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IAMSAR Manual
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Communications
2.24 Codes, Signals, and Standard Phrases
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2.24.1 Publications which can be used to overcome language barriers and circumstances among vessels, aircraft, - survivors, and SAR personnel include IMO's International Code of Signals*, International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, and Standard Marine Navigational Vocabulary. These documents should be included in RCC libraries, and they should be familiar to the staff, which should be able to recognise coded messages based on these references. Ships should carry these documents, and SRUs and aircraft should carry the International Code of Signals. The Code of Standard Phrases for Use Between RCCs and RSCs is provided in Appendix I.
* The first draft of the Code of Signals was prepared in 1855. Responsibility for it passed to several organisations until its sponsorship was assumed in 1959 by what is now IMO. ICAO and other Organisations assisted in (ts development. The Code can be used for almost any means of communication and can overcome language barriers for safety of navigation and during emergencies.
2.24.2 These references are all available from IMO and certain speciality bookstores world-wide. Only a few provisions of the references are duplicated in this Manual.
2.24.3 Most ship masters, aircraft pilots, air traffic controllers, SAR personnel, etc., have a working knowledge of the English language. However, they must sometimes communicate with those who cannot speak or understand English, or when voice communications are not possible under the circumstances. In these situations, the Code and the Vocabulary can be essential.
2.24.4 Signalling means covered in the Code include flags (it contains a colour plate of the international flags and pennants), flashing lights, sound, voice, radio, hand signals, and visual signals. It includes: signalling instructions; general and medical signal codes; distress and lifesaving signals; radiotelephone procedures; national identity signals for vessels and aircraft; and visual signals with which persons in distress can seek assistance and help those responding. Aviation air-to-surface and surface-to-air signals, and ground-to-air visual codes for use by SAR facilities are also included.
2.24.5 The Vocabulary is intended to improve safety by standardising phrases. The phrases of the Vocabulary should be used routinely in preference to words of similar meaning to help their use become common and accepted. The Vocabulary is based on the English language.
2.24.6 With the decreasing use of Morse Code, the Code and the Standard Marine Navigational Vocabulary will become increasingly important. It may help to refer to these documents in international SAR agreements as standards to use on-scene for operations, training, and exercises when SAR facilities of more than one country are responding to a distress incident.
2.24.7 While tools like the Code and Vocabulary exist, they should not be necessary for verbal communications among SAR personnel and others who should be able to speak English due to the nature of their duties. RCCs should plan to have staff with a working knowledge of English to enable timely and effective communications with aircraft, vessels, and other RCCs.
2.24.8 Where neighbouring States use languages other than English, it is useful to have someone at the RCC or on call capable in those languages too. Advantage can aJso be taken of the increasing trend of communication service providers to offer translation services on the telephone. Confirmation of verbal conversations with facsimile or other written means can reduce misunderstandings, and expedite co-ordination processes.
2.24.9 A few distress signals are provided in Appendix A for emphasis or for discussion of visual delectability (RCCs should still be familiar with the references cited above).
2.24.10 IMO-ICAO surface-to-air visual signals and additional visual signals are found in Appendix A. |
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2.25.1 The concept of "first RCC" has been developed to show how an MRCC that receives a distress alert has responsibility to do what it can to acknowledge the alert, and arrange assistance, until it can identify another RCC willing and better able to respond. Section 3.6 provides additional discussion.
2.25.2 This same philosophy is applied when an MRCC receives an HF alert which may have been received by other MRCCs as well, or when other RCCs may have also received an alert from the distressed craft from a different alerting device. Until it is known that another RCC better able to respond has accepted SAR co- ordination duties, any RCC receiving an alert should consider itself to be the "first RCC". |
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2.26 SAR Operations Communications |
2.26.1 The SAR plan should publish the frequencies available for assignment as control, on-scene, monitor, homing, and public relations channels, Use should be made of any existing communications facilities where practicable and all facilities should be regularly used or tested.
2.26.2 The SMC should select SAR-dedicated frequencies, inform the OSC or SAR facilities, and establish communications with adjacent RCCs and SAR facility parent agencies as appropriate. The OSC should maintain communications with all SAR facilities and the SMC. A primary and secondary frequency should be assigned for on-scene communications.
2.26.3 The OSC should be authorised to control communications on-scene and ensure that reliable communications are maintained. SAR facilities normally report to the OSC on an assigned frequency. If a frequency shift is carried out, instructions should be provided about what to do if intended communications cannot be re-established on the new frequency. All SRUs should carry a copy of the International Code of Signals, which contains communications information internationally recognised by aircraft, vessels, and survivors. |
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2.27 SAR Operations Messages |
2.27.1 SAR operations messages include situation reports (SITREPs), search action messages, rescue action messages, "all ships" broadcasts, aircraft alerting messages, and other SAR messages. These messages should be unclassified, in plain language, and require no key to interpret. RCCs should establish a standard sample message file, or computer templates and programs, to aid in quickly drafting and releasing the types of messages used regularly.
RCC-RCC Distress Alert Information Formats
2.27.2 When an RCC must pass distress alert information to another RCC, there is need for consistency of formats and styles, for all essential information to be provided, and for the information to be easily and clearly understandable. Model formats provided in Appendix B have been developed for relay of Inmarsat-C, Inmarsat-E, and DSC distress alerts between RCCs.
RCC Cospas-Sarsat Message Formats
2.27.3 Standard formats have been developed for RCCs to use in communicating with any MCC of the Cospas- Sarsat system when necessary, and for the transfer of information from the MCC to the RCC. Appendix B contains sample formats for these messages.
2.27.4 Whenever new communications sy§tems are being developed, or the alert messages of existing systems are being modifiedf the closer the messages can be made 10 conform to this standard, the better they will serve the SAR system.
Situation Report
2.27.5 The OSC uses a situation report (SITREP) to keep the SMC informed of on-scene mission progress and conditions, and normally addresses SITREPs only to the SMC unless otherwise directed. The SMC uses SITREPs to keep superiors, other RCCs and RSCs, and any other interested agencies informed of mission progress. For cases where pollution or threat of pollution exists as the result of the casualty, the appropriate agency tasked with environmental protection should be an information addressee on all SITREPs.
2.27.6 Often a short SITREP is used to provide the earliest notice of a casualty or to pass urgent details when using the SITREP to request assistance. A full SITREP is used to pass amplifying information during SAR operations, or to inform SAR authorities of the home State of the craft in distress.
2.27.7 Initial SITREPs should be transmitted as soon as details of an incident become clear enough to indicate SAR system involvement, and should not be delayed unnecessarily for confirmation of all details. Further SITREPs should be issued as soon as other relevant information is obtained. Information already passed should not be repeated. During prolonged operations, "no change" SITREPs should be issued at intervals of about three hours to reassure recipients that nothing has been missed. When the incident is concluded, a final SITREP should be issued as confirmation.
2.27.8 While SITREP format is usually established by agency directives, the standard format shown in Appendix I should be used along with standard codes as necessary for international communications between RCCs. Each SITREP concerning the same casualty should be numbered sequentially.
2.27.9 Regardless of format, SITREPs usually provide the following information: |
(a) Identification: usually in the subject line, the SITREP number, identification of the craft, and a one-or two-word description of the emergency. The perceived phase of the emergency should be indicated. SITREPs should be numbered sequentially throughout the case. When an OSC is relieved on-scene, the new OSC should continue the SITREP numbering sequence.
(b) Situation: a description of the case, the conditions that affect the case, and any amplifying information that will clarify the problem. After the first SITREP, only changes to the original reported situation need be included.
(c) Action taken: a report of all action taken since the last report, including results of such action. When an unsuccessful search has been conducted, the report includes the areas searched, a measure of effort such as sorties flown or hours searched, and the coverage factor.
(d) Future plans: a description of actions planned for future execution, including any recommendations and, if necessary, a request for additional assistance.
(e) Status of case: this is used only on the final SITREP to indicate that the case is closed or that search is suspended pending further! developments.
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2.27.10 The SMC should develop a search action plan and a rescue action plan as appropriate. In some situations these plans may be combined into one message.
Search Action Message
2.27.11 After a search action plan is developed as discussed in section 5.13, it is provided to the OSC and SAR facilities on-scene in a search action message. Potential parts of the message are given below. Appendix L contains an example.
2.27.12 The message should include a summary of the on-scene situation, including the nature of the emergency, the last known position, search target description, types of detection aids and survival equipment which survivors may have, present and forecast weather, and SAR facilities on-scene.
2.27.13 The message should include a listing of the search area(s) and sub-areas that can be searched by the SAR facilities in the allotted time.
2.27.14 The message should assign primary and secondary control channels, on-scene, monitor and press channels, and special radio procedures, schedules, or relevant communication factors.
2.27.15 It is better to release the message early. If a "first light" search is being planned, parent agencies providing SAR facilities should typically receive the message at least six hours before departure time. The message can always be expanded or amended later.
2.27.16 The message normally includes six parts: |
(a) Situation: includes a brief description of the incident, position, and time; number of persons on board (POBs); primary and secondary search targets, including the amount and types of survival equipment; weather forecast and period of forecast; and SAR facilities on-scene.
(b) Search area(s): presented in column format with headings for area, size, corner points, other essential data.
(c) Execution: presented in column format with headings for area, SAR facility, parent agency, pattern, creep direction, commence search points, and altitude.
(d) Co-ordination: designates the SMC and OSC; SAR facilities on-scene times; track spacings and coverage factors desired; OSC instructions, e.g., on use of datum marker buoys; airspace reservations; temporary sea exclusion zones; aircraft safety instructions; SAR facility change of operational control information if pertinent; parent agency relief instructions; and authorisations for non-SAR aircraft in the area;
(e) Communications: prescribes control channels; on-scene channels; monitor channels; SAR vessel electronic identification; and press channels.
(f) Reports: requirements for 05C reports of on-scene weather, progress and other SITREP information; and for parent agencies to provide at the end of daily operations, e.g., sorties, hours flown, area(s) searched, and coverage factor(s).
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Rescue Action Message
2.27.17 In conjunction with the search action plan, the SMC may then develop a rescue action plan. It is provided to the OSC and SAR facilities on-scene fn a rescue action message. Potential parts of the message, similar to those for a search action message, are noted below. |
(a) Situation: includes a brief description of the incident; number of persons requiring rescue; extent of injuries; amount and type of survival) equipment; weather forecast and period for forecast; and SAR facilities on-scene.
(b) Rescue area: describes the position of the incident by proper name of the area and latitude and longitude, or by bearing from a known geographical point; and access routes to be followed by SAR facilities.
(c) Execution: gives SAR facilities assigned, including facility call sign and parent agencies providing the SAR facilities; rescue method to be attempted; aerial delivery of supplies or other supporting equipment to SAR facilities and SMC supportive arrangements.
(d) Co-ordination: designates the SMC and OSC; on-scene rendezvous time for SAR facilities; SAR facility change of operational control instructions; parent agency relief instructions; temporary flight restrictions; and authorisation for non-SAR aircraft in the area.
(e) Communications: prescribes control and on-scene channels; call signs of aircraft assigned high- altitude communications relay duties; and any other relevant communications information.
(f) Reports: discusses required OSC to SMC reports and parent activity reports.
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2.27.18 The example search action message in Appendix L also generally shows how the rescue action message should be formatted for the information just discussed. Communication Searches
2.27.19 SMCs conduct communication searches when facts are needed to supplement initially reported information. Efforts are continued to contact the craft, to find out more about a possible distress situation, and to prepare for or to avoid a search effort; Section 3.5 has more information on communication searches.
MEDICO Communications
2.27.20 The ITU List of Radiodetermination and Special Service Stations lists commercial and Government radio stations that provide free medical message service, to ships. These messages should be prefixed with "DH MEDICO!' These messages are normally delivered to RCCs, hospitals or other facilities with which the communications facility has made prior arrangements.
2.27.21 Since SAR services include provision of medical advice and medical evacuations, and since relayed requests for medical advice is an indicator of potential need for a medical evacuation, SAR services and communications facilities used for SAR should support and monitor such communications and offer these services free of charge.
2.27.22 SAR services may provide medical advice either with its own doctors or via arrangements with doctors outside the SAR organisation. (Such doctors should be trained regarding the inherent risks associated with medical emergencies at sea and with medical evacuations, so that these factors can be taken into account in recommendations for treatment or evacuation. However, the final decision about whether it is safe to conduct an evacuation rests with the person in command of the rescue facility tasked with conducting the evacuation.)
2.27.23 There are several enterprises in some States which provide subscription and pay-per-use medical advice to vessels at sea. However, perhaps the best known medical advisory service is Centro Internazionale Radio- Medico (CIRM) in Rome, Italy. |
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2.28.1 Regulation 5 of chapter IV of the 1988 Amendments to the SOLAS Convention requires that every Contracting Government provide to IMO information on its shore-based facilities to support ships carrying GMDSS communications equipment off its coasts. IMO collects and published this information in an indispensable reference for RCCs; its short name is the GMDSS Master Plan.
2.28.2 An up-to-date copy of this Plan should be acquired as a reference for all aeronautical and maritime RCCs, communications facilities, ships, and maritime training institutes.
2.28.3 The GMDSS Master Plan shows for every country: the status of its VHF, MF, and HF DSC installations; its Inmarsat, SafetyNET, NAVTEX, and HF NBDP services; its satellite EPIRB registration information, MCCs, and LUTs; and which RCCs are using SESs. This information is given in list form and on maps, and distinguishes between operational and planned facilities. |
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2.29 Supplemental Capabilities |
2.29.1 Instant-replay recording equipment to record aeronautical or maritime voice communications can help document and verify information, and make it readily available for future reference and for other RCC or RSC watchstanders to hear. This is especially valuable for radio communications.
2.29.2 Telephone equipment like answering machines, voice mail, call forwarding, automatic speed dialling and re-dialling, and caller identification can perform tasks which include the following: record announcements, invite the caller to leave a message, improve the chances that an incoming call will be successfully received, save time, and reduce errors. These labour-saving devices are a convenience to the caller if the RCC staff cannot answer the call immediately due to other calls or duties, but are no substitute for 24-hour watchstanding.
2.29.3 Caller identification is an especially valuable feature for any emergency organisation to have on the receiving telephone, though it is not yet available world-wide. |
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2.30 Difficulties in Contacting Vessels |
2.30.1 Even with modern communications, SAR authorities sometimes have difficulty contacting vessels to verify a distress situation or seek assistance. Reliable shore-to-ship communications is of great importance in providing timely assistance.
2.30.2 Under long-standing traditions of the sea and various provision of international law, ship masters are obligated to assist others in distress at sea whenever they can safely do so.
2.30.3 Whenever problems exist which may contribute to difficulties in contacting vessels, they must be identified and resolved if possible. When SAR authorities experience such a difficulty, some constructive steps they may directly or indirectly take to address the matter include: |
- contact vessel owners or operators for an explanation if a vessel which is fitted with GMDSS equipment does not respond to calls from SAR authorities ashore;
- if an explanation for failure to respond to calls from SAR authorities seems insufficient or suggestive of other problems, arrange a compliance inspection, or notify the vessel's owner and Administration of registry for corrective actions;
- use regulations to require all vessels which carry GMDSS equipment to maintain appropriate GMDSS watches, and ensure that appropriate regulatory authorities attempt to enforce the regulations; develop a national maritime education, information, and follow-up programme to ensure that responsible authorities, manufacturers, training institutes, shipping officials, and GMDSS service providers know, understand, and properly implement requirements for distress and safety communications and assisting persons in distress;
- provide guidance to vessels on the importance of equipment registration, of proper watchstanding, of avoiding false alerts, and of following up to cancel any inadvertent alerts;
- review broadcast practices to minimise excessive use of messages which cause audible alarms to sound on ship bridges, of message categories which cannot be suppressed by the ship, of unnecessary duplication of MSI to the same ocean areas, or of transmission to an unnecessarily large area or number of vessels; and
- ensure that SAR personnel have ready access to suitable GMDSS databases to support SAR, and access to use of DSC shore stations domestically or through co-operative arrangements with neighbouring States or assisting vessels.
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2.31 Unbarring of Inmarsat SESs by RCCs |
2.31.1 Inmarsat sometimes finds it necessary to bar a vessel's SES from transmitting and receiving communications. In such cases, the SES can still be used by vessels to send distress (priority 3) alerts. Normally, the CES will unbar the SES in such cases and notify the RCC that such action has been taken, being aware that the RCC would normally react by attempting to communicate with the vessel via Inmarsat to verify that a distress situation exists. If the SES is actually barred, the RCC will be informed in some way by the CES that contact cannot be established. Once communication between the RCC and CES verifies that the SES is barred, the RCC may arrange directly with the CES, or via Inmarsat if necessary, to promptly unbar the SES.
2.31.2 If the SES must be unbarred by contacting Inmarsat, the phone number + 44 171 728 1021 can be used during normal lnmarsat working hours in London, or + 44 171 728 1616 on a 24-hour basis.
2.31.3 When communications are restored via the unbarring procedures just discussed, the vessel may still only be able to use the SES to communicate with the RCC responding to the distress situation. When the distress situation is resolved, the RCC should notify the CES or Inmarsat So that the barring can be reinstated. |
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