SMCP (Standard Marine Communication Phrases) is a set of standard English phrases developed by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) for ship-to-ship, ship-to-shore and on-board communication. Its purpose is simple: crews of many nationalities need to understand each other on the radio and on the bridge, without misunderstandings. SMCP replaced the older Standard Marine Navigational Vocabulary (SMNV).
Why does it matter?
- A misunderstanding at sea can lead to a collision or a wrong manoeuvre.
- Watchkeeping officers are expected to use English well enough for radio and bridge communication.
- It is often tested in interviews and exams.
Message markers
SMCP puts a marker in front of a sentence to show its purpose. The eight basic markers, with their plain-English meaning:
| Marker | Plain-English meaning | Example | |---|---|---| | Instruction | An order or a direction to do something | "Instruction: Do not overtake." | | Advice | A suggestion about what would be wise | "Advice: Alter course to starboard." | | Warning | Information about a danger | "Warning: Dangerous wreck in position…" | | Information | A fact, without asking for action | "Information: Visibility is one mile." | | Question | A request for information | "Question: What is your position?" | | Answer | A reply to a question | "Answer: My position is…" | | Request | Asking for something you need | "Request: I require a pilot." | | Intention | What you plan to do | "Intention: I intend to anchor." |
Basic rules
- Keep it short and clear: one subject per message.
- Speak slowly and clearly. Speed increases mistakes on the radio.
- If you did not understand, say "Say again".
- Always identify your ship by name and call sign.
The next parts cover the phonetic alphabet, radio phrases, distress calls and shipboard orders.