- 30 -
VHF Channel 16 and 2,182 kHz. Ships should also ensure all maritime safety information broadcasts for the area are monitored. As it is anticipated that INMARSAT's enhanced group calling system (EGC) will normally be used for, such. broadcasts using the SafetyNET service, owners should ensure a suitably configured EGC receiver is continuously available when in, or approaching, areas where there is risk of attack. Owners should also consider fitting a dedicated receiver for this purpose, i.e. one that is not incorporated into a Ship Earth Station used for commercial purposes to ensure no urgent broadcasts are missed.
22
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) recommends in MSC/Circ.597, issued in August 1992, that reports concerning attacks by pirates or armed robbers should be made to the relevant Rescue Co-ordination Centre (RCC) for the area. MSC/Circ.597 also recommends that Governments should arrange for the RCCS to be able to pass reports of attacks to the appropriate law enforcement agencies or naval authorities. This action should be taken as quickly as possible.
23 If suspicious movements are identified which may result in an imminent attack, the ship is advised to contact the relevant RCC. Where the master believes these movements could constitute a direct danger to navigation, consideration should be given to broadcasting an "All Stations (CQ)" "danger message" as a warning to other ships in the vicinity as well as advising the appropriate RCC. A danger message should be transmitted in plain language on a VHF working frequency following an announcement on VHF Channel 70 using the "safety" priority. All such measures shall be preceded by the safety signal (Securité).
24 When, in his opinion, there is conclusive evidence that the safety of his ship is threatened, the master should immediately contact the relevant RCC and, if considered appropriate, authorize broadcast of an "All Stations" "Urgent Message" on VHF Channel 16, 2,182 kHz, or any other radiocommunications service he considers appropriate; e.g., 500 kHz, INMARSAT, etc. All such messages shall be preceded by the appropriate Urgency signal (PAN PAN) and/or a DSC call on VHF Channel 70 and/or 2,187.5 kHz using the "all ships urgency" category. If the Urgency signal has been used and an attack does not, in fact, develop, the ship should cancel the message as soon as it knows that action is no longer necessary. This message of cancellation
should likewise be addressed to "all stations".
25 Should an attack occur and, in the opinion of the master, the ship or crew are in grave and imminent danger requiring immediate assistance, he should immediately authorize the broadcasting of a distress message, preceded by the appropriate distress alerts (MAYDAY, SOS, DSC, etc.), using all available radiocommunications systems. The appropriate RCC should acknowledge receipt and attempt to establish communications. To minimize delay, if using a ship earth station, ships should ensure the coast earth station associated with the RCC is used.
26
Masters should bear in mind that the distress signal is provided for use only in case of imminent danger and its use for less urgent purposes might result in insufficient attention being paid to calls from ships really in need of immediate assistance. Care and discretion must be employed in its use, to prevent its devaluation in the future. Where the transmission of the Distress signal is not fully justified, use should be made of the Urgency signal. Urgency signal has priority over all communications other than distress.
The
.
W/9181e