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National
United States Regulations
33 CFR PART 161—VESSEL TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT





Title 33: Navigation and Navigable Waters

PART 161—VESSEL TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT




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Authority: 33 U.S.C. 1223, 1231; 46 U.S.C. 70114, 70117; Pub. L. 107–295, 116 Stat. 2064; Department of Homeland Security Delegation No. 0170.1.

Source: CGD 90–020, 59 FR 36324, July 15, 1994, unless otherwise noted.

Subpart A—Vessel Traffic Services
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General Rules
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§ 161.1 Purpose and Intent.
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(a) The purpose of this part is to promulgate regulations implementing and enforcing certain sections of the Ports and Waterways Safety Act (PWSA) setting up a national system of Vessel Traffic Services that will enhance navigation, vessel safety, and marine environmental protection, and promote safe vessel movement by reducing the potential for collisions, rammings, and groundings, and the loss of lives and property associated with these incidents within VTS areas established hereunder.

(b) Vessel Traffic Services provide the mariner with information related to the safe navigation of a waterway. This information, coupled with the mariner's compliance with the provisions set forth in this part, enhances the safe routing of vessels through congested waterways or waterways of particular hazard. Under certain circumstances, a VTS may issue directions to control the movement of vessels in order to minimize the risk of collision between vessels, or damage to property or the environment.

(c) The owner, operator, charterer, master, or person directing the movement of a vessel remains at all times responsible for the manner in which the vessel is operated and maneuvered, and is responsible for the safe navigation of the vessel under all circumstances. Compliance with these rules or with a direction of the VTS is at all times contingent upon the exigencies of safe navigation.

(d) Nothing in this part is intended to relieve any vessel, owner, operator, charterer, master, or person directing the movement of a vessel from the consequences of any neglect to comply with this part or any other applicable law or regulation (e.g., the International Regulations for Prevention of Collisions at Sea, 1972 (72 COLREGS) or the Inland Navigation Rules) or of the neglect of any precaution which may be required by the ordinary practice of seamen, or by the special circumstances of the case.

§ 161.2 Definitions.
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For the purposes of this part:

Cooperative Vessel Traffic Services (CVTS) means the system of vessel traffic management established and jointly operated by the United States and Canada within adjoining waters. In addition, CVTS facilitates traffic movement and anchorages, avoids jurisdictional disputes, and renders assistance in emergencies in adjoining United States and Canadian waters.

Hazardous Vessel Operating Condition means any condition related to a vessel's ability to safely navigate or maneuver, and includes, but is not limited to:

(1) The absence or malfunction of vessel operating equipment, such as propulsion machinery, steering gear, radar system, gyrocompass, depth sounding device, automatic radar plotting aid (ARPA), radiotelephone, Automatic Identification System equipment, navigational lighting, sound signaling devices or similar equipment.

(2) Any condition on board the vessel likely to impair navigation, such as lack of current nautical charts and publications, personnel shortage, or similar condition.

(3) Vessel characteristics that affect or restrict maneuverability, such as cargo arrangement, trim, loaded condition, underkeel clearance, speed, or similar characteristics.

Navigable waters means all navigable waters of the United States including the territorial sea of the United States, extending to 12 nautical miles from United States baselines, as described in Presidential Proclamation No. 5928 of December 27, 1988.

Precautionary Area means a routing measure comprising an area within defined limits where vessels must navigate with particular caution and within which the direction of traffic may be recommended.

Towing Vessel means any commercial vessel engaged in towing another vessel astern, alongside, or by pushing ahead.

Vessel Movement Center (VMC) means the shore-based facility that operates the vessel tracking system for a Vessel Movement Reporting System (VMRS) area or sector within such an area. The VMC does not necessarily have the capability or qualified personnel to interact with marine traffic, nor does it necessarily respond to traffic situations developing in the area, as does a Vessel Traffic Service (VTS).

Vessel Movement Reporting System (VMRS) means a mandatory reporting system used to monitor and track vessel movements. This is accomplished by a vessel providing information under established procedures as set forth in this part in the areas defined in Table 161.12(c) (VTS and VMRS Centers, Call Signs/MMSI, Designated Frequencies, and Monitoring Areas).

Vessel Movement Reporting System (VMRS) User means a vessel, or an owner, operator, charterer, Master, or person directing the movement of a vessel that is required to participate in a VMRS.

Vessel Traffic Center (VTC) means the shore-based facility that operates the vessel traffic service for the Vessel Traffic Service area or sector within such an area.

Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) means a service implemented by the United States Coast Guard designed to improve the safety and efficiency of vessel traffic and to protect the environment. The VTS has the capability to interact with marine traffic and respond to traffic situations developing in the VTS area.

Vessel Traffic Service Area or VTS Area means the geographical area encompassing a specific VTS area of service. This area of service may be subdivided into sectors for the purpose of allocating responsibility to individual Vessel Traffic Centers or to identify different operating requirements.

Note: Although regulatory jurisdiction is limited to the navigable waters of the United States, certain vessels will be encouraged or may be required, as a condition of port entry, to report beyond this area to facilitate traffic management within the VTS area.

VTS Special Area means a waterway within a VTS area in which special operating requirements apply.

VTS User means a vessel, or an owner, operator, charterer, master, or person directing the movement of a vessel, that is:

(a) Subject to the Vessel Bridge-to-Bridge Radiotelephone Act; or

(b) Required to participate in a VMRS within a VTS area (VMRS User).

VTS User's Manual means the manual established and distributed by the VTS to provide the mariner with a description of the services offered and rules in force for that VTS. Additionally, the manual may include chartlets showing the area and sector boundaries, general navigational information about the area, and procedures, radio frequencies, reporting provisions and other information which may assist the mariner while in the VTS area.

[CGD 90–020, 59 FR 36324, July 15, 1994, as amended by CGE 97–023, 62 FR 33364, June 19, 1997; USCG–2003–14757, 68 FR 39364, July 1, 2003]

§ 161.3 Applicability.
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The provisions of this subpart shall apply to each VTS User and may also apply to any vessel while underway or at anchor on the navigable waters of the United States within a VTS area, to the extent the VTS considers necessary.

§ 161.4 Requirement to carry the rules.
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Each VTS User shall carry on board and maintain for ready reference a copy of these rules.

Note: These rules are contained in the applicable U.S. Coast Pilot, the VTS User's Manual which may be obtained by contacting the appropriate VTS, and periodically published in the Local Notice to Mariners. The VTS User's Manual and the World VTS Guide, an International Maritime Organization (IMO) recognized publication, contain additional information which may assist the prudent mariner while in the appropriate VTS area.

§ 161.5 Deviations from the rules.
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(a) Requests to deviate from any provision in this part, either for an extended period of time or if anticipated before the start of a transit, must be submitted in writing to the appropriate District Commander. Upon receipt of the written request, the District Commander may authorize a deviation if it is determined that such a deviation provides a level of safety equivalent to that provided by the required measure or is a maneuver considered necessary for safe navigation under the circumstances. An application for an authorized deviation must state the need and fully describe the proposed alternative to the required measure.

(b) Requests to deviate from any provision in this part due to circumstances that develop during a transit or immediately preceeding a transit, may be made verbally to the appropriate VTS Director. Requests to deviate shall be made as far in advance as practicable. Upon receipt of the request, the VTS Director may authorize a deviation if it is determined that, based on vessel handling characteristics, traffic density, radar contacts, environmental conditions and other relevant information, such a deviation provides a level of safety equivalent to that provided by the required measure or is a maneuver considered necessary for safe navigation under the circumstances.

[CGD 90–020, 59 FR 36324, July 15, 1994, as amended by USCG–2005–21531, 70 FR 36350, June 23, 2005]

Services, VTS Measures, and Operating Requirements
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§ 161.10 Services.
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To enhance navigation and vessel safety, and to protect the marine environment, a VTS may issue advisories, or respond to vessel requests for information, on reported conditions within the VTS area, such as:

(a) Hazardous conditions or circumstances;

(b) Vessel congestion;

(c) Traffic density;

(d) Environmental conditions;

(e) Aids to navigation status;

(f) Anticipated vessel encounters;

(g) Another vessel's name, type, position, hazardous vessel operating conditions, if applicable, and intended navigation movements, as reported;

(h) Temporary measures in effect;

(i) A description of local harbor operations and conditions, such as ferry routes, dredging, and so forth;

(j) Anchorage availability; or

(k) Other information or special circumstances.

§ 161.11 VTS measures.
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(a) A VTS may issue measures or directions to enhance navigation and vessel safety and to protect the marine environment, such as, but not limited to:

(1) Designating temporary reporting points and procedures;

(2) Imposing vessel operating requirements; or

(3) Establishing vessel traffic routing schemes.

(b) During conditions of vessel congestion, restricted visibility, adverse weather, or other hazardous circumstances, a VTS may control, supervise, or otherwise manage traffic, by specifying times of entry, movement, or departure to, from, or within a VTS area.

§ 161.12 Vessel operating requirements.
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(a) Subject to the exigencies of safe navigation, a VTS User shall comply with all measures established or directions issued by a VTS.

(b) If, in a specific circumstance, a VTS User is unable to safely comply with a measure or direction issued by the VTS, the VTS User may deviate only to the extent necessary to avoid endangering persons, property or the environment. The deviation shall be reported to the VTS as soon as is practicable.

(c) When not exchanging voice communications, a VTS User must maintain a listening watch as required by §26.04(e) of this chapter on the VTS frequency designated in Table 161.12(c) (VTS and VMRS Centers, Call Signs/MMSI, Designated Frequencies, and Monitoring Areas). In addition, the VTS User must respond promptly when hailed and communicate in the English language.

Note to §161.12(c): As stated in 47 CFR 80.148(b), a very high frequency watch on Channel 16 (156.800 MHz) is not required on vessels subject to the Vessel Bridge-to-Bridge Radiotelephone Act and participating in a Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) system when the watch is maintained on both the vessel bridge-to-bridge frequency and a designated VTS frequency.


Table 161.12(c)_VTS and VMRS Centers, Call Signs/MMSI, Designated
Frequencies, and Monitoring Areas
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Designated frequency
(Channel
Center MMSI 1 Call Sign designation)_purpose Monitoring area 3,4
2
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Berwick Bay 003669950_
Berwick Traffic............. 156.550 MHz (Ch. 11) The waters south of
29°45[min] N.,
west of
91°10[min] W.,
north of
29°37[min] N.,
and east of
91°18[min] W.
Houston-Galveston_003669954. .................... The navigable waters
north of 29°
N., west of
94°20[min] W.,
south of
29°49[min] N.,
and east of
95°20[min] W.
Houston Traffic............. 156.550 MHz (Ch. 11) The navigable waters
156.250 Mhz (Ch. 5A) north of a line
_For Sailing Plans extending due west
only. from the southern
most end of Exxon
Dock #1
(20°43.37[min]
N.,
95°01.27[min]
W.).
Houston Traffic............. 156.600 MHz (Ch. 12) The navigable waters
156.250 Mhz (Ch. 5A) south of a line
_For Sailing Plans extending due west
only. from the southern
most end of Exxon
Dock #1
(29°43.37[min]
N.,
95°01.27[min]
W.)
Los Angeles/Long Beach: MMSI/
To be determined
San Pedro Traffic........... 156.700 MHz (Ch.14). Vessel Movement
Reporting System
Area: The navigable
waters within a 25
nautical mile
radius of Point
Fermin Light
(33°42.3[min]
N.,
118°17.6[min]
W.).
Louisville: Not applicable
Louisville Traffic.......... 156.650 MHz (Ch. 13) The waters of the
Ohio River between
McAlpine Locks
(Mile 606) and
Twelve Mile Island
(Mile 593), only
when the McAlpine
upper pool gauge is
at approximately
13.0 feet or above.
Lower Mississippi River
5_0036699952
New Orleans Traffic......... 156.700 MHz (Ch.14). The navigable waters
of the Lower
Mississippi River
below
30°38.7[min]
N.,
91°17.5[min] W.
(Port Hudson Light
at 255 miles Above
Head of Passes
(AHP)), the
Southwest Pass,
and, within a 12
nautical miles
radius around
28°54.3[min]
N.,
89°25.7[min] W.
(Southwest Pass
Entrance Light at
19.9 miles Below
Head of Passes).
New Orleans Traffic......... 156.600 MHz (Ch.12). New Orleans Sector.
The navigable
waters of the Lower
Mississippi River
bounded on the
north by a line
drawn
perpendicularly at
29°56.4[min]
N.,
90°08.36[min]
W. and on the south
by a line drawn
perpendicularly at
29°56.24[min]
N.,
89°59.86[min]
W. (88 and 106
miles AHP).
New York_003669951
New York Traffic............ 156.550 MHz (Ch. 11) The area consists of
_For Sailing Plans the navigable
only. waters of the Lower
156.600 MHz (Ch. 12) New York Bay
_For vessels at bounded on the east
anchor. by a line drawn
from Norton Point
to Breezy Point; on
the south by a line
connecting the
entrance buoys at
the Ambrose
Channel, Swash
Channel, and Sandy
Hook Channel to
Sandy Hook Point;
and on the
southeast including
the waters of Sandy
Hook Bay south to a
line drawn at
latitude 40°
25[min] N; then
west in the Raritan
Bay to the Raritan
River Railroad
Bridge, then north
into waters of the
Arthur Kill and
Newark Bay to the
Lehigh Valley Draw
Bridge at latitude
40° 41.9N; and
then east including
the waters of the
Kill Van Kull and
the Upper New York
Bay north to a line
drawn east-west
from the Holland
Tunnel ventilator
shaft at latitude
40° 43.7[min]
N, longitude
74° 01.6[min]
W, in the Hudson
River; and then
continuing east
including the
waters of the East
River to the Throgs
Neck Bridge,
excluding the
Harlem River.
New York Traffic............ 156.700 MHz (Ch. 14) The navigable waters
of the Lower New
York Bay west of a
line drawn from
Norton Point to
Breezy Point; and
north of a line
connecting the
entrance buoys of
Ambrose Channel,
Swash Channel, and
Sandy Hook Channel,
to Sandy Hook
Point; on the
southeast including
the waters of the
Sandy Hook Bay
south to a line
drawn at latitude
40° 25[min] N;
then west into the
waters of Raritan
Bay East Reach to a
line drawn from
Great Kills Light
south through
Raritan Bay East
Reach LGB #14 to
Comfort PT, NJ;
then north
including the
waters of the Upper
New York Bay south
of 40°
42.40[min] N
(Brooklyn Bridge)
and 40°
43.70[min] N
(Holland Tunnel
Ventilator Shaft);
west through the
KVK into the Arthur
Kill north of
40° 38.25[min]
N (Arthur Kill
Railroad Bridge);
then north into the
waters of the
Newark Bay, south
of 40°
41.95[min] N
(Lehigh Valley Draw
Bridge).
New York Traffic............ 156.600 MHz (Ch. 12) The navigable waters
of the Raritan Bay
south to a line
drawn at latitude
40° 26[min] N;
then west of a line
drawn from Great
Kills Light south
through the Raritan
Bay East Reach LGB
#14 to Point
Comfort, NJ; then
west to the Raritan
River Railroad
Bridge; and north
including the
waters of the
Arthur Kill to
40° 28.25[min]
N (Arthur Kill
Railroad Bridge);
including the
waters of the East
River north of
40° 42.40[min]
N (Brooklyn Bridge)
to the Throgs Neck
Bridge, excluding
the Harlem River.
Port Arthur 5_003669955
Sabine Traffic.............. To be determined.... The navigable waters
south of
30°10[min] N.,
east of
94°20[min] W.,
west of
93°22[min] W,
and, north of
29° 10[min] N.
Prince William
Sound_003669958
Valdez Traffic.............. 156.650 MHz (Ch. 13) The navigable waters
south of
61°05[min] N.,
east of
147°20[min] W.,
north of 60°
N., and west of
146°30[min] W.;
and, all navigable
waters in Port
Valdez.
Puget Sound 6
Seattle Traffic_003669957... 156.700 MHz (Ch. 14) The waters of Puget
Sound, Hood Canal
and adjacent waters
south of a line
connecting
Marrowstone Point
and Lagoon Point in
Admiralty Inlet and
south of a line
drawn due east from
the southernmost
tip of Possession
Point on Whidbey
Island to the
shoreline.
Seattle Traffic_003669957... 156.250 MHz (Ch. 5A) The waters of the
Strait of Juan de
Fuca east of
124°40[min] W.
excluding the
waters in the
central portion of
the Strait of Juan
de Fuca north and
east of Race Rocks;
the navigable
waters of the
Strait of Georgia
east of
122°52[min] W.;
the San Juan Island
Archipelago,
Rosario Strait,
Bellingham Bay;
Admiralty Inlet
north of a line
connecting
Marrowstone Point
and Lagoon Point
and all waters east
of Whidbey Island
North of a line
drawn due east from
the southernmost
tip of Possession
Point on Whidbey
Island to the
shoreline.
Tofino Traffic_003160012.... 156.725 MHz (Ch. 74) The waters west of
124°40[min] W.
within 50 nautical
miles of the coast
of Vancouver Island
including the
waters north of
48° N., and
east of 127° W.
Victoria Traffi_003160010... 156.550 MHz (Ch. 11) The waters of the
Strait of Georgia
west of
122°52[min] W.,
the navigable
waters of the
central Strait of
Juan de Fuca north
and east of Race
Rocks, including
the Gulf Island
Archipelago,
Boundary Pass and
Haro Strait.
San Francisco_003669956
San Francisco Traffic....... 156.700 MHz (Ch. 14) The navigable waters
of the San
Francisco Offshore
Precautionary Area,
the navigable
waters shoreward of
the San Francisco
Offshore
Precautionary Area
east of
122°42.0[min]
W. and north of
37°40.0[min] N.
extending eastward
through the Golden
Gate, and the
navigable waters of
San Francisco Bay
and as far east as
the port of
Stockton on the San
Joaquin River, as
far north as the
port of Sacramento
on the Sacramento
River.
San Francisco Traffic....... 156.600 MHz (Ch. 12) The navigable waters
within a 38
nautical mile
radius of Mount
Tamalpais
(37°55.8[min]
N.,
122°34.6[min]
W.) west of
122°42.0[min]
W. and south of
37°40.0[min] N
and excluding the
San Francisco
Offshore
Precautionary Area.
St. Marys River_003669953
Soo Traffic................. 156.600 MHz (Ch. 12) The waters of the
St. Marys River
between
45°57[min] N.
(De Tour Reef
Light) and
46°38.7[min] N.
(lle Parisienne
Light), except the
St. Marys Falls
Canal and those
navigable waters
east of a line from
46°04.16[min]
N. and
46°01.57[min]
N. (La Pointe to
Sims Point in
Potagannissing Bay
and Worsley Bay).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notes:
\1\ Maritime Mobile Service Identifier (MMSI) is a unique nine-digit
number assigned that identifies ship stations, ship earth stations,
coast stations, coast earth stations, and group calls for use by a
digital selective calling (DSC) radio, an INMARSAT ship earth station
or AIS. AIS requirements are set forth in §§ 161.21 and
164.46 of this subchapter. The requirements set forth in §§
161.21 and 164.46 of this subchapter apply in those areas denoted with
a MMSI number.
\2\ In the event of a communication failure, difficulties or other
safety factors, the Center may direct or permit a user to monitor and
report on any other designated monitoring frequency or the bridge-to-
bridge navigational frequency, 156.650 MHz (Channel 13) or 156.375 MHz
(Ch. 67), to the extent that doing so provides a level of safety
beyond that provided by other means. The bridge-to-bridge navigational
frequency, 156.650 MHz (Ch. 13), is used in certain monitoring areas
where the level of reporting does not warrant a designated frequency.
\3\ All geographic coordinates (latitude and longitude) are expressed in
North American Datum of 1983 (NAD 83).
\4\ Some monitoring areas extend beyond navigable waters. Although not
required, users are strongly encouraged to maintain a listening watch
on the designated monitoring frequency in these areas. Otherwise, they
are required to maintain watch as stated in 47 CFR 80.148.
\5\ Until rules regarding VTS Lower Mississippi River and VTS Port
Arthur are published, vessels are exempted of all VTS and VMRS
requirements set forth in 33 CFR part 161, except those set forth in
§§ 161.21 and 164.46 of this subchapter.
\6\ A Cooperative Vessel Traffic Service was established by the United
States and Canada within adjoining waters. The appropriate Center
administers the rules issued by both nations; however, enforces only
its own set of rules within its jurisdiction. Note, the bridge-to-
bridge navigational frequency, 156.650 MHz (Ch. 13), is not so
designated in Canadian waters, therefore users are encouraged and
permitted to make passing arrangements on the designated monitoring
frequencies.


(d) As soon as is practicable, a VTS User shall notify the VTS of any of the following:

(1) A marine casualty as defined in 46 CFR 4.05–1;

(2) Involvement in the ramming of a fixed or floating object;

(3) A pollution incident as defined in §151.15 of this chapter;

(4) A defect or discrepancy in an aid to navigation;

(5) A hazardous condition as defined in §160.203 of this chapter;

(6) Improper operation of vessel equipment required by Part 164 of this chapter;

(7) A situation involving hazardous materials for which a report is required by 49 CFR 176.48; and

(8) A hazardous vessel operating condition as defined in §161.2.

[CGD 90–020, 59 FR 36324, July 15, 1994, as amended by CGD 95–033, 60 FR 28329, May 31, 1995; CGD 92–052, 61 FR 45326, Aug. 29, 1996; USCG–1999–6141, 64 FR 69636, Dec. 14, 1999; USCG–2003–14757, 68 FR 39364, July 1, 2003; USCG–2003–14757, 68 FR 60569, Oct. 22, 2003; USCG–2004–18057, 69 FR 34926, June 23, 2004]

§ 161.13 VTS Special Area operating requirements.
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The following operating requirements apply within a VTS Special Area:

(a) A VTS User shall, if towing astern, do so with as short a hawser as safety and good seamanship permits.

(b) A VMRS User shall: (1) Not enter or get underway in the area without prior approval of the VTS;

(2) Not enter a VTS Special Area if a hazardous vessel operating condition or circumstance exists;

(3) Not meet, cross, or overtake any other VMRS User in the area without prior approval of the VTS; and

(4) Before meeting, crossing, or overtaking any other VMRS User in the area, communicate on the designated vessel bridge-to-bridge radiotelephone frequency, intended navigation movements, and any other information necessary in order to make safe passing arrangements. This requirement does not relieve a vessel of any duty prescribed by the International Regulations for Prevention of Collisions at Sea, 1972 (72 COLREGS) or the Inland Navigation Rules.

Subpart B—Vessel Movement Reporting System
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§ 161.15 Purpose and intent.
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(a) A Vessel Movement Reporting System (VMRS) is a system used to monitor and track vessel movements VTS or VMRS area. This is accomplished by requiring that vessels provide information under established procedures as set forth in this part, or as directed by the Center.

(b) To avoid imposing an undue reporting burden or unduly congesting radiotelephone frequencies, reports shall be limited to information which is essential to achieve the objectives of the VMRS. These reports are consolidated into three reports (sailing plan, position, and final).

[CGD 90–020, 59 FR 36324, July 15, 1994, as amended by USCG–2003–14757, 68 FR 39366, July 1, 2003]

§ 161.16 Applicability.
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Unless otherwise stated, the provisions of this subpart apply to the following vessels and VMRS Users:

(a) Every power-driven vessel of 40 meters (approximately 131 feet) or more in length, while navigating;

(b) Every towing vessel of 8 meters (approximately 26 feet) or more in length, while navigating; or

(c) Every vessel certificated to carry 50 or more passengers for hire, when engaged in trade.

[CGD 90–020, 59 FR 36324, July 15, 1994, as amended by USCG–2003–14757, 68 FR 39366, July 1, 2003]

§ 161.17 Definitions.
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As used in this subpart:

Center means a Vessel Traffic Center or Vessel Movement Center.

Published means available in a widely-distributed and publicly available medium (e.g., VTS User's Manual, ferry schedule, Notice to Mariners).

[USCG–2003–14757, 68 FR 39366, July 1, 2003]

§ 161.18 Reporting requirements.
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(a) A Center may: (1) Direct a vessel to provide any of the information set forth in Table 161.18(a) (IMO Standard Ship Reporting System);


Table 161.18(a)_The IMO Standard Ship Reporting System
------------------------------------------------------------------------

A ALPHA............ Ship............. Name, call sign or
ship station
identity, and flag.
B BRAVO............ Dates and time of A 6 digit group giving
event. day of month (first
two digits), hours
and minutes (last
four digits). If
other than UTC state
time zone used.
C CHARLIE.......... Position......... A 4 digit group giving
latitude in degrees
and minutes suffixed
with N (north) or S
(south) and a 5 digit
group giving
longitude in degrees
and minutes suffixed
with E (east) or W
(west); or.
D DELTA............ Position......... True bearing (first 3
digits) and distance
(state distance) in
nautical miles from a
clearly identified
landmark (state
landmark).
E ECHO............. True course...... A 3 digit group.
F FOXTROT.......... Speed in knots A 3 digit group.
and tenths of
knots.
G GOLF............. Port of Departure Name of last port of
call.
H HOTEL............ Date, time and Entry time expressed
point of entry as in (B) and into
system. the entry position
expressed as in (C)
or (D).
I INDIA............ Destination and Name of port and date
expected time of time group expressed
arrival. as in (B).
J JULIET........... Pilot............ State whether a deep
sea or local pilot is
on board.
K KILO............. Date, time and Exit time expressed as
point of exit in (B) and exit
from system. position expressed as
in (C) or (D).
L LIMA............. Route information Intended track.
M MIKE............. Radio............ State in full names of
communications
stations/frequencies
guarded.
N NOVEMBER......... Time of next Date time group
report. expressed as in (B).
O OSCAR............ Maximum present 4 digit group giving
static draught meters and
in meters. centimeters.
P PAPA............. Cargo on board... Cargo and brief
details of any
dangerous cargoes as
well as harmful
substances and gasesthat could endanger (continued)