SMCP basics: message markers, replies and corrections
1The lesson in plain words
A few standard words make the purpose of a message clear: is it an instruction, advice or a warning? Learn the markers, the replies and how to correct yourself.
Message markers
Before a message you may say one of eight message markers: INSTRUCTION, ADVICE, WARNING, INFORMATION, QUESTION, ANSWER, REQUEST and INTENTION. They tell the listener what kind of message follows. Vessel Traffic Services use them often. ‘QUESTION. What is your ETA?’ cannot be mistaken for a statement.
Instruction or advice
An INSTRUCTION must come from a sender authorized for that situation. Follow it unless you have safety reasons not to; report those reasons. ADVICE is a recommendation: the decision stays with you, but consider it carefully. A WARNING reports danger, and INFORMATION reports facts; what you do about them is up to you.
Standard replies
Answer yes or no in full: ‘Yes, I have a pilot on board’, not just ‘Yes’. If you need time, say ‘Stand by’ and how long. If you cannot get the information, say ‘No information’. To an instruction or advice, reply ‘I will’ or ‘I will not’, followed by the instruction in full: ‘I will not overtake the vessel north of me.’
Corrections and repeats
If you make a mistake, say ‘Mistake’, then ‘Correction’ and the right version: ‘My speed one-four knots, mistake. Correction, my speed one-two knots.’ To stress something vital, say ‘Repeat’ and say it again. If you did not hear a message, say ‘Say again’.
Words to avoid
Avoid may, might, should and could: they can sound like permission, a guess or a suggestion. Ask ‘QUESTION. Do I have permission to enter the fairway?’ If you have decided, say ‘INTENTION. I will anchor.’ If undecided, say ‘I have not decided whether to anchor.’ Say “I will”, not “I’ll”. Use one phrase for each meaning.
2Key data
- Message markers 1–4
- Instruction, Advice, Warning, Information
- Message markers 5–8
- Question, Answer, Request, Intention
- INSTRUCTION
- Authorized instruction: follow unless unsafe; report your reason
- ADVICE
- A recommendation: the decision stays with you
- Correction
- ‘Mistake … Correction …’ then the right version
- Avoid
- May, might, should, could; contractions
3Key points
- 1
Eight message markers tell the listener what kind of message follows.
- 2
Follow an authorized instruction unless unsafe; report your reason. Advice leaves the decision to you.
- 3
Answer yes or no in full; say ‘Stand by’ with a time if you need it.
- 4
Correct yourself with ‘Mistake … Correction …’.
- 5
Avoid may, might, should and could: use a marker and a plain statement.
4Frequent mistakes
Wrong: ‘May I enter the harbour?’
Right: ‘QUESTION. Do I have permission to enter the harbour?’
Wrong: Treat ADVICE from a VTS centre as an order you must obey.
Right: ADVICE is a recommendation: consider it carefully, then decide. Follow an authorized instruction unless unsafe; report your reason.
Wrong: Reply ‘Yes’ or ‘OK’ to a question.
Right: Reply in full: ‘Yes, I will proceed to the anchorage.’
5Practice case & exam keys
VTS says, ‘INSTRUCTION. Proceed to berth one-two.’ Your yacht draws 2.3 m, but the marina confirms only 2.0 m of water at that berth. How do you reply and request a safe alternative?
Show the answer
‘I will not proceed to berth one-two. My draught is two decimal three metres; depth at that berth is two decimal zero metres. REQUEST. I require a berth with sufficient depth.’ Explain why you cannot safely comply.
Exam keys
- Eight markers: Instruction, Advice, Warning, Information, Question, Answer, Request, Intention.
- Authorized instruction: follow unless unsafe; report your reason. Advice: the decision stays with you.
- Replies: full yes or no; ‘Stand by’ plus time; ‘No information’; ‘I will / I will not’ plus the phrase.
- ‘Mistake … Correction …’; ‘Say again’; avoid may, might, should, could.
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