ASSESSMENT PLAN

Instructor’s Copy

Course Title MARCOM

Exercise Code PA3

Exercise Title Interpret Essential Information Using Admiralty List of Radio Signals

Briefing 30 minutes
Execution 5 hours
Duration
Debriefing 15 minutes
Total Time 30 hours
STCW Table A-II/1
Function
F1. Navigation at the operational level

A-II/1. F1. C7. Use the IMO Standard Marine Communication Phrases and use English in written and
STCW Competence
oral form

A-II/1. F1. C7. KUP1:

Adequate knowledge of the English language to enable the officer to use charts and other nautical
Knowledge, publications, to understand meteorological information and messages concerning ship's safety and
Understanding and
operation, to communicate with other ships, coast stations and VTS centres and to perform the officer's
Proficiency
duties also with a multilingual crew, including the ability to use and understand the IMO Standard Marine
Communication Phrases (IMO SMCP)

Course Outcome CO4. Interpret nautical publications and messages related to ship safety communication.

LO4.2 Interpret the essential information from a received message using the appropriate nautical
publications, such as:

1.Admiralty List of Radio

Learning Outcomes
2.ITU Publication

3.International Code of Signals

Venue/Equipment GMDSS Laboratory room

Training Equipment IMO STANDARD MARINE COMMUNICATION PHRASES (PDF)

Particulars

Equipment Ratio 1:2

By the end of the activity, students will demonstrate proficiency in using the Admiralty List of Radio
Exercise Outcome Signals (ALRS) to interpret and act on messages effectively, ensuring seamless radio communication
in a maritime context.

The trainees, organized into five groups of four students each, will role-play a scenario involving a
Scenario/Exercise vessel's crew using the ALRS to respond to a series of communication-related challenges. Each group
Description will assume the roles of bridge officers, radio operators, and evaluators, tasked with interpreting
messages and determining the appropriate actions using the ALRS.
● Each student must perform appropriately to the performance criteria. And laboratory rules.

● Each student's performance in these laboratory exercises will be assessed based on their ability to
Initial Condition
meet these criteria, ensuring they develop essential skills and competencies for effective
communication using Admiralty List of Radio Signals.

Instructor’s Action
Preparation:
1.Set up five stations representing different communication challenges.
2.Ensure each station has a copy of the ALRS and related nautical charts.
3.Prepare role cards for bridge officers, radio operators, and evaluators.
Instructor’s Action 4.Develop observation checklists for assessing the trainees' performance.
During the Activity:
1.Brief students on the exercise objectives, safety protocols, and evaluation criteria.
2.Assign roles within each group (bridge officer, radio operator, and evaluator).
3.Monitor each group's performance, ensuring adherence to procedures.
4.Prompt groups as necessary to simulate realistic conditions.
Exercise Procedure

The instructor must:

1. Verify Trainees’ Attendance and required documents;

2. State the learning outcomes of the topic and its relevance to the required STCW competence;
3. Explain the performance standards, criterion and critical performance requirements required to
properly perform the exercise;
Instructor’s Briefing 4. State passing criteria/marks;
5. Discuss the “failure state” and critical criterion of the scenario;
6. Group the students as per equipment ratio; and
7. Explain the importance of safety and that the trainees’ must be fully aware of the hazards
present;
8. Discuss the exercise outcomes and trainees’ expected actions.
The students shall:
•Role-Playing: Each group will alternate roles across stations. For example:
o Bridge officers will assess the message's operational significance.
o Radio operators will locate and interpret relevant ALRS sections.
Trainees Recommended o Evaluators will observe and note compliance with protocols.
Action •Task Execution:
o Listen carefully to the instructor's scenario prompt.
o Refer to the ALRS to identify the required communication protocol.
o Respond to the message using proper radio phraseology.
o Document the outcome and propose any necessary follow-up actions.
The instructor must:

1. State the purpose of debriefing;

2. Provide a brief overview of the key topics covered and skills enhanced;
3. Facilitate a discussion on how trainees envision applying the knowledge and skills gained on
the practical Training in real-world scenarios;
Instructor’s Debriefing 4. Re-cap the results to trainee/s;
5. State the performance standards achieved;
6. State the criteria neglected in the Training;
7. Ask if any candidate has objections or appeals;
8. Address the objections and appeals, including questions, clarifications, and concerns.
9. Record the trainees’ output.

The student is unable to demonstrate competence in:

 Ensure safety throughout communication procedures
 Proper use of the ALRS
Failure State
 Effective communication
 Completion of tasks
 Ensures a clean and organized workstation.
 Attribute Performance Standard Performance Criteria GRADE
SCORE

Wears appropriate PPE (if applicable) during

5
the exercise
Ensures safety throughout communication
Safety procedures Ensures radio equipment is handled properly 5

Adheres to distress and emergency

5
communication protocols

Locates relevant contact information from

5
the ALRS

Correctly interprets radio communication

5
Proper use of the ALRS procedures and messages

Uses proper radio phraseology during

5
responses

Accurately applies ALRS information to the

Procedure 5
given scenario

Responds to simulated scenarios in a timely

5
manner

Effective communication Maintains professionalism and clarity during

radio transmissions
5

Result Completion of tasks Successfully resolves each scenario challenge 5

Leaves workstation clean and ready for the

Housekeeping Ensures a clean and organized workstation. 5
next activity

TOTAL 55
Session Details

Session 1:

 Station 1: Interpreting a distress message

 Station 2: Requesting port entry details using ALRS

 Station 3: Retrieving weather updates and warnings

Session 2:

 Station 4: Handling navigational warnings (e.g., hazards or obstructions)

 Station 5: Coordinating a search and rescue operation

Example Answers/Scenarios for Each Station

Session 1: Stations 1–3

Station 1: Interpreting a Distress Message
Scenario:
A distress call is received:
"Mayday, Mayday, Mayday. This is MV Blue Horizon. We are experiencing severe flooding at position 45°N, 10°W. Immediate assistance is required."
Sample Response:
1. Radio Operator:
o "Mayday, MV Blue Horizon, this is MV Sunlight. Received your distress message. Stand by for coordination with the nearest MRCC."
o (Refers to ALRS and identifies the nearest MRCC contact.)
o "The nearest MRCC is Cape Finisterre, Spain. Contacting now on their emergency frequency 2182 kHz."
2. Bridge Officer:
o "Notify Cape Finisterre MRCC immediately and confirm assistance is en route."
3. Evaluator Notes:
o Accurate identification of MRCC.
o Use of proper Mayday relay procedures.
o Timely and clear communication with the distressed vessel and MRCC.

Station 2: Requesting Port Entry Details Using ALRS

Scenario:
The vessel is approaching the Port of Rotterdam, and permission to enter the port is required.
Sample Response:
1. Radio Operator:
o (Refers to ALRS and identifies the port's VHF communication channel.)
o "The port control channel for Rotterdam is VHF Channel 12. Let's contact the harbor authority."
2. Radio Communication:
o "Rotterdam Port Control, this is MV Sunlight. Requesting port entry at 1800 hours UTC. Current position: 51°56'N, 4°27'E. Awaiting your instructions."
3. Response from Port Control:
o "MV Sunlight, this is Rotterdam Port Control. Entry granted for 1800 hours UTC. Proceed to anchorage area Alpha and stand by for further instructions on Channel
12."
4. Bridge Officer:
 o "Prepare the vessel to proceed to anchorage area Alpha as instructed."
5. Evaluator Notes:
o Proper identification of the communication channel.
o Clear and concise radio communication.

Station 3: Retrieving Weather Updates and Warnings

Scenario:
The vessel requires the latest weather report before crossing the English Channel.
Sample Response:
1. Radio Operator:
o (Refers to ALRS and identifies the weather broadcast frequency.)
o "The weather broadcast for the English Channel is on 490 kHz. Monitoring now."
2. Weather Broadcast:
o "This is the UK Met Office. Severe gale warning for the English Channel. Winds expected to reach force 9 from the southwest. Mariners are advised to proceed
with caution."
3. Bridge Officer:
o "Reduce speed and adjust course to minimize the effects of the gale. Update the voyage plan accordingly."
4. Evaluator Notes:
o Ability to locate the correct weather frequency.
o Appropriate action based on the weather warning.

Session 2: Stations 4–5

Station 4: Handling Navigational Warnings
Scenario:
The vessel receives a navigational warning about a derelict vessel at 52°N, 4°W, near its planned route.
Sample Response:
1. Radio Operator:
o (Refers to ALRS and Navtex for navigational warnings.)
o "Warning: Derelict vessel reported at position 52°N, 4°W. Adjusting route to avoid hazard."
2. Bridge Officer:
o "Amend the voyage plan and inform the engine room about the change in route."
3. Evaluator Notes:
o Timely identification of the hazard.
 o Proper amendment of the route to ensure safety.

Station 5: Coordinating a Search and Rescue Operation

Scenario:
A nearby vessel reports a person overboard and requests assistance in a search-and-rescue (SAR) operation.
Sample Response:
1. Radio Operator:
o "MV Harmony, this is MV Sunlight. Acknowledged your report of person overboard at position 53°N, 5°W. Coordinating with MRCC Liverpool."
o (Refers to ALRS and identifies MRCC Liverpool’s contact details and emergency frequency.)
o "Contacting MRCC Liverpool now on VHF Channel 16."
2. MRCC Response:
o "MV Sunlight, MRCC Liverpool. Proceed to 53°N, 5°W to assist in SAR operation. Monitor VHF Channel 16 for coordination updates."
3. Bridge Officer:
o "Proceed at full speed to the specified location. Launch lifeboat teams upon arrival and maintain communication with MRCC."
4. Evaluator Notes:
o Efficient communication with MRCC.
o Coordination with the reporting vessel and SAR protocols.

___________________________________
Student’s Signature over Printed Name
Date:

___________________________________
Instructor’s Signature over Printed Name