Acuse recibo de posición
Instruction to confirm that a vessel’s reported navigational position has been received and understood.
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External Communication
Browse External Communication terms for maritime professionals.
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Acuse recibo de socorro
Formal confirmation of receipt of a distress message, typically using prescribed wording as per SMCP and ITU RR.
View termAcuse recibo del mensaje
Formal confirmation of receipt of a transmitted communication, usually by repeating essential content.
View termAlta tensión
Warning regarding electrical systems or cables carrying dangerous voltage levels, requiring safety precautions.
View termAlterar el rumbo
Instruction to change the vessel’s current heading in order to avoid danger or comply with traffic management.
View termAncla garreando
Situation where a vessel’s anchor does not hold, causing the ship to drift from its intended position.
View termAncla garreando
Situation where a vessel’s anchor fails to hold and the vessel moves from its intended position, risking collision or grounding.
View termAumente su velocidad
Instruction to make more way through the water to meet traffic, tidal, or berth scheduling requirements.
View termAvería de máquina
A condition in which a vessel’s propulsion machinery is malfunctioning or unreliable, possibly affecting speed and manoeuvrability.
View termAviso a la navegación
A formal broadcast or message informing mariners of navigational hazards, new obstructions, or significant changes in channels, aids to navigation, or regulations.
View termAviso de navegación
Official broadcast of hazards, obstructions, or operational restrictions that may affect safe navigation.
View termBoyarín sin luz
A navigation buoy whose light is inoperative or not functioning, presenting a hazard at night.
View termBuque escolta
A vessel assigned to accompany another ship for navigational assistance, safety, security, or regulatory compliance in ports, coastal, or hazardous waters.
View termBuque siguiente
A vessel which is navigating behind another in the same direction, often in a convoy or traffic lane.
View termBúsqueda por cuadrantes
A systematic search pattern, typically used in SAR operations, covering four quadrants from a datum point to locate persons or objects.
View termCalado requerido
Request or statement of the minimum water depth needed for safe passage of a vessel based on its loaded draft.
View termCambie de canal
Instruction to switch VHF radio communications from one designated channel to another for operational or traffic management reasons.
View termCanal de guardia
A designated VHF radio frequency used for emergency, distress, or mandatory communication monitoring.
View termCanal dieciséis
The international VHF radio distress, safety, and calling channel (156.8 MHz) monitored at all times by ships and shore stations.
View termCanal dieciséis
The international VHF radio distress, safety, and calling frequency (156.8 MHz) mandatory for all seagoing vessels to monitor continuously.
View termCanal ocupado
Notification that the selected VHF working channel is congested with traffic, making immediate communication difficult.
View termCanal ocupado
Notification that a fairway or navigation channel is temporarily blocked or being used by another vessel, requiring others to wait or take alternate route.
View termCancelar advertencia
Official notification that a previously issued warning is no longer in effect.
View termCancelar emergencia
Official transmission that a previous distress message is no longer valid, usually after the situation has been resolved.
View termCancelar mensaje
Official notification that a previously transmitted message or warning is no longer valid or has been withdrawn.
View termCancele la advertencia
Formal message to withdraw or annul a previously issued navigational, meteorological, or safety warning that is no longer in effect.
View termCarga peligrosa
Any substance or material that poses a significant risk to health, safety, or property during transport by sea, as defined by IMDG Code.
View termCeda el paso
An instruction for a vessel to yield in order to avoid collision and allow another vessel to pass as per the COLREGS.
View termConfirme el rumbo
Instruction to verify and report the direction of an object or navigational aid from the vessel, usually in degrees relative to the ship's heading or true north.
View termConfirme posición
Request or instruction to verify and report the current location of a vessel, typically in latitude and longitude.
View termConfirme rumbo
A request or instruction to verify and state the vessel’s current or intended navigational course, usually in degrees true or magnetic, for navigational safety.
View termContaminación por hidrocarburos
Presence or discharge of oil into marine waters from a vessel or facility, constituting a reportable incident and requiring emergency action as per MARPOL and local rules.
View termCoordenadas confirmadas
Affirmation that the provided position or waypoint coordinates are checked and verified as correct, usually before reporting to VTS or executing a navigational order.
View termCorrespondencia pública
Telecommunications service on board for the exchange of messages between ship and shore for public or commercial use.
View termDifusión de advertencia
A formal message disseminated by VTS, harbour authority, or vessels to alert all ships in an area about navigational hazards, operations, or urgent situations.
View termDifusión de seguridad
Official VHF or NAVTEX message to all ships concerning safety-related information or urgent warnings.
View termEjercicios de tiro
Planned military or naval operations in which weapons are fired in designated sea areas, usually requiring ships to keep clear.
View termEmbarque de práctico
Designated process and location where a maritime pilot embarks or disembarks from a vessel.
View termEn la escena
Statement indicating that the vessel, aircraft, or rescue unit has arrived at the position of an incident or casualty.
View termEntrando al puerto
Statement or report that a vessel is moving towards a port or entering a specific area.
View termEntre en el canal
Instruction to enter and follow a designated fairway or channel for safe navigation as directed by VTS or port authority.
View termEscucha en guardia
Continuous monitoring of a designated VHF or MF/HF radio channel for traffic, safety, or distress messages, as required by IMO and ITU regulations.
View termEscucha permanente
Continuous monitoring of a specified VHF or radio frequency for traffic, safety, or distress calls.
View termEstación costera
A shore-based VHF or radio station responsible for maritime safety and communication in a designated coastal area.
View termETA confirmada
Formal confirmation that a vessel’s estimated time of arrival is correct and accepted by both reporting vessel and authority.
View termETA confirmada
Affirmation that the vessel's estimated time of arrival at a specific point has been checked and is accurate based on current speed and conditions.
View termETA revisada
Notification that a vessel’s previously declared estimated time of arrival has changed and updated information is provided.
View termETA sin cambio
Confirmation that the vessel’s estimated time of arrival remains as previously reported.
View termGirocompás no fiable
A warning that the vessel’s gyrocompass cannot be trusted for accurate heading information.
View termHombre al agua
Emergency indicating that a person has fallen from a vessel into the water and immediate rescue actions are required.
View termHélice enredada
A condition where the propeller is entangled with ropes, nets, or debris, affecting maneuverability.
View termIndique sus intenciones
Request for a vessel to state its planned manoeuvre, course, or operational actions to aid traffic coordination.
View termInformar al práctico
Request for instructions, information, or confirmation from the maritime pilot regarding navigation or maneuvers.
View termInforme de daños
Instruction to inform relevant authorities or stations of any structural, mechanical, or environmental damage sustained, with details for emergency response or investigation.
View termInforme de incendio
A prompt or instruction to immediately communicate the occurrence, location, and extent of a fire on board or ashore, using standard emergency procedures.
View termInforme de tráfico
Request for current information about vessel traffic, movement, or congestion in a specific area.
View termInforme meteorológico
Official broadcast of weather conditions, warnings, and forecasts relevant to maritime navigation.
View termInterferencia detectada
Notification that radio communication is being interfered with by intentional or unintentional signal jamming.
View termInterferencia frecuente
Repeated radio noise or overlapping transmissions that degrade VHF communication quality on the working channel.
View termInterferencia magnética
Disruption or deviation of magnetic compass readings due to local magnetic fields, ship’s structure, or electrical equipment, requiring verification and correction.
View termManiobra de cabos
The operation of preparing, passing, securing, and tending mooring lines to assist in berthing or unberthing a vessel.
View termMantenga distancia
Instruction to remain at a safe distance from a specified vessel, area, or hazard.
View termMantenga posición
Instruction to maintain current position, either at anchor or underway, until further orders are received.
View termManténgase alejado
Instruction to maintain a safe distance from a specified vessel, area, or hazard to prevent collision, obstruction, or risk during navigation or operations.
View termMarcha atrás
Order or report indicating the vessel is moving, or must move, backward relative to its heading.
View termMayday Relay
A distress message transmitted by a vessel or station on behalf of another vessel, aircraft, or person in grave and imminent danger when the original station is unable to send it.
View termNúmero de personas
Total count of persons (crew and passengers) on board, often requested for safety or SAR purposes.
View termObstrucción reportada
Notification that a hazard, such as a floating object or wreck, is present and may endanger navigation.
View termObstrucción reportada
Notification that a physical hazard, such as a wreck, buoy, or floating object, has been observed in a navigable area, requiring mariners to exercise caution.
View termOperaciones de amarre
All procedures related to securing or unmooring a vessel to or from a berth, buoy, or anchorage.
View termOperación completada
Notification that a particular port, cargo, or navigational operation has been fully finished.
View termPan Pan
A radiotelephony urgency signal indicating a situation urgent but not immediately life-threatening; always spoken in English.
View termPermanezca a la escucha
Instruction to maintain a listening watch on a specified VHF channel for further communication or safety messages.
View termPosición de emergencia
Location reported by a vessel or person in distress, usually in latitude and longitude for rescue coordination.
View termPosición dudosa
Phrase used to indicate that the vessel's current navigational position cannot be reliably confirmed and may be inaccurate, requiring urgent verification.
View termPosición pasada
Notification that a vessel has just crossed or gone abeam of a specified position, buoy, or waypoint.
View termPrueba de comunicaciones
A check of the operational status and clarity of shipboard, shore, or VTS radio equipment by transmitting test calls and receiving acknowledgments.
View termPuente a la escucha
Notification that the navigating bridge watch is monitoring the working channel and ready to respond immediately.
View termPérdida de propulsión
Loss of ability to propel the vessel due to engine failure or other mechanical issues.
View termReanude su navegación
Order authorising a vessel to continue its original voyage after a temporary stop, alteration, or holding pattern.
View termRiesgo de colisión
Phrase indicating that two or more vessels are on courses or at speeds that may result in collision unless action is taken according to COLREGS.
View termRiesgo de encalladura
Potential danger of the vessel running aground due to shallow water or navigational error.
View termRumbo sin cambio
A statement or confirmation that a vessel’s present heading will not be altered.
View termRumbo sin cambio
Statement indicating that the vessel’s heading remains as previously instructed or reported.
View termSiga escuchando
Instruction to keep monitoring a specified VHF radio channel or other communication line for further traffic or safety messages.
View termSilencio de radio
A formal order requiring all stations to cease transmitting on a frequency, usually for distress or security reasons.
View termSimulacros de bote salvavidas
Regular training exercises involving the launching and operation of lifeboats as per SOLAS requirements.
View termSin autorización
Notification that the vessel does not have authorization or permission to enter, leave, or transit a specific area, port, or anchorage.
View termSin respuesta
Phrase used to indicate that a called station has not replied within a reasonable time, requiring repeat or escalation of the call as per radio protocols.
View termTengo intención de adelantar
Announcement that a vessel plans to pass another vessel ahead on a specified side in accordance with the COLREGS.
View termTodas las estaciones
Universal radio call addressing every vessel or station within radio range, especially for navigational warnings or urgent messages.
View termTransferencia por helicóptero
Operation involving the embarkation or disembarkation of personnel or cargo by helicopter to or from a vessel, requiring special procedures and communications.
View termTransmisión de información
A general transmission on VHF or NAVTEX to inform vessels about safety, weather, traffic or other operational matters.
View termTráfico de emergencia
Radio messages of high urgency concerning the safety of a ship, person, or environment, requiring priority over all other communications except distress.
View termTráfico de puerto
Collective term for the movement of vessels and craft within port limits as monitored by VTS or Harbour Master.
View termTráfico de socorro
Radio transmissions exclusively concerning vessels or persons in grave and imminent danger, given absolute priority on all frequencies as per ITU and SOLAS regulations.
View termTráfico denso
A situation or area where a high density of vessels requires heightened vigilance, reduced speed, and strict adherence to COLREGS and local traffic rules.
View termTráfico local
Vessels operating within a port, harbour, or defined coastal area, often with priority rules or reporting obligations for navigation safety.
View termUnirse al convoy
Instruction or request for a vessel to assemble and proceed as part of an organized convoy for mutual safety, security, or navigation, under VTS or naval coordination.
View termVerifique la distancia
Instruction or query to verify the distance to a navigational object, other vessel, or danger, often using radar or visual bearings.
View termVerifique la exactitud
Instruction to verify the accuracy of a reported position, course, message, or navigational information before proceeding or acknowledging receipt.
View termVerifique la posición
Instruction or request to verify the vessel's current navigational position using all available means, including GPS, radar, and visual bearings, to ensure safe passage.
View termZona de peligro
A specified maritime zone where navigation is hazardous due to military exercises, wrecks, shallow waters, or other dangers requiring special attention or restricted entry.
View termZona de peligro
A specific zone designated as hazardous to navigation due to wrecks, shoals, operations, or other maritime risks; mariners are instructed to avoid entry.
View term