Each ship report made to the shore-based authority must follow the standard reporting and format requirements listed in this section in table 169.140. Current email addresses and telex numbers are published annually in the US Coast Pilot.

Table 169.140—Requirements for Ship Reports

TelegraphyFunctionInformation required
Name of systemSystem identifierShip reporting system WHALESNORTH or WHALESSOUTH.
MINMARSAT NumberVessel INMARSAT number
AShipThe name, call sign or ship station identity, IMO number, and flag of the vessel.
BDate and time of eventA 6-digit group giving day of month (first two digits), hours and minutes (last four digits).
ETrue courseA 3-digit group indicating true course.
FSpeed in knots and tenths of knotsA 3-digit group.
HDate, time and point of entry into systemEntry time expressed as in (B) and entry position expressed as-(1) a 4-digit group giving latitude in degrees and minutes suffixed with N(north) or S (south) and a 5-digit group giving longitude in degrees and minutes suffixed with E (east) or W (west); or (2) True bearing (first 3 digits) and distance (state distance) in nautical miles from a clearly identified landmark (state landmark)
IDestination and expected time of arrivalName of port and date time group expressed as in (B)
LRoute informationIntended track.
[USCG-1999-5525, 66 FR 58070, Nov. 20, 2001]