Decide
VTS is authorized to direct traffic here and says ‘INSTRUCTION. Do not cross the fairway.’ What does this mean?
The lesson in plain words
- Message markers
- Before a message you may say one of eight message markers: INSTRUCTION, ADVICE, WARNING, INFORMATION, QUESTION, ANSWER, REQUEST and INTENTION.
- They tell the listener what kind of message follows.
- Vessel Traffic Services use them often. ‘QUESTION.
- What is your ETA?’ cannot be mistaken for a statement.
- Instruction or advice
- An INSTRUCTION must come from a sender authorized for that situation.
- Follow it unless you have safety reasons not to; report those reasons.
- ADVICE is a recommendation: the decision stays with you, but consider it carefully.
- A WARNING reports danger, and INFORMATION reports facts; what you do about them is up to you.
- Standard replies
- Answer yes or no in full: ‘Yes, I have a pilot on board’, not just ‘Yes’.
- If you need time, say ‘Stand by’ and how long.
- If you cannot get the information, say ‘No information’.
- To an instruction or advice, reply ‘I will’ or ‘I will not’, followed by the instruction in full: ‘I will not overtake the vessel north of me.’
- Corrections and repeats
- If you make a mistake, say ‘Mistake’, then ‘Correction’ and the right version: ‘My speed one-four knots, mistake.
- Correction, my speed one-two knots.’ To stress something vital, say ‘Repeat’ and say it again.
- If you did not hear a message, say ‘Say again’.
- Words to avoid
- Avoid may, might, should and could: they can sound like permission, a guess or a suggestion. Ask ‘QUESTION.
- Do I have permission to enter the fairway?’ If you have decided, say ‘INTENTION.
- I will anchor.’ If undecided, say ‘I have not decided whether to anchor.’ Say “I will”, not “I’ll”.
- Use one phrase for each meaning.
Key data
- Message markers 1–4
- Instruction, Advice, Warning, Information
- Message markers 5–8
- Question, Answer, Request, Intention
- INSTRUCTION
- Authorized instruction: follow unless unsafe; report your reason
- ADVICE
- A recommendation: the decision stays with you
- Correction
- ‘Mistake … Correction …’ then the right version
- Avoid
- May, might, should, could; contractions
Key points
- Eight message markers tell the listener what kind of message follows.
- Follow an authorized instruction unless unsafe; report your reason. Advice leaves the decision to you.
- Answer yes or no in full; say ‘Stand by’ with a time if you need it.
- Correct yourself with ‘Mistake … Correction …’.
- Avoid may, might, should and could: use a marker and a plain statement.
Check what you have read
Which phrase follows the SMCP when asking permission to enter a fairway?
True or false?
Decide each statement before you see the answer.
Reply ‘Yes’ or ‘OK’ to a question.
Answer yes or no in full; say ‘Stand by’ with a time if you need it.
Treat ADVICE from a VTS centre as an order you must obey.
Avoid may, might, should and could: use a marker and a plain statement.
Follow an authorized instruction unless unsafe; report your reason. Advice leaves the decision to you.
May I enter the harbour?
Practice case & exam keys
Situation
VTS says, ‘INSTRUCTION. Proceed to berth one-two.’ Your yacht draws 2.3 m, but the marina confirms only 2.0 m of water at that berth. How do you reply and request a safe alternative?
Show the answer
‘I will not proceed to berth one-two. My draught is two decimal three metres; depth at that berth is two decimal zero metres. REQUEST. I require a berth with sufficient depth.’ Explain why you cannot safely comply.
Exam keys
- Eight markers: Instruction, Advice, Warning, Information, Question, Answer, Request, Intention.
- Authorized instruction: follow unless unsafe; report your reason. Advice: the decision stays with you.
- Replies: full yes or no; ‘Stand by’ plus time; ‘No information’; ‘I will / I will not’ plus the phrase.
- ‘Mistake … Correction …’; ‘Say again’; avoid may, might, should, could.