Communications
Governing: STCW Code Table A-VI/2-2; REG Yacht Code Part A LSA table; MSN 1865 Annex D. Builds on: L3.1, L3.2. See also: GMDSS SRC/ROC/GOC.
Table A-VI/2-2 requires you to use communications and signalling equipment between the fast rescue boat and a helicopter and a ship. The FRB updating self-declaration in MSN 1865 Annex D lists the same item. Criteria elsewhere in STCW emphasise prompt, accurate, clear information; in a rescue, that is what keeps the FRB safe.
Equipment
REG Part A's LSA table requires two two-way radiotelephones on yachts up to 85 m and three at 85 m and over. One goes in the FRB on every launch.
| Item | Use |
|---|---|
| Handheld VHF (GMDSS type where issued) | Primary FRB to ship and FRB to helicopter via ship |
| Personal radios (UHF crew net) | Deck coordination only; may not reach far |
| Torch | Night signals |
| Hand signals | Noise, radio failure |
| Flares and smoke | Marking position, wind for aircraft |
The comms plan
Agree before launch:
- Working channel and back-up channel.
- Call signs: yacht, FRB, any other boat.
- Reporting interval: for example on each leg change or at fixed minutes.
- Lost-comms action: what the FRB does, and what the yacht does, if contact is lost.
- Who talks to the coastguard or helicopter: normally the yacht, relaying to the FRB.
Report format
Keep reports short and in a fixed order:
- Who: 'Yacht, FRB.'
- Where: bearing and distance from the yacht, or position.
- What: status: searching, casualty in sight, casualty recovered.
- Condition: casualty's state, crew state, fuel.
- Intention: returning, continuing, need assistance.
With a helicopter
The yacht normally works the aircraft and briefs the FRB. When the helicopter is overhead:
- It is extremely loud; radio may be impossible. Use hand signals agreed or given by the crew.
- Keep the boat on the heading the aircraft asks for, usually into wind.
- Smoke shows wind direction to the pilot.
- Secure all loose items against downwash.
Signals without radio
| Signal | Meaning (agree locally) |
|---|---|
| Arm raised, circling | Return to ship |
| Thumbs up | OK / understood |
| Pointing | Casualty direction |
| Torch flashed repeatedly | Attention / need assistance |
These are examples; the yacht's SMS should fix its own set and practise it at drills.
WARNING - Red flares are distress signals Use pyrotechnics for their proper purpose. A red flare fired to attract the yacht's attention will be read by others as a new distress.
TIP - Waterproof the radio Carry the handheld in a lanyard pouch clipped to the coxswain. Radios in consoles get wet, lost or out of reach in a capsize.
CAUTION - Licensing Operating a marine VHF requires the appropriate operator's certificate. Make sure every likely coxswain holds at least the short range certificate.