Chapter 4
ROUTINE RADIO/SATElLITE COMMUNICATIONS
ROUTINE COMMUNICATIONS ARE CONDuerED on both GMDSS and non-
GMDSS equipment. Routine communications and the equipment
available, includes:Pilot Services, Vesselltaffic Services (VTS) and Port OPerations
You will, normally, contact these services direct - using Marine VHF
Radio; some organisations also offer MF services for use with Marine
SSB Radio.Intership Communications
Channels/frequencies for direct contact between ships are, again,
available on both Marine VHF and Marine SSB Radio - on all
frequency bands.Onboard Communications
Marine VHF Radio offers 'onboard communications' using a limited
number of 'international' channels. Your own equipment may be
licensed for additional 'private' channels. Onboard communications
may also be conducted on non-GMDSS 'UHF' equipment.• Public Correspondence (pC - Telephone, Fax, Telex, Data/e-mail)
Services between the vessel and the offices/homes of crew, charter
parties, and passengers are available on Marine VHF; Marine SSB;
and Inmarsat systems, and non-GMDSS services like Cellular Radio
and non-GMDSS Mobile Satellite Services.• ShiP Reporting Systems
Marine VHF; Marine SSB; and Inmarsat equipment all offer facilities
to deliver reports into national and international, compulsory and
voluntary, 'Ship Reporting Systems' around the world.
This chapter covers the full range of 'Routine Communications' -
explains what equipment may be used and the connection procedures;
calling procedures; messaging procedures; and 'Radio Traffic Charging'
for Public Correspondence (PC) calls and messages - radio and satellite.
Pilots, Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) and Port Communications
Marine VHF Radio is the main tool used to communicate directly,
on a 'one-to-one' basis, with Pilot Stations/Pilot Vessels; Vessel Traffic
Services (VTS - which are increasingly managing ship movements in
congested waters around the world) and with Port Authorities. Some
authorities do offer longer range, Medium Frequency (MF) facilities (for
use with your Marine SSB Radio), but these facilities are not the norm.
38 THE NAUTICAL INSTITUTE