Ship Radio Reporting Systems and Requirements

Ship-reporting systems and reporting requirements have been established to provide, gather or exchange information for many purposes such as search and rescue, vessel traffic movement and ship defects, including deficiencies which could adversely affect navigation or give rise to marine pollution. Normally such reports will be made by radiotelegraphy or radiotelephony and will be free of communication charge to the ship.

Full details of ship reporting schemes and reporting requirements are to found in appropriate hydrographic publications (Lists of Radio Signals, Passage Planning Guides, Notices to Mariners etc.).

2. Answer the following questions

1. Why is it recommended that the gyro compass should be run continuously?

2. Whom should latitude and speed corrections be applied to the gyro compass by?

3. How often should repeaters be synchronised with the gyro?

4. How often should chronometers be wound?

5. In what cases should the echo sounder be used?

6. At what intervals should routine check calibrations for direction finders be carried out and recorded?

3. How can you explain the definition “good radar practice”?

What can be added to the following description?

Good radar practice

It is recommended that a radar is kept running and fully operational at all times.

When using radar the OOW should bear in mind the following:

• the quality of performance of the radar needs to be continuously monitored: a performance monitor, if fitted, should be used for this purpose;

• an incorrectly aligned heading marker can give rise to misleading

interpretations of potential collision situations: heading marker alignment needs periodically checking against both the compass heading and the fore and aft line of the ship;

• small vessels, ice and other floating objects such as containers may not be detected by the radar;

• video processing techniques should be used with care;

• echoes may be obscured by sea or rain clutter: the careful use of clutter controls will assist;

• masts or other structural features may cause shadow or blind sectors on the display: the OOW should be aware of these sectors.

Unit 7

1. Read and translate the text

Guidance for the Use of VHF Radiotelephone Equipment at Sea

It is very important to realize that the transmission and receiving range of VHF signals is limited, in theory, to line of sight, the power of the transmitter, sensitivity of the receiver, height of the transmitting and receiving aerials, propagation conditions, barometric pressure and humidity.

The misuse of VHF channels causes serious interference to essential communications and is a potential danger to Navigation and Safety at sea.

In the interest of Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) owners of vessels are urged to carry marine MARINE communications equipment on board and to use this equipment as the primary means of Distress and Safety communications.

Distress calls and messages have absolute priority over all other communications. When hearing Distress signals, all other transmissions must cease and a listening watch must be kept. Any Distress calls or messages must be recorded in the Ship’s Log and passed to the Master.

On receipt of a Distress Call, or Message, in your vicinity, immediately acknowledge receipt. If it is not in the vicinity, allow a short period of time to elapse, before acknowledging receipt. This is in order to permit ships closer to the casualty, to promptly acknowledge. Channel 16 may only be used for Distress, Urgency, Safety and Calling; when communications have been established change to a correct Working Channel.

The use of Cellular radiotelephones for Distress and Safety purposes is strongly discouraged.

VHF channels allocated to the Port Operations Service are restricted to communications relating to Operational Handling, Movement and Safety of ships; and in Emergencies, the Safety of persons.

Port Operation channels must not be used for ship-to-ship communications, as these transmissions cause serious interference to communications related to the Movement and Safety of Shipping in congested areas.

The ITU Radio Regulations require that the radiotelephone equipment of every ship station be operated by a person holding an appropriate Radiotelephone Certificate, issued or recognized by the Government concerned.

VHF equipment must be used in the correct manner and in accordance with the Radio Regulations.

DO NOT Use channel 16 for any purpose other than Distress, Urgency, Safety and Calling. If possible use another Calling or Working Channel.