A pilot is boarding at the pilot station. Describe the SMCP exchange between the bridge and the pilot vessel during embarkation, and the critical safety information you must exchange with the pilot once he reaches the bridge.

A. PILOT VESSEL COMMUNICATIONS — SMCP: Before boarding: "Pilot boat [name], this is [vessel name], I am ready to embark pilot, over." Pilot vessel: "Vessel [name], pilot is boarding — slow to [X] knots, maintain course [X], over." During boarding: "Pilot boat, this is [vessel name], pilot is on board, over." BRIDGE EXCHANGE WITH PILOT — mandatory items per SOLAS and IMO Res. A.960(23): (1) VESSEL's PARTICULARS: name, flag, draught F/A, LOA, beam, propulsion type (fixed/CPP), bow thrust (Y/N), stern thrust (Y/N), engine power and response time; (2) UKC at current draught; (3) NAVIGATIONAL AIDS available and operational status; (4) Any DEFECTS affecting manoeuvrability; (5) Pilot Card should be provided — pre-printed sheet with all above information; (6) MASTER/PILOT EXCHANGE: confirm passage plan on chart, waypoints, tidal constraints, berth details; (7) Agree primary communication (VHF channel with tugs and port authority); (8) Agree emergency action plan. SMCP PILOT PHRASES: "The pilot is conning the vessel", "The master is conning the vessel", "I intend to proceed at [X] knots", "We require tug assistance on [port/starboard] side."

B. No formal SMCP exchange is required with pilot vessels. The pilot takes command of the bridge on arrival and the master steps back. The bridge team should not distract the pilot with exchanges.

C. Tell the pilot your name and the ship's name. The pilot knows the port and does not need technical details about the vessel — that is the owner's responsibility to provide separately.

D. SMCP do not apply to pilot communications as pilots speak the local language. The master should use whatever language the pilot is comfortable with.

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. 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.