Situated Key Phrases

As is the case with message markers from the previous lesson, certain phrases are agreed upon for certain situations – to further simplify communication. 

Corrections and Repetitions

To keep communication (especially via radio) short and concise, there are agreed ways of making corrections and changes to something you have said. To emphasise a certain part of a message, or forestall possible misunderstandings, repetitions are used.  If you make a mistake in a message, simply say "mistake" followed by the word "correction" plus the corrected message.

Example: 

“My present speed is 14 knots… Mistake. 
Correction, my present speed is 12, one-two, knots."

If a part of a message is considered especially important, or there might be a reason to expect a misunderstanding or misconception, simply repeat the part of the message marked with the word "repeat". This is also useful for spelling out letters or numbers.

Example: 

“My draft is 12.6. Repeat, one-two decimal 6 metres."
“Do not overtake – repeat – do not overtake."

When a message is not properly heard, simply say “Say again (please).”

Common Phrases and Everyday Words 

In navigational warnings; search and rescue missions; and naval communication, some keywords and phrases can be mistaken for everyday language in other contexts or non-seafarers.

“Reported” is a good example.

The word reported used in navigational warnings or search and rescue means that the position of the object is unconfirmed. This might seem contradictory since reported in the sense of “seen” or “spotted” usually doesn’t require further confirmation of position. 

In a navigational warning, “reported”  implies an action to be taken – the vessel reported in a certain area might be one that has gone radio silent after a distress signal. Action to be taken is therefore to try and locate the vessel.

Example of “Reported” in a Phrase:

“CS Seably reported in the area”

The word located used in navigational warnings means the position of the object is confirmed.

Example of “Located” in a Phrase:

“CS Seably located in the … area” 

• “Ship not under command” refers to a vessel that through any circumstances is unable to manoeuvre as required. This can also be abbreviated as“NUC” (Not Under Command).
• “Off-air” refers to transmissions of a radio station etc., that have broken down, been switched off, or been suspended.
• “Off station” means not being in charted position, when referring to buoys.
• “Speed of advance” refers to the speed at which a storm centre moves.
• “Stand by” means to be in readiness or be prepared to execute an order; to be readily available.
• “Target” refers to the echo generated e.g. by a vessel on a radar screen.
• “Track” refers to the path followed, or to be followed, between one position and another.
• “Transit” in naval communication means the passage of a vessel through a canal, fairway, etc.
• “Waypoint” refers to a position a vessel has to pass or at which she has to alter course according to her voyage plan.