Maritime Emergency Procedures and Protocols

Maritime Emergency Procedures

1. Initial Actions:

  1. Operate the general emergency alarm.
  2. Inform the Master/Chief Engineer.
  3. Inform the coast radio station/vessels in the vicinity (on radio).
  4. Request assistance (on radio) from… and report.

4.1 Assistance was requested from…/offered by…/accepted from…

5. Distress Signals:

  1. Transmit a SECURITE/PANPAN/distress alert/MAYDAY and report.

5.1 A SECURITE/PANPAN/distress alert/MAYDAY was transmitted.

6. Distress Signal Acknowledgement:

6. Was the distress ALERT/

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Essential Maritime Terminology and VHF Procedures

  • Underway (al garete): “I am underway.” This means that a vessel is not at anchor, made fast to the shore, or aground.
  • Making Way (en navegación): “I am making way.” This means that a vessel is not at anchor and is actually moving through the water, either under her own power or with the help of tugs. The speed is measured relative to the water.
  • Get underway, to (iniciar navegación)
  • Last Port of Call (de donde venís)
  • ETA: “Estimated Time of Arrival”
  • ETD: “Estimated Time of Departure”
  • Draught (Calado)
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Maritime Terminology: Essential Ship Communication

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Shipboard Positions and Communication

Forward Station: Chief Officer’s position towards the head of the ship.

Aft Station: Second Officer’s position towards the stern of the ship.

Bridge: Captain’s position.

Read: “How do you read me?” The captain is asking about the quality of reception.

Signal Strength: The strength of the signal reception.

Starboard Quarter: The starboard side aft of the bridge.

Mooring and Docking Terminology

Berth: A sea room to be kept for. It can be a place in an anchoring area/

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Maritime Communication Phrases: Safety and Operations

Essential Maritime Communication Phrases

FALLO (Technical Failure)

I am/MV is not under command. What problems do you have/does MV have? I have/MV has problems with engine(s)/steering gear/propeller. I am/MV is maneuvering with difficulty. Keep clear of me/MV. Navigate with caution. I require/MV requires tug assistance/escort. I try/MV tries to proceed without assistance.

HIELO (Ice)

I have/MV has damage above/below waterline. What kind of assistance is required? I require/MV requires tug assistance,

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Ship Terminology and Structure

Ship Structure and Terminology

Deck Definitions

The main deck (or upper deck) is often exposed to the sea and weather, providing shelter for the vessel’s contents. The forecastle is the foremost part of the upper deck.

The tweendeck divides the vessel into separate holds. The tank top is the intermediate deck between the upper deck and the vessel’s bottom.

Upper holds and lower holds contain cargo. Hatches provide access to the holds. Spaces for liquid cargo are called tanks.

Peak tanks, located at

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Maritime Operations: Roles, Incidents, and Terminology

Crew Roles and Responsibilities on a Merchant Ship

On a merchant ship, each department has specific roles that ensure the vessel operates efficiently. The Deck Department handles navigation, cargo, and the ship’s safety, with the Captain at the helm, supported by officers and cadets. The Engine Department maintains the ship’s propulsion and machinery, with engineers overseeing maintenance and repairs. The Catering/Steward’s Department provides meals and ensures the crew’s comfort, from the Chief

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