Module 3 - Phonetic Alphabet & Prowords
Alpha To Zulu
The phonetic alphabet exists so letters remain clear through noise, accent, weak signal, and stress. It is not optional decoration in a difficult call; it is how you make names, call signs, waypoints, and spellings unambiguous.
Practise your vessel name, call sign, and home port until you can spell them without looking down. In an emergency, the radio operator should not be inventing phonetics.
Alpha
Golf
M-R: Mike
S-X: Sierra
Y-Z: Yankee
Bravo
Hotel
M-R: November
S-X: Tango
Y-Z: Zulu
Charlie
India
M-R: Oscar
S-X: Uniform
Y-Z:
Delta
Juliett
M-R: Papa
S-X: Victor
Y-Z:
Echo
Kilo
M-R: Quebec
S-X: Whiskey
Y-Z:
Foxtrot
Lima
M-R: Romeo
S-X: X-ray
Y-Z:
| A-F | G-L | M-R | S-X | Y-Z |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alpha | Golf | Mike | Sierra | Yankee |
| Bravo | Hotel | November | Tango | Zulu |
| Charlie | India | Oscar | Uniform | |
| Delta | Juliett | Papa | Victor | |
| Echo | Kilo | Quebec | Whiskey | |
| Foxtrot | Lima | Romeo | X-ray |
Key points
- Use the standard NATO/ICAO phonetic words.
- Say 'I spell' before spelling a word if clarity is needed.
- Group long spellings and pause for readback.
- Use phonetics for vessel names, call signs, and confusing place names.
Continue studying Phonetic Alphabet & Prowords
This topic is part of Module 3. Open the full module for lessons, quizzes, flashcards, and revision tools.