SMCP Guide: Maritime English
IMO Standard Marine Communication Phrases: radio, orders and port communication, with plain-English meanings.
All parts in this series
- 1
SMCP Guide 1: What Is SMCP? An Introduction to Maritime English
Why the IMO created Standard Marine Communication Phrases, and how messages are marked.
- 2
SMCP Guide 2: The Phonetic Alphabet, Numbers and How to Say Them
Spelling a ship's name and giving courses and positions clearly on the radio.
- 3
SMCP Guide 3: Getting Understood: "Say Again", "Stand By" and Other Key Phrases
How to say you did not understand, ask for repetition, wait, or confirm.
- 4
SMCP Guide 4: MAYDAY, PAN-PAN and SECURITE Calls
The difference between distress, urgency and safety messages, and the order of a MAYDAY call.
- 5
SMCP Guide 5: Helm and Engine Orders
Standard bridge orders and how the helmsman replies.
- 6
SMCP Guide 6: Mooring and Anchoring Orders
Standard phrases between the bridge and the forward and aft stations.
- 7
SMCP Guide 7: Pilot, VTS and Port Communication
Standard questions, requests and answers you will meet when entering port.
- 8
SMCP Guide 8: Maritime English Glossary in Plain English
Key bridge and deck words, each with a plain-English definition.