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Ground rules for communication

• A listening watch on the marine telephone channel for the sector is obligatory. This keeps you advised of the traffic conditions. If you temporarily cannot keep a listening watch on the marine telephone channel in question because of, for example, communications with bridge- and lock-keepers, you should return as quickly as possible to this marine telephone channel
  
• Only communications regarding navigation and/or traffic developments may be carried out on marine telephone channels
  
• Tight radio discipline must be maintained under all circumstances (short and businesslike). If necessary, the VTS operator can give instructions. The VTS operators can interrupt the connections between vessels
  
• You should always report particulars relating to the navigation or equipment of the vessel, as well as the intention to carry out any special manoeuvres. For instance when crossing the shipping channels, sailing in or out of a harbour and any other activities that deviate from normal shipping patterns