SMCP is the IMO standard. Here are 12 phrases without which you won’t see a bridge.
External comms (VHF)
- MAYDAY MAYDAY MAYDAY — distress
- PAN-PAN PAN-PAN PAN-PAN — urgency
- SÉCURITÉ SÉCURITÉ SÉCURITÉ — safety
Bridge orders
- Port ten / Starboard ten
- Midships, Steady
- Steer course one-eight-zero
Engine orders
- Dead slow ahead, Half astern
- Stop engine, Finished with engines
At the interview they often ask: “Read back the helm order: port twenty.” If you hesitate — instant red flag.