Module 5 - Routine Calls
Ending Cleanly: OVER, OUT, STAND BY and Readback
What you will learn
Use response and correction phrases consistently so both stations know whether to reply, wait, repeat, correct or close.
Prowords are traffic controls. OVER hands the turn to the other station, OUT closes the exchange, STAND BY asks the other station to wait, SAY AGAIN requests repetition and CORRECTION repairs your own error.
Use OVER when your transmission is complete and you expect a reply. Use OUT when the exchange is finished and no reply is expected. Combining them as 'over and out' sends contradictory instructions: one asks for a reply while the other closes the circuit.
STAND BY means the station should wait because you will call again; it does not close the exchange or invite the waiting station to repeat continuously. When you return, identify the station and your own vessel so the renewed call is clear on a shared channel.
Use SAY AGAIN when received words are missing or uncertain, and name the part required where possible. Use CORRECTION for an error in your own current transmission, then give the corrected word or group. Read back only the facts whose accurate receipt matters to the operation.
| Phrase | Meaning | Operator consequence |
|---|---|---|
| OVER | My transmission is complete and I expect a reply | Release PTT and listen |
| OUT | The exchange is complete and no reply is expected | Close and restore the required watch |
| STAND BY | Wait; I will call again | Continue listening for the return call |
| SAY AGAIN | Repeat the requested message or part | Identify the missing group where possible |
| CORRECTION | I made an error in this transmission | Give the corrected information clearly |
Control a pause without losing the other station
Harbour control asks for your draught, but you need a moment to confirm it from the boat data card.
1. Pause explicitly
Say STAND BY and identify the vessel so the station knows you will return.
2. Verify
Check the draught from the maintained vessel information rather than guessing under pressure.
3. Return clearly
Call the station again, identify the vessel and give the verified figure, using CORRECTION if you misstated it earlier.
Sense check: The station should never have to guess whether you have finished, are waiting for a reply or intend to return.
Common mistake or limitation
- Saying 'over and out', which combines an invitation to reply with closure.
- Using OUT while still expecting the other station to answer.
- Repeating the whole exchange when only one word, number or instruction is uncertain.
Recap
- OVER expects a reply; OUT closes with no reply expected.
- STAND BY creates a pause and commits the station to calling again.
- Use targeted SAY AGAIN, clear CORRECTION and operational readback to remove ambiguity.
Optional quick check
Section 8 of 10
You need the station to repeat only the assigned berth. Which phrase best controls the request?
Sources and factual review
Reviewed 20 August 2026 - Compass Revision editorial review.
Continue studying Routine Calls
This public lesson is part of Revision Module 5. Full revision access adds the guided Learn, Practise and Test flow, flashcards and revision progress.