Place names used should be those on the chart or Sailing Directions in
use.
Should these not be understood, latitude and longitude should be given.
[Note: In cases not covered by PART I, GENERAL, the regular
communication procedures prescribed by the ITU - Radio Regulations will prevail.]
18 Ambiguous words
Some words in English have meanings depending on the context in which
they appear. Misunderstandings frequently occur, especially in VTS communications, and
have produced accidents. Such words are:
18.1 The Conditionals "May", "Might",
"Should", Could".
May
"Do not say: "May I enter fairway?"
Say: "Question. Is it permitted to enter fairway?"
Do not say: "You may enter fairway."
Say: "Information. It is permitted to enter fairway."
Might
Do not say: "I might enter fairway."
Say: "Information. I will enter fairway."
Should
Do not say: "You should anchor in anchorage B 3."
Say: "Anchor in anchorage B 3."
Could
Do not say: "You could be running into danger.
Say: "Warning. You are running into danger."
18.2 The word "Can"
The word "Can" either describes the possibility or the
capability of doing something. In the SMCP the situations where phrases using the word
"Can" appear make it clear whether a possibility is referred to. In an ambiguous
context, however, say, for example:
"Question. Is it permitted to use shallow draft fairway at this
time?"
do not say: "Can I use shallow draft fairway at this time?"
