Most radio conversations rely on a few phrases whose purpose is to confirm understanding. Learn the list below.
Confirming understanding
| Phrase | Plain-English meaning | |---|---| | Say again. | Repeat your last message. | | I say again. | I am repeating what I said. | | Please repeat. | Please say it again. | | I do not understand. | I could not follow your message. | | Please spell. | Say it letter by letter. | | Please speak more slowly. | Slow down, please. | | I will spell. | I will say it letter by letter. | | Stand by. | Wait; I will come back to you. | | Stand by on channel 12. | Wait on VHF channel 12. | | Correct. | What you said is right. | | Yes / No. | Answers to yes-no questions. |
Changing channels
- "Change to channel 14." means move to VHF channel 14.
- "Channel 14 - Roger." means channel 14, message received. The first call is usually made on channel 16, then the parties move to a working channel.
Making a call
"Istanbul Port, Istanbul Port, this is motor vessel MARIA, MARIA, over." (Name of the station called, then your own ship.)
Common mistakes
- Starting to talk without giving your call sign.
- Mixing several topics in one message.
- Using vague words such as "Sorry?". Say "Say again" instead.
- Confirming an order you did not understand. If you are not sure, do not confirm; ask again.
Practise these phrases with a friend by role-play rather than only memorising them.