SMCP

How it is used

Adopted by IMO in 2001 and required knowledge for deck officers under STCW. It uses message markers such as INSTRUCTION, ADVICE, WARNING, INFORMATION, QUESTION, ANSWER, REQUEST and INTENTION, and avoids contractions and unclear modal verbs like 'may' and 'could'.

Example sentences

1. In SMCP you say 'QUESTION: Do I have permission to enter the fairway?' instead of 'May I enter?'

2. Our cadets practise SMCP every week in the bridge simulator.

Common collocations

• use SMCP
• SMCP message markers
• standard phrases
• SMCP training

Related terms

• VHFVery High Frequency: the short-range marine radio band that ships use to talk to each other, to pilots, ports and VTS, and to send distress, urgency and safety calls.
• say againThe standard radio phrase used to ask the other station to repeat all or part of a message that was not heard or understood.
• maydayThe international radio distress signal, spoken three times, used when a ship, aircraft or person is in grave and imminent danger and needs immediate help.
• STCWThe International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, which sets minimum international standards for seafarers' training, certificates and watchkeeping.

More terms: Radio Communication & SMCP

• pan-pan
• channel 16
• GMDSS
• sécurité