Flashing light or sound signaling: Usually by the
numerals in the Morse code; they may also be
spelled out.
Radiotelephone or loud hailer: By the code words
of the Figure Spelling Table in chapter 1, section
10, page 18.
Figures that form part of the basic signification of
a signal are to be sent together with the basic group.
Examples:
DI 20—I require boats for 20 persons.
FJ 2—Position of accident (or survival craft) is
marked by sea marker.
A decimal point between numerals is to be
signaled as follows:
Flag signaling: By inserting the ANSWER pennant
where it is desired to express the decimal point.
Flashing light and sound signaling: By “decimal
point” signal AAA.
Voice: By use of the word decimal (pronounced
DAY-SEE-MAL).
Wherever the text allows depth to be signaled in
feet or in meters, the figures should be followed by the
letter F to indicate feet or by the letter M to indicate
meters.
Azimuth or Bearing
Azimuth or bearing is expressed in three figures
denoting degrees from 000 to 359, measured
clockwise. If there is any possibility of confusion,
the figures should be preceded by the letter A. They
are always true unless expressly stated to be
otherwise.
Examples:
LW 005—I received your transmission on bearing
005°.
LT A120 T1540—Your bearing from me is 120° at
(local time) 1540.
Course
Course is expressed in three numerals denoting
degrees from 000 to 359, measuring clockwise. If
there is any possibility of confusion, the numerals
should be preceded by the letter C. They are always
true unless expressly stated to be otherwise.
Examples:
MD 025—My course is 025°.
GR C240 Sl8—Vessel coming to your rescue is
steering course 240°, speed 18 knots.
Date
Dates are signaled by two, four, or six numerals
preceded by the letter D. The first two numerals
indicate the day of the month; when used alone, they
refer to the current month.
Example:
D15—Transmitted on the 15th of the current
month.
The two numerals that follow indicate the month of
the year.
Example:
D1504 means 15 April.
Where necessary, the year may be indicated by
two further numerals.
Example:
181096 means 18 October 1996.
Latitude
Latitude is expressed by four figures preceded by
the letter L. The first two figures denote the degrees
and the last two the minutes. The letter N (north) or S
(south) follows if it is needed; however, to keep things
simple, the letter may be omitted if there is no risk of
confusion.
Example:
L3740S—Indicates latitude 37°40'S.
Longitude
Longitude is expressed by four or, if necessary,
five figures preceded by the letter G. The first two (or
three) figures denote the degrees and the last two the
minutes. When the longitude is more than 99°, no
confusion will normally arise if the figure indicating
hundreds of degrees is omitted. However, where it is
necessary to avoid confusion, the five figures should
be used. The letter E (east) or W (west) follows if it is
needed; otherwise it may be omitted, as in the case of
latitude.
Example:
G13925E—Indicates longitude 139°25'E.
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