IMO SMCP Quiz: Master Standard Marine Communication Phrases

The IMO Standard Marine Communication Phrases were adopted in 1977.

The IMO SMCP is used for navigational purposes only.

The IMO SMCP is a standardized safety language for use in non-emergency situations only.

The IMO SMCP is intended to be used by passengers on ships.

The IMO SMCP was developed for use in a multilingual environment.

The IMO SMCP builds on a basic knowledge of French.

The SMCP is intended to supersede the International Code of Signals.

The IMO Standard Marine Communication Phrases are required for the certification of officers on ships of 500 gross tonnage or below.

The SMCP is compiled to assist in the greater safety of navigation and of the conduct of the ship.

The IMO SMCP is divided into three parts: External Communication Phrases, On-board Communication Phrases, and Technical Operational Phrases.

Part A of the SMCP covers phrases applicable in on-board communications only.

The IMO SMCP meets the requirements of the STCW Convention and the SOLAS Convention regarding verbal communications.

IMO Standard Marine Communication Phrases

The IMO Standard Marine Communication Phrases (SMCP) was adopted in 2001 to ensure a common language for navigational purposes, particularly where language difficulties arise.
The SMCP replaced the "Standard Marine Navigational Vocabulary" (SMNV) adopted in 1977 and amended in 1985.
The IMO SMCP is a more comprehensive standardized safety language, taking into account changing conditions in modern seafaring and covering all major safety-related verbal communication.

Importance of IMO Standard Marine Communication Phrases

The aim of SMCP is to avoid misunderstandings that can cause accidents due to language barriers at sea.
The IMO SMCP builds on a basic knowledge of English and has been drafted in a simplified version of maritime English.
It includes phrases for use in routine situations, such as berthing, as well as standard phrases and responses for use in emergency situations.

Use of IMO Standard Marine Communication Phrases

The IMO SMCP is used for the communication of information relevant to safety of life at sea, in both written and spoken English.
It is intended to assist in the greater safety of navigation and of the conduct of the ship.
The SMCP standardizes the language used in communication for navigation at sea, in port approaches, waterways, and harbors, and on-board vessels with multilingual crews.

Structure of IMO Standard Marine Communication Phrases

The IMO SMCP is divided into External Communication Phrases and On-board Communication Phrases.
Part A covers phrases applicable in external communications, and Part B covers other on-board standard safety-related phrases.
The IMO SMCP meets the requirements of the STCW Convention, 1978, as revised, and of the SOLAS Convention, 1974, as revised, regarding verbal communications.

Test your knowledge of the IMO Standard Marine Communication Phrases, adopted in 2001 to replace the Standard Marine Navigational Vocabulary. Learn about the importance of this standard in maritime communication and navigation.