Module 5 - Routine Calls
Worked Marina and Harbour Exchange
What you will learn
Turn a prepared harbour call into a concise two-way exchange, read back the decision-critical instruction and integrate it with safe navigation.
The radio supplies information and coordination; it does not steer the vessel. A calm operator prepares the facts, separates call and reply turns, records the instruction and checks it against the actual navigation picture.
Use a crew member to handle the radio where possible during a busy approach. The operator should know the current station and channel, while the helm retains responsibility for lookout, speed, position and collision avoidance. A VHF reply does not remove any of those duties.
After the station answers, state the vessel identity, position and request in one short block. Release PTT after OVER. If the reply includes a berth, waiting area, reporting point or channel, write it down and read that critical group back so the station can correct an error.
If a word, number or direction is unreadable, use SAY AGAIN and identify the specific part needed where possible. Never guess a berth number, side-to, depth, direction or channel from context. If your own transmission contains an error, say CORRECTION and give the corrected information clearly.
Worked example
A complete fictional exchange on the published marina channel.
- 1North Star: 'Westhaven Marina, this is North Star at Fairway Buoy, requesting berth instructions. OVER.'
- 2Westhaven: 'North Star, berth C14, starboard side-to. Wait outside until the fuel berth is clear. OVER.'
- 3North Star: 'Berth C14, starboard side-to; wait outside until the fuel berth is clear. North Star. OVER.'
- 4After confirmation, brief the helm and remain on the instructed listening arrangement.
Sense check: If C14 was heard as D14, the readback gives the station a clear opportunity to correct it before the vessel enters.
Call, record, read back and brief the helm
North Star is at Fairway Buoy. Westhaven assigns berth C14, starboard side-to, and asks the vessel to wait outside until the fuel berth is clear.
1. Record
Write C14, starboard side-to and wait outside before replying.
2. Read back
Repeat the berth, side-to and waiting instruction with the vessel identity; ask again for any unreadable group.
3. Integrate
Confirm the holding position is navigationally safe, brief the helm and continue listening for the clearance call.
Sense check: The written note, spoken readback and helm briefing should all contain the same berth, side and waiting instruction.
Common mistake or limitation
- Letting the radio task displace lookout or safe control of the vessel.
- Acknowledging an instruction with only 'roger' when a berth or direction may have been misheard.
- Guessing an unreadable group instead of requesting that specific part again.
Recap
- Prepare the station, channel, identity, position and request before the approach workload rises.
- Write and read back decision-critical berth, waiting, reporting and channel instructions.
- Integrate the radio reply with navigation; it never replaces lookout or safe vessel control.
Optional quick check
Section 7 of 10
You hear 'berth C—four, starboard side-to' but the middle character is unclear. What should you transmit?
Sources and factual review
Reviewed 20 August 2026 - Compass Revision editorial review.
Continue studying Routine Calls
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