starboard side of the channel/fairway.
MB 2You should keep on the port side of the channel/fairway.
MB 3You should leave the channel/fairway free.
YGYou appear not to be complying with the traffic separation scheme.
MCThere is an uncharted obstruction in the channel/fairway. You should proceed with caution.
MC 1The channel/fairway is not navigable.
MC 2The (-) lane of the traffic separation scheme is not navigable. (The direction of the traffic flow is to be indicated).

12. Dangers to Navigation – Warnings

12.1 Derelict – wreck – shoal

SignalMeaning
MJDerelict dangerous to navigation reported in lat . . . long . . . (or Complements Table III).
MKI have seen derelict (in lat . . . long . . . at time indicated).
MK 1Have you seen derelict (or wreckage)?
MLDerelict is drifting near lat . . . long . . . (or bearing . . . from place indicated, distance . . .).
ML 1Hull of derelict is awash.
ML 2Hull of derelict is well out of the water.
MMThere is a wreck in lat . . . long . . .
MM 1Wreck is buoyed.
MM 2Wreck is awash.
MNWreck (in lat . . . long . . .) is not buoyed.
MOI have struck a shoal or submerged object (lat . . . long . . .).
MPI am in shallow water. Please direct me how to navigate.

12.2 Radiation danger

SignalMeaning
MQThere is risk of contamination due to excessive release of radioactive material in this area (or in area around lat . . . long . . .). Keep radio watch. Relay the message to vessels in your vicinity.
MQ 1The radioactive material is airborne.
MQ 2The radioactive material is waterborne.
MRThere is no, or no more, risk of contamination due to excessive release of radioactive material in this area (or in area around lat . . . long . . .).
MR 1Is there risk of contamination due to excessive release of radioactive material in this area (or in area around lat . . . long . . .)?
MSMy vessel is a dangerous source of radiation.
MS 1My vessel is a dangerous source of radiation; you may approach from my starboard side.
MS 2My vessel is a dangerous source of radiation; you may approach from my port side.
MS 3My vessel is a dangerous source of radiation; you may approach from forward.
MS 4My vessel is a dangerous source of radiation; you may approach from aft.
MTMy vessel is a dangerous source of radiation. You may approach from . . . (Complements Table III).
MUMy vessel is a dangerous source of radiation. Do not approach within . . . (number) cables.
ADI am abandoning my vessel which has suffered a nuclear accident and is a possible source of radiation danger.
AJI have had a serious nuclear accident and you should approach with caution.
AKI have had a nuclear accident on board.
ECA vessel which has suffered a nuclear accident is in distress in lat . . . long . . .
MVMy vessel is releasing radioactive material and presents a hazard.
MWMy vessel is releasing radioactive material and presents a hazard. Do not approach within . . . (number) cables.
MXThe radioactive material is airborne. Do not approach from leeward.
Two of these groups — AJ and AK — appear in this cut only here, as cross-references, even though their subject (a vessel that has had a nuclear accident) sits beside AD in the Abandon block of section 2. No fuller wording of AJ/AK exists anywhere in this cut; what is printed above is exactly, and only, what the source states.

12.3 Warnings

SignalMeaning
MYIt is dangerous to stop.
MY 1It is dangerous to remain in present position.
MY 2It is dangerous to proceed on present course.
MY 3It is dangerous to proceed until weather permits.
MY 4It is dangerous to alter course to starboard.
MY 5It is dangerous to alter course to port.
MY 6It is dangerous to approach close to my vessel.
MY 7It is dangerous to let go an anchor or use bottom trawl.
MY 8It is dangerous to jettison inflammable oil.
GUIt is not safe to fire a rocket.
MZNavigation is dangerous in the area around lat . . . long . . .
VZNavigation is dangerous in the area around lat . . . long . . . owing to iceberg(s).
VZ 1Navigation is dangerous in the area around lat . . . long . . . owing to floating ice.
VZ 2Navigation is dangerous in the area around lat . . . long . . . owing to pack ice.
MZ 1I consider you are carrying out a dangerous navigational practice and I intend to report you
NANavigation is closed
NA 1Navigation is possible only with tug assistance.
NA 2Navigation is possible only with pilot assistance.
NA 3Navigation is prohibited within 500 m of this platform.
NA 4Navigation is prohibited within 500 m of the platform bearing (-) from me.
NA 5You have been detected navigating within a 500 m safety zone (about the platform bearing (-) from me) and will be reported.
NA 6Anchors with buoys extend up to one mile from this vessel/rig – you should keep clear.
THYou should navigate with caution. Small fishing boats are within . . . (number) miles of me.
TIYou should navigate with caution. You are drifting towards my set of nets.
TJYou should navigate with caution. There are nets with a buoy in this area.
NBThere is fishing gear in the direction you are heading (or in direction indicated – Complements Table III).
NCI am in distress and require immediate assistance.
NDTsunami (phenomenal wave) is expected. You should take appropriate precautions
VLTropical storm (cyclone, hurricane, typhoon) is approaching. You should take appropriate precautions.
NEYou should proceed with great caution.
NE 1You should proceed with great caution; the coast is dangerous.
NE 2You should proceed with great caution; submarines are exercising in this area.
NE 3You should proceed with great caution; there is a boom across
NE 4You should proceed with great caution; keep clear of firing range.
NE 5You should proceed with great caution; hostile vessel sighted (in lat . . . long . . .).
NE 6You should proceed with great caution; hostile submarine sighted (in lat . . . long . . .).
NE 7You should proceed with great caution; hostile aircraft sighted (in lat . . . long . . .).
MCThere is an uncharted obstruction in the channel/fairway. You should proceed with caution.
REYou should change your anchorage/berth. It is not safe.
ULAll vessels should proceed to sea as soon as possible owing to danger in port.
YGYou appear not to be complying with the traffic separation scheme.
NFYou are running into danger.
UYou are running into danger.
NF 1You are running into danger; there is a radiation hazard.
NGYou are in a dangerous position.
NG 1You are in a dangerous position; there is a radiation hazard.
YGYou appear not to be complying with the traffic separation scheme.
NHYou are clear of all danger.
NH 1Are you clear of all danger?
NII have (or vessel indicated has) a list of . . . (number) degrees to starboard.
NJI have (or vessel indicated has) a list of . . . (number) degrees to port.
The group YG ("traffic separation scheme") is printed three times in this cut — twice in this table and once under Channel/fairway — always as a cross-reference line, never with a table of its own. No fuller wording than "You appear not to be complying with the traffic separation scheme" is available here.

13. Manoeuvres I — Ahead, Astern, Alongside, Anchor

Chapter IV Manoeuvres enters the cut in full. This first half covers going ahead and astern, coming alongside, and everything to do with anchoring.

13.1 Ahead – headway

SignalMeaning
QDI am going ahead.
QD 1My engines are going ahead.
QD 2I will keep going ahead.
QD 3I will go ahead.
QD 4I will go ahead dead slow.
QEI have headway.
QFI cannot go ahead.
QGYou should go ahead.
QG 1You should go slow ahead.
QG 2You should go full speed ahead.
QG 3You should keep going ahead.
QG 4You should keep your engines going ahead.
QHYou should not go ahead any more.

13.2 Astern – sternway

SignalMeaning
QII am going astern.
QI 1My engines are going astern.
SMy engines are going astern.
QI 2I will keep going astern.
QI 3I will go astern.
QI 4I will go astern dead slow.
QJI have sternway.
QKI cannot go astern.
QLYou should go astern.
QL 1You should go slow astern.
QL 2You should go full speed astern.
QL 3You should keep going astern.
QL 4You should keep your engines going astern.
QMYou should not go astern any more.

13.3 Alongside

SignalMeaning
QNYou should come alongside my starboard side.
QN 1You should come alongside my port side.
QN 2You should drop an anchor before coming alongside.
QOYou should not come alongside.
QPI will come alongside.
QP 1I will try to come alongside.
QQI require health clearance (see page 120).
QRI cannot come alongside.
QR 1Can I come alongside?

13.4 To anchor

SignalMeaning
QSYou should anchor at time indicated.
QS 1You should anchor (position to be indicated if necessary).
QS 2You should anchor to await tug.
QS 3You should anchor with both anchors.
QS 4You should anchor as convenient.
QS 5Are you going to anchor?
UBYou should heave to or anchor until pilot arrives.
QTYou should not anchor. You are going to foul my anchor.
QUAnchoring is prohibited.
QVI am anchoring in position indicated.
QV 1I have anchored with both anchors.
QWI shall not anchor.
QW 1I cannot anchor.
QXI request permission to anchor.
QX 1You have permission to anchor.
QYI wish to anchor at once.
QY 1Where shall I anchor?

13.5 Anchor(s)

SignalMeaning
QZYou should have your anchors ready for letting go.
QZ 1You should let go another anchor.
RAMy anchor is foul.
RA 1I have picked up telegraph cable with my anchor.
RBI am dragging my anchor.
YI am dragging my anchor.
RB 1You appear to be dragging your anchor.
RB 2Where you have anchored (or intend to anchor) you are likely to drag.
RCI am (or vessel indicated is) breaking adrift.
RC 1I have broken adrift.
RDYou should weigh (cut or slip) anchor immediately.
RD 1You should weigh anchor at time indicated.
RD 2I am unable to weigh my anchor.

13.6 Anchorage

SignalMeaning
REYou should change your anchorage/berth. It is not safe.
RFWill you lead me into a safe anchorage?
KPYou should tow me to the nearest port or anchorage (or place indicated).
KP 1I will tow you to the nearest port or anchorage (or place indicated).
KP 2I must get shelter or anchorage as soon as possible.
RGYou should send a boat to where I am to anchor or moor.
RG 1At what time shall I come into anchorage?
RWYou should proceed to anchorage in position indicated (lat . . . long . . .).
RZ 1You should not proceed out of harbour/anchorage.
RHThere is no good holding ground in my area (or around lat . . . long . . .).
RIThere is good holding ground in my area (or around lat . . . long . . .).
RI 1Is there good holding ground in your area (or around lat . . . long . . .)?

14. Manoeuvres II — Engines, Landing, Proceeding, Speed, Stopping

14.1 Engines

SignalMeaning
RJYou should keep your engines ready.
RJ 1You should have your engines ready as quickly as possible.
RJ 2You should report when your engines are ready.
RJ 3You should leave when your engines are ready.
RJ 4At what time will your engines be ready?
RKMy engines will be ready at time indicated.
RK 1My engines are ready.
RLYou should stop your engines immediately.
RL 1You should stop your engines.
RMMy engines are stopped.
RM 1I am stopping my engines.
RM 2I am obliged to stop my engines.
RNMy engines are out of action.
IL 1I can only proceed with one engine.

14.2 Propeller

SignalMeaning
ROPropeller shaft is broken.
RO 1My propeller is fouled by hawser or rope.
RO 2I have lost my propeller.
CB 8I require immediate assistance; propeller shaft is broken.

14.3 Landing

SignalMeaning
*RPLanding here is highly dangerous.
*RP 1Landing here is highly dangerous. A more favourable location for landing is at position indicated.
**RQInterrogative or "the significance of the previous group should be read as a question".
*RRThis is the best place to land.
*RR 1Lights will be shown or flag waved at the best landing place.
DCBoat should endeavour to land where flag is waved or light is shown.
DD 1Boats are not allowed to land (after time indicated).
Footnotes against this block: "* Reference is made to landing signals prescribed by the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974, for the guidance of small boats with crews or persons in distress. See appendix 3." (RP, RP 1, RR, RR 1) / "** Procedure signal." (RQ)

14.4 Boarding

SignalMeaning
RSNo-one is allowed on board.
SQ 3You should stop, or heave to, I am going to board you.

14.5 Manoeuvre

SignalMeaning
RTStop carrying out your intentions and watch for my signals.
XStop carrying out your intentions and watch for my signals.
RT 1What manoeuvres do you intend to carry out?
RUKeep clear of me; I am manoeuvring with difficulty.
DKeep clear of me; I am manoeuvring with difficulty.
RU 1I am carrying out manoeuvring trials.

14.6 Proceed

SignalMeaning
RVYou should proceed (to place indicated if necessary).
RV 1You should proceed to destination.
RV 2You should proceed into port.
RV 3You should proceed to sea.
RWYou should proceed to an anchorage in position indicated (lat . . . long . . .).
RXYou should proceed at time indicated.
RYYou should proceed at slow speed when passing me (or vessels making this signal).
GPYou should proceed to the rescue of vessel (or ditched aircraft) in lat . . . long . . .
HNYou should proceed to lat . . . long . . . to pick up survivors.
NEYou should proceed with great caution.
NE 1You should proceed with great caution; the coast is dangerous.
NE 2You should proceed with great caution; submarines are exercising in this area.
NE 3You should proceed with great caution; there is a boom across.
NE 4You should proceed with great caution; keep clear of firing range.
NE 5You should proceed with great caution; hostile vessel sighted (in lat . . . long . . .).
NE 6You should proceed with great caution; hostile submarine sighted (in lat . . . long . . .).
NE 7You should proceed with great caution; hostile aircraft sighted (in lat . . . long . . .).
RZYou should not proceed (to place indicated if necessary).
RZ 1You should not proceed out of harbour/anchorage.
ULAll vessels should proceed to sea as soon as possible owing to danger in port.
SAI can proceed at time indicated.
SBI am proceeding to the position of accident.
CPI am (or vessel indicated is) proceeding to your assistance.
CRI am proceeding to the assistance of vessel/aircraft in distress (lat . . . long . . .).
FEI am proceeding to the position of accident at full speed. Expect to arrive at time indicated.
FE 1Are you proceeding to the position of accident? If so, when do you expect to arrive?
GQI cannot proceed to the rescue owing to weather. You should do all you can.
IJI will try to proceed by my own means but I request you to keep in contact with me by . . . (Complements Table 1).
IKI can proceed at . . . (number) knots.
ILI can only proceed at slow speed.
IL 1I can only proceed with one engine.
IL 2I am unable to proceed under my own power.
IL 3Are you in a condition to proceed?
KA 1I have placed the collision mat. I can proceed without assistance.

14.7 Under way

SignalMeaning
SCI am under way.
SC 1I am ready to get under way.
SC 2I shall get under way as soon as the weather permits.
SDI am not ready to get under way.
SFAre you (or vessel indicated) under way?
SF 1Are you ready to get under way?
SF 2At what time will you be under way?

14.8 Speed

SignalMeaning
SGMy present speed is . . . (number) knots.
SJMy maximum speed is . . . (number) knots.
SLWhat is your present speed?
SL 1What is your maximum speed?
BQThe speed of my aircraft in relation to the surface of the earth is . . . (knots or kilometres per hour).
BQ 1What is the speed of your aircraft in relation to the surface of the earth?
EVMy present position, course and speed are lat . . . long . . . , knots . . .
EV 1What are your present position, course and speed?
FBWill vessels in my immediate vicinity (or in the vicinity of lat . . . long . . .) please indicate position, course and speed.
ILI can only proceed at slow speed.
LHMaximum speed in tow is . . . (number) knots.
LII am increasing speed.
LI 1Increase speed.
LJI am reducing speed.
LJ 1Reduce speed.
RYYou should proceed at slow speed when passing me (or vessels making this signal).
SPTake the way off your vessel.
SP 1My vessel is stopped and making no way through the water.
SMI am undergoing speed trials.

14.9 Stop – heave to

SignalMeaning
SNYou should stop immediately. Do not scuttle. Do not lower boats. Do not use the wireless. If you disobey I shall open fire on you.
SOYou should stop your vessel instantly.
LYou should stop your vessel instantly.
SO 1You should stop. Head offshore.
SO 2You should remain where you are.
SPTake the way off your vessel.
SP 1My vessel is stopped and making no way through the water.
MMy vessel is stopped and making no way through the water.
SQYou should stop or heave to.
SQ 1You should stop or heave to, otherwise I shall open fire on you.
SQ 2You should stop or heave to; I am going to send a boat.
SQ 3You should stop or heave to; I am going to board you.
UBYou should heave to or anchor until pilot arrives.
XPI am (or vessel indicated is) stopped in thick fog.

15. Miscellaneous — Cargo – Ballast and Pilot

15.1 Cargo – ballast

Chapter V Miscellaneous opens with this table, and the cut carries it together with the chapter header: what the cargo is, the single case of a vessel made unseaworthy by cargo or ballast shifting, and the two signals about discharging oil. SW is one of the places where the source prints a single letter — B — beside the two-letter group for the same meaning.

SignalMeaning
STWhat is your cargo?
SUMy cargo is agricultural products.
SU 1My cargo is coal.
SU 2My cargo is dairy products.
SU 3My cargo is fruit products.
SU 4My cargo is heavy equipment/machinery.
SU 5My cargo is livestock.
SU 6My cargo is lumber.
SU 7My cargo is oil/petroleum products.
SU 8I have a general cargo.
SVI am not seaworthy due to shifting of cargo or ballast.
SWI am taking in, or discharging, or carrying dangerous goods.
BI am taking in, or discharging, or carrying dangerous goods.
SXYou should not discharge oil or oily mixture.
SYThe discharge of oil or oily mixture in this area is prohibited within . . . (number) miles from the nearest land.

15.2 Pilot (UA–UK 1)

Pilot is the last block this cut takes from Chapter V: the chapter itself runs on past UK 1 in the book, into pages the cut does not reach. Under its own heading the source prints the cross-reference "(see also page 86, Navigating and steering instructions)", to a page outside this cut. The block is small: it covers arranging for a pilot to board, following the pilot boat or another vessel's wake, and making a lee for the pilot boat in rough water.

SignalMeaning
UAPilot will arrive at time indicated.
UBYou should heave to or anchor until pilot arrives.
HI have a pilot on board.
UCIs a pilot available in this place (or place indicated)?
GI require a pilot.
UEWhere can I get a pilot (for destination indicated if necessary)?
UFYou should follow pilot boat (or vessel indicated).
UGYou should steer in my wake.
PMYou should follow in my wake (or wake of vessel indicated).
PM 1You should go ahead and lead the course.
UHCan you lead me into port?
UISea is too rough; pilot boat cannot get off to you.
UJMake a starboard lee for the pilot boat.
UJ 1Make a port lee for the pilot boat.
UKPilot boat is most likely on bearing . . . from you.
UK 1Have you seen the pilot boat?
OLIs radar pilotage being effected in this port (or port indicated)?