Ordinary Requirement #10 - Communications

Requirement 10:

• Name the three principal methods of visual signaling and explain the advantages and limitations of each method.
  
  
• Name the three principal types of radiotelephone equipment in marine use and demonstrate your knowledge of correct radiotelephone procedures.
  
  

An alternative to electronic communications is visual signaling. This form of communications has been used extensively throughout the history. However, the flexibility, range, and speed of today's radios have reduced the use of visual signaling. Few groups today would be capable of establishing a working system of visual communications without first conducting extensive planning and training.

There are several methods of visual commuication that have been used through out history. Here are just a few:

• Smoke Signals - Limited today to survival situations where three fires (usually with smoke) signal distress.
  
  
• Flashing Light - Used in conjunction with Morse Code (or a mutually agreed to original code).
  
  
• Flags:
  
  
• Semaphore
  
  
• International Code Flags
  
  

1. Visual signaling systems normally require simple equipment. They provide timely point-to-point communications over long distances. They are not normally susceptible to EMC [Electromagnetic Compatibility] and EMP [Electromagnetic Pulse] problems and are relatively reliable in many situations. Training requirements vary with the systems used.
   
   
2. Visual signaling is not a cure-all. Numerous limitations need to be recognized. Visual signaling sites must be within LOS [Line Of Sight] of each other and the signal means used must be distinguishable at the desired range. Fog, rain, snow, smoke, and background light conditions can reduce effective ranges.
   
   
3. Visual signaling cannot adequately handle large volumes of communication, but it can be used as an alternate means to pass the high priority messages that may affect a tactical situation. Visual Systems should be thought of as a backup to electronic systems. Realistic training and frequent practice during training exercises enhance your ability to survive dangerous situations.
   
   
4. Visual signaling systems employing flashing lights of various types are most effective because they provide distinguishable signaling at great ranges
   
   
1. Any standard flashlight can be pulsed in a controlled manner and can normally be seen over several hundred meters in daylight and up to two or more kilometers at night. A more directional beam can be obtained by attaching any sort of cylindrical extension.
   
   
2. Any other light source, including chemical lights, that can be keyed is also usable. An example is a vehicle headlight used with a keying device and a director to provide long-range signaling.
   
   
5. Reception of visual signals can be enhanced using readily available devices.
   
   
1. A pipe or other device pointed directly at the visual source can be used to limit the receiver's susceptibility to distraction. Such a device should be stabilized to prevent movement while in use.
   
   
2. Binoculars assist in distinguishing the signals at greater ranges. At night, the use of ambient light devices such as night vision goggles can greatly extend the system's range.
   
   
6. A flashing light system can be both an asset and a liability.
   
   
1. In military situation flashing light signaling sites will often be visible from enemy positions and appropriate safeguards must be planned. Using infrared or near infrared sources and receiving devices will prevent unaided observation; however, most potential adversaries also use the infrared spectrum and can observe these signals.
   
   
2. Messages prepared for transmission by visual means should be as short as possible to facilitate the slower transmission speed and concentration required to copy at long ranges.
   
   
3. Flashing light systems can use directional or nondirectional devices. Nondirectional equipment will generally provide less range, but can be used to transmit to more than one receiver simultaneously.
   
   
4. All signal sites should be manned by a minimum of two personnel to enable one to focus attention on the distant sender and the other to record or relay the message over the telephone as it is received.
   
   
5. Operators must be trained in the transmission and reception of code.
   
   

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If you ever get into real trouble out there on the water, using your radio correctly could save you, your crew and your boat! The following is a primer on the use of marine radios. For more information check out the information on the Marine Radio Operator Permit page.

There are three types of Radiotelephone Equipment:

1. VHF
   
   
2. UHF
   
   
3. SSB
   
   

Brevity is important. Most of today’s terminology used on the marine radio has been passed down from the military. They discovered long ago that a single word instead of a long phrase is much easier to understand.

Roger: Means only that "I understand your transmission." It does not mean that I agree or disagree with what you said.

Wilco: Means "I understand your transmission and I will comply with your request." (WIL = will, CO = comply)

Affirmative: Means "Yes". Do not use words like "Un- Huh", "Yup" or "Al-righty".

Negative: Means "No". Do not say "Negatory"; there is no such word.

Niner: The number nine (9) is very difficult to understand over the radio, so we use the word "Niner" in its place.

Over: Means "I have completed my statement and am awaiting your reply." Just say "Over", not "Do you copy?" or "Come on back!".

Out: Means that "I have completed my communication and I am returning to the hailing channel."

Note: There is no such thing as "Roger Wilco". It is either Roger or Wilco, but not both. There is also no such thing as "Over and Out". It’s either Over or Out.

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Radio Etiquette - Non-Emergency

First listen to your radio to make sure that no one else is using the hailing channel. The hailing channel depends on the type of radio you are using: VHF-FM channel 16, SSB 2182 kHz. For this example we will assume that we are using VHF, your boat is called the Eagle and the other boat is called the Scout.

Next, you say, "Scout, Scout, this is Eagle over".

The entire communication, including a second call if necessary, should not take more than thirty seconds. If the ship you are attempting to contact does not answer, you must wait two minutes before trying to call it again. This allows others to use the hailing channel.

If the other party hears your hail, the conversation should continue like this:

The other party says, "This is Scout, switch and answer on 68". Any legal working channel will do. We are using 68 as an example.

You should reply, "Roger Scout, 68". "Roger" means "I understand", and "68" means "I am switching to channel 68 to talk to you."

After you have finished your conversation, say "Out".

To conclude the transmission you say, "This is Eagle back to channel 16."

This has been a brief description of how to properly use your radio in a routine or non-emergency, non-distress situation. It really isn't complicated, and becomes easy to do once you know just why it's done this way.

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Radio Etiquette - Emergency

An emergency call is addressed to any and all radios within your transmitting range. Channel 16 is the Emergency Broadcast Channel. When an emergency transmission is made, all other radio traffic is required to cease immediately.

There are three levels of emergency calls:

1. First Level Emergency: The "distress" signal is "MAYDAY". This word should be said three times: "MAYDAY - MAYDAY - MAYDAY". This signal is to be used only when there is grave danger (you’re gonna die) to your crew or your boat.
   
   
2. Second Level Emergency: The "urgency" signal is "Pan-Pan" (pronounced "pon-pon"). This should be stated three times: "PAN-PAN - PAN-PAN - PAN-PAN". This signal should be used when you have a serious, but not life threatening, situation that requires assistance. Some examples are serious illness or injury to a crewmember, or if the captain himself becomes incapacitated. Running out of gas is not a Pan-Pan situation, unless you are in danger of being swept ashore in high seas.
   
   
3. Third Level Emergency: The "safety" signal is "Security" (pronounced as "SAY–CURE-IT-TAY"). This word should also be said three times: "SECURITY - SECURITY - SECURITY". This signal should be used to warn of conditions that may affect boaters in that area. Some examples are storm warnings, hazards to navigation (such as a huge log or other objects that could damage a boat) or alerts from large ships when they are going to be in a narrow channel.
   
   

There are several pieces of information that the emergency rescue service needs from you when you are calling in a MAYDAY:

1. Your vessel’s name, repeated 3 times.
   
   
2. The position of your boat. The importance of knowing where you are at all times can't be overemphasized. Keep track of the course you are steering, how much time has passed since you left your departure point and your speed. If you have a GPS, use its latitude & longitude coordinates. Remember no one can help you if they don’t know where you are.
   
   
3. A description of your boat, meaning its size, color, type of design, manufacturer, etc.
   
   
4. The nature of your problem.
   
   
5. The number of persons on board
   
   
6. Number and nature of any injuries.
   
   

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