Procedure Words

Standardised words or phrases used in marine radio communication to ensure clarity, reduce misunderstandings, and maintain efficient and safe exchanges between vessels and shore stations.

Procedure words, often referred to as prowords, are a set of internationally recognised terms used in voice radio communications to convey specific meanings clearly and concisely. These words are part of the Standard Marine Communication Phrases (SMCP) and are essential for maintaining safety and efficiency at sea, particularly in situations where language barriers or poor transmission quality may hinder understanding. Examples include words like Over, Out, Received and Say Again. These terms help standardise communication procedures, especially during distress, urgency, or navigational exchanges. Their use is mandated or strongly recommended in many maritime operations, including those governed by the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS). Proper use of procedure words helps prevent confusion, ensures that messages are interpreted correctly, and supports the safe coordination of vessel movements, particularly in busy or hazardous waters.

Marine Radio Prowords

Emergency and Broadcast Prowords

Meaning	Distress – grave and imminent danger; immediate assistance required.
Use	Only when life or vessel is in immediate danger.
Example	MayDay, MayDay, MayDay, this is sailing vessel Zephyr, Zephyr, Zephyr….

Meaning	Urgency – not life-threatening but needs help.
Use	For breakdowns, medical assistance, or navigation issues without imminent danger.
Example	Pan-Pan, Pan-Pan, Pan-Pan, this is motor cruiser Bluefin, Bluefin, Bluefin…

Meaning	Safety – important navigational or weather information.
Use	To warn of hazards like storms, navigation changes, or obstructions.
Example	Sécurité, Sécurité, Sécurité, this is Portland Coastguard, Portland Coastguard, Portland Coastguard…

Other Prowords

Meaning	Refers to the part of a previous message that follows a specified word or phrase.
Use	To clarify or request repetition of the message starting from a specific point.
Example	Say again all after ‘Waypoint Bravo’.

Meaning	Refers to the part of a previous message that precedes a specified word or phrase.
Use	To request or repeat just the beginning of a message.
Example	Say again all before ‘harbour entrance’.

Meaning	Confirms that a previous message or detail is accurate.
Use	When verifying a repeated message or part of a readback.
Example	Position five-zero degrees north? Correct.

Meaning	Indicates the other station made an error.
Use	To correct a mistake in repeated or assumed information.
Example	Wrong. My call sign is Delta Echo Tango, not Tango Echo Delta.

Meaning	Used by the speaker to immediately correct a mistake.
Use	To replace incorrect information in the same message.
Example	ETA is one-eight-zero-zero — correction — one-seven-zero-zero.”

Meaning	The following information is numerical.
Use	Before giving numbers to prevent confusion with spelled words.
Example	Our speed is in figures 1-2 knots.

Meaning	Emphasises a repetition of the previous phrase or instruction.
Use	For clarity or emphasis.
Example	Proceed to safe anchorage. I say again, proceed to safe anchorage.

Meaning	The next word will be spelled using the phonetic alphabet.
Use	When clarity is needed for words or names.
Example	Vessel name is I spell: Sierra, Tango, Alpha, Romeo.

Meaning	End of transmission — no reply expected.
Use	To close a conversation or transmission.
Example	No further assistance required. Out.

Meaning	End of your message — reply expected.
Use	When handing the conversation back for response.
Example	Entering the harbour now. Do you have berthing instructions? Over.

Meaning	Request for confirmation that your transmission is being received.
Use	To test equipment or signal strength.
Example	Harbour Master, this is yacht Coral. Requesting radio check.

Meaning	Request the other station to repeat the message for verification.
Use	For critical instructions like coordinates or timings.
Example	Read back my instructions for approach speed and heading.

Meaning	Confirms the message has been heard.
Use	Short form acknowledgement.
Example	Instructions for channel switch received.

Meaning	Request to repeat part or all of the message.
Use	When audio is unclear or missed.
Example	Say again your position, please.

Meaning	Acknowledge that someone is trying to make contact, but caller is unkown or unidentified.
Use	When responding to an unknown call on a busy frequency.
Example	Station calling Falmouth Coastguard, say again your name.

Meaning	Refers to the body of the message content.
Use	Used formally in radiograms or structured transmissions when the message is expected to be written down and / or relayed.
Example	Text begins: Heavy weather warning for area Portland.

Meaning	A message or transmission that needs to be passed.
Use	Refers to message priority or pending communication.
Example	Wait — I have traffic for the coastguard

Meaning	Identifies the transmitting station.
Use	Introduce your vessel or call sign.
Example	Pan-Pan, Pan-Pan, Pan-Pan. This is motor vessel Bluebell…

Meaning	Pause briefly.
Use	Short delay — you intend to return shortly.
Example	Wait — checking with crew.

Meaning	Refers to the word immediately before a specific word in the message.
Use	For clarification during poor reception or other message interruption.
Example	Word before ‘breakwater’ was ‘Eastern’.

Meaning	Refers to the word immediately following a specific word.
Use	For pinpointing unclear parts of a message.
Example	Word after ‘channel’ was ‘marker’, correct?