Module 3 - Phonetic Alphabet & Prowords
Numbers And Critical Digits
Numbers need the same discipline as letters. MMSI, position, bearings, distances, times, and channels can all become unsafe if one digit is misheard.
The exam standard is to speak digits clearly and group them sensibly. Common radio pronunciations include Wun, Too, Tree, Fower, Fife, Six, Seven, Ait, Niner, Decimal, Hundred, and Thousand.
Wun
Why it matters: Keeps the digit short and clear
Tree
Why it matters: Avoids a soft th sound
Fower
Why it matters: Separates it from for
Fife
Why it matters: Separates it from fire/five in noise
Niner
Why it matters: Avoids confusion with no/nein
Decimal
Why it matters: Makes positions and frequencies clear
| Digit | Radio pronunciation | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wun | Keeps the digit short and clear |
| 3 | Tree | Avoids a soft th sound |
| 4 | Fower | Separates it from for |
| 5 | Fife | Separates it from fire/five in noise |
| 9 | Niner | Avoids confusion with no/nein |
| . | Decimal | Makes positions and frequencies clear |
Key points
- Say critical numbers slowly.
- Repeat or request readback for MMSI, position, and channels.
- Use Decimal for a decimal point.
- Use Niner to avoid confusion with German nein or noisy line endings.
Continue studying Phonetic Alphabet & Prowords
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