You are OOW on a vessel approaching a vessel fine on the port bow in an open crossing situation. You decide to call on VHF Ch 16 to agree a manoeuvre. Demonstrate the correct SMCP exchange and explain any risks.

A. SMCP COLLISION AVOIDANCE CALL — CORRECT APPROACH: Initial call on Ch 16 (then switch to a working channel, typically Ch 13 or 16): "Vessel bearing [bearing] from me, this is [vessel name] on VHF channel [xx], over." After contact: "I am the stand-on vessel. I intend to maintain my course and speed. Please confirm your intentions, over." OR if you are the give-way vessel: "I am the give-way vessel. I intend to alter course to starboard [or slow down] to pass astern of you. Do you agree? Over." KEY SMCP PHRASES: "I intend to alter course to starboard/port", "I am altering course to starboard/port", "I intend to stop my engines", "Please indicate your intentions." RISKS OF VHF COLLISION AVOIDANCE: (1) VHF agreements are NOT a substitute for COLREGs action — the give-way vessel must act in good time regardless of VHF exchange; (2) VHF agreements can create false confidence — the other vessel may not follow through; (3) Use call sign or vessel name to ensure you are speaking to the correct ship — "vessel ahead" is ambiguous; (4) Rule 8 requires action to be positive, taken in ample time — do not delay COLREGs action waiting for VHF response; (5) Document the exchange in the deck log.

B. Call the vessel on Ch 16 and agree to both alter to starboard. Once agreed by VHF, both vessels should proceed according to the agreement and no formal COLREGs action is needed.

C. VHF should never be used for collision avoidance — it creates legal liability by demonstrating awareness of the risk before action was taken. Use radar and take COLREGs action silently.

D. Use any language common to both bridges. SMCP only apply to VTS communications. Ship-to-ship collision avoidance VHF calls have no standardised format requirement.

A. IMO STANDARD MARINE COMMUNICATION PHRASES (SMCP 2001): The SMCP is an IMO publication (Resolution A.918(22)) providing standardised English phrases for maritime communications. LEGAL BASIS: SOLAS Chapter V, Regulation 14 requires that officers in charge of a navigational watch on ships required to carry a radio installation shall be proficient in the use of English. The SMCP provides the standardised language to fulfil this requirement. WHEN MANDATORY: (1) VHF bridge-to-bridge communications for collision avoidance; (2) Communications with Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) — initial call, position reports, intentions; (3) Distress, urgency and safety communications on Channel 16; (4) Communications with pilots during embarkation and passage; (5) Port authority and harbour control communications; (6) SAR coordination communications; (7) Communications with other vessels for manoeuvring in restricted waters. STRUCTURE OF SMCP: phrases are organised by function — external communications (VHF), internal ship communications, and safety-related phrases. Responses use standard acknowledgements: "I read you", "Stand by", "Say again", "Received". KEY PRINCIPLE: English is the working language of international maritime communications — if neither party is a native English speaker, both must use SMCP rather than their own language.

B. SMCP are voluntary guidelines produced by IMO. They are only recommended practice and SOLAS does not require their use — captains may use any language agreed between the two vessels.

C. SMCP apply only to communications with shore-based VTS. Ship-to-ship communications may use any mutually understood language including the officers' native languages.

D. SMCP are required only for passenger vessels. Cargo ship officers must be proficient in English but are not required to follow the standardised SMCP format.

A. VTS INITIAL CALL — SMCP FORMAT: On the published VTS working channel (Dover Strait CNIS broadcasts on Ch 11 — transmit on Ch 80): "Dover Coastguard, Dover Coastguard, this is [vessel name], [vessel name], [call sign], over." After establishing contact: INITIAL REPORT — SMCP elements: (1) Vessel name and call sign; (2) MMSI number; (3) Position (lat/long or bearing and distance from named mark); (4) Course and speed; (5) Draught and any navigational limitations; (6) Destination and ETA; (7) Nature of cargo (DG if applicable); (8) Any defects or special conditions. DOVER STRAIT SPECIFIC: (a) SOLAS V/11 requires reporting to CNIS in the Dover Strait Traffic Separation Scheme; (b) VHF Ch 11 for eastbound lane, Ch 80 for westbound; (c) Report at defined reporting points; (d) Report any difficulties maintaining the TSS track. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: wait for "Vessel name, this is Dover Coastguard, received, over" before proceeding. Record VTS contacts in the deck log.

B. Call Dover Coastguard on Ch 16 and provide your vessel name. Channel Navigation Information Service is broadcast only — two-way reporting is not required in the Dover Strait.

C. VTS reporting is the master's responsibility. As OOW you should not contact VTS directly — relay your position to the master and let him make the VTS call.

D. Initial VTS contact should provide vessel name and cargo only. Position information is confidential under GDPR and should not be transmitted on open VHF channels.