Ian Waugh - A Mariner\'s Guide to Marine Communications

Using Inmarsat-C to send an 'Urgency' message to a MRCC -

Example - urgent safety problem with the vessel

• • • • • •
  Enter new address in your address book, using:
  Addressee/Name:
  Address type:
  Number:
  Then:

MRCC/Pan Pan

Special Access Code

39

Type-up and save your Pan Pan message.

Enter 'Transmit' or 'Send' mode on the screen.

Select 'Pan Pan - 39' address.

Select the most appropriate LES for your position.

Follow instructions on-screen to 'Send' your message.

Author's explanation:

The different makes of Inmarsat-C equipment all follow a different pattern to address and

'Transmit/Send' a message. The main points are covered above. The system is exactly the same

as sending to any normal 'Routine' addresses - including your office and/or agent. You just

have to be sure to enter the correct address into the address book, and select that address before

sending your message through your chosen LES.

Your radio log would look like:

Date/time Station

UTC To

27.10.01

Station

From Remarks

Frequency

Channel or

Satellite

0833 Pan Pan UK CG juslina (message sent - copy attached) j Uhuru Sat·C/AORE

{then continue to log all relevant infonnation until the situation is resolved. With Inmarsat-C

messages, you can paste a copy of the message into the log rather than re-write everything out

again. Having finished exchanging messages with the MRCC, you may go on to do an 'All

Stations' Urgency Call/message using MF DSC {2187.SkHz} and voice {2182kHz}, if that is

likely to get the assistance you require more quickly than waiting for help from ashore}

Urgent Medical Advice and Urgent Medical Assistance

The term 'Medical Advice' is used when you want to speak to, or
exchange messages with, a doctor - to get advice about a person onboard
whose medical condition is giving you cause for concern. Medical advice
is available through Coast Radio Stations and Inmarsat Land Earth Stations,
both by telephone and by telex. 'Medical Assistance' is the term used when
the patient and the doctor have to be brought together whether by landing
the patient at a nearby port, having the patient evacuated by helicopter or
other rescue craft, or having the doctor brought to the ship to attend to the
patient there. Transport for medical assistance is normally arranged by the
MRCC in the country prOViding the doctor or other medical services.

MARINE COMMUNICATIONS 115