Author's explanation:
With telex messages, there is no need for the 'eaU'.The symbol +? is universally used in radio telex communications to signify
'over' You may also have to set your radio telex modem to 'standby' using a
software 'function key' (check your user manual).Sea Area A3/ A4 Ship-to-Ship Distress Calls & Messages
Having alerted the shore authorities of your plight you should (if
time permits) use MF procedures to alert other vessels which may be in
your vicinity, e.g:
Action onboard shiP in distress- Send DSC Distress Alert on 2187. .5kHz
indicating 2182kHz for subsequent comm's - Send voice distress call & message on 2182kHz
Action on other vessels
Receive MF DSC Distress Alert
Set watch 2182kHz
Acknowledge by voice
('Received Mayday')Action Onboard Vessels Receiving DSC Distress Alerts in Sea
Area A3/A4
Vessels in an A3/A4 area will be keeping DSC watch on VHF
Ch70 and 2187.5kHz for possible ship-to-ship Distress, Urgency and Safety
Alerts. They will also be keeping watch - for shore-to-ship alerts - on
HF DSC (A3/A4 areas) or on Inmasat SafetyNET (A3 area). The
potential for receiving DSC Distress Alerts and Distress Relays/
Acknowledgements is, therefore, very high. The occasional alert may be
relevant to your position - many will not. You have to analyse the
information in the received alert and decide what action to take. The
following guide is designed to help your analysis of the situation:
DSC Distress Alert received on VHF Ch70, direct from the vessel in
Distress (i.e., not a 'relay/acknowledgement' from another vessel, nor
from a Coast Station).
Assumption: the vessel in distress is in your immediate vicinity.
Action - you should:- Set watch on Ch16 and expect a voice Distress Call and Message.
- Send a voice acknowledgement (i.e. 'Received Mayday').
- With the Master's permission - send position and ETA.
- Follow instructions from casualty, On-Scene Co-ordinator (OSC)
- if any appointed by MRCC (see IAMSAR Manual).
- If necessary, relay the alert to a (specific) Coast Station/MRCC (or
to other vessels).
MARINE COMMUNICATIONS 91