Module 7 - Urgency & Safety Calls
Securite Safety Traffic
ITU safety procedure uses SECURITE three times, the called station or ALL STATIONS three times, THIS IS and the transmitting station identity. The safety message is passed on the nominated working frequency. Its facts should identify the hazard, location, observation time where useful and any clearly stated safety action.
A vessel receiving an all-stations DSC safety announcement or safety call does not acknowledge it. It monitors the nominated frequency until satisfied that the message does not concern it and must avoid interfering with the transmission. Hundreds of acknowledgements would obstruct the information being distributed.
Authority and geographic context matter. Report an observed hazard to the responsible coast or harbour station and follow instructions. Do not repeat or embellish unverified information, and do not use safety traffic to disguise a request for assistance.
Optional quick check
Section 5 of 9
What should a vessel do after receiving an all-ships DSC safety announcement?
Sources and factual review
Reviewed 20 August 2026 - Compass Revision editorial review.
- MCA GMDSS VHF DSC procedures for small boat users (24 July 2024)
- ITU Radio Regulations, Chapter VII: distress alerts, relay and traffic control
- ITU Final Acts WRC-23, Article 33: urgency and safety communications
- MCA MGN 324 (M+F) Amendment 2: safe use of VHF radio and AIS
- CEPT ERC/REC 31-04 SRC syllabus (16 February 2024)
Continue studying Urgency & Safety Calls
This public lesson is part of Revision Module 7. Full revision access adds the guided Learn, Practise and Test flow, flashcards and revision progress.