Once connected to the telex machine at the MRCC, you will receive
their 'Answer back' and 'GA+' (which means that the MRCC is ready
to receive your message, which should take the form shown below)
e.g:45560 UKMRCC G
GA+
MAYDAY
VLCC JUSTINA/GJUS/323245678
49 OlN 030 22W -on AORE
SINKING (STRUCK SUBMERGED OBJECT)
RQIMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE
2SPOB
NNNN (to show that the message has ended)
and expect a reply, e.g:
MAYDAY
JUSTINA THIS IS UK C/G
RRRSOS
To send a telex message you can either:
(i) Type-up and save the message in the 'Distress Message Generator
(DMG)'; or
(ii) Type the message 'live, on-line' once connected.
When the Coastguard is satisfied with the information received,
you'll be asked to 'CLEAR-DOWN' and keep the satcom equipment
clear so that they can contact you again, without delay.
Ship-to-Shore Distress Alerts & Distress Priority Message -
Example - Inmarsat-C
Quick, Undesignated Distress Alert- Press Distress Button
(or Two (2) Distress Buttons)
for 5 seconds
Designated Distress Alert- Select 'Distress' from software menu
- Select a 'Distress Nature'
- Choose aLES
Press Distress Button(s) for 5 seconds
(or until visual/sound indicator
activated - depends on equipment)
MARINE COMMUNICATIONS 87