How to use NBDP

Raise your hand if you think NBDP is more ignored equipment of GMDSS system.

If I was with a group of deck officers right now, I am sure I would see many hands raised. NBDP is surely an ignored equipment.

But it is ignored because NBDP is a dead horse, hardly used and gathering dust at one corner of the bridge.

Even only few coast stations these days have the NBDP facility.

All agreed but if we have this equipment on board, we must know about it. That remains the logic for all the equipments on board.

So in this post, I will go through all that one may have to know about NBDP.

Let’s start.

What is NBDP ?

In simple terms, NBDP (Narrow Band Direct Printing) is a telex. A way to communicate with text rather than by voice.

It is said that NBDP was introduced in the GMDSS to help seafarers whose first language was not English. They did not have to speak to broadcast their distress message, instead they could type and send.

If we go by the literal meaning of the NBDP, then we can understand that

  • It uses narrow band width for transmitting the message and
  • When a message is received, it prints the message on the screen and on the printer connected with NBDP

So what can NBDP do..

  • NBDP can send and receive text messages with to and from a single station
  • NBDP can transmit text message stored in the equipment (SD card or floppy)
  • NBDP can broadcast a message to all the stations that have their NBDP tuned in to the frequency on which message is transmitted

You can easily draw an analogy between NBDP and whatsapp or viber.

Is NBDP really required on board ?

NBDP Carriage requirement

NBDP is required for sea area A2 as per SOLAS chapter IV, regulation 9.3.1

But if you had noticed, on some ships you will find that there is no NBDP.

This is because as per SOLAS chapter IV, regulation 9.3, the requirement of having NBDP can be fulfilled by providing an additional Inmarsat ship earth station.

So on the ships with no NBDP, you may find additional Sat-C terminal.

What is ARQ and FEC mode ?

If you wish to know about NBDP, you must know about ARQ and FEC.

These are two modes of transmission for NBDP.

ARQ Mode

ARQ mode is used for one to one communication. For example when our ship wish to communicate with a specific ship or coast station.

With ARQ,

  • you send an information (text) when you are transmitting station
  • You press Over key (F9) and you become receiving station. You now can read the message what other station is sending
  • When other station presses “Over”, you again become the transmitting station and this process goes on.

Difference between ARQ and FEC Mode NBDP

FEC Mode

FEC (Forward error correction) mode is for one station to one or many stations type of communication. This mode is used for broadcasting the message. For example if a ship need to broadcast a distress telex message, FEC mode should be used.

Unlike ARQ mode, FEC is only one way. That is, with FEC we can transmit our message and then end the communication.

With FEC mode

  • You send the information you wish to send
  • Once the information is sent, you disconnect the connection
  • You cannot switch between transmission and receiving mode

So if you want to communicate with other station, you need to choose ARQ mode. But if you just want to transmit your message, you can choose FEC mode.

So when transmitting a distress message to all station through NBDP, you must use FEC mode

Options on NBDP screen and what these mean ?

A NBDP screen typically looks like this.

NBDP screen

The options you see on top of the screen are accessed by function keys. I see sometimes the keyboard functions keys marked with these options for ease of use. Even if it is not there, we can always mark it like this.

NBDP Keyboard

Lets see what each of these functions are for

WRU, HR and OVER keys

The literal meaning of the first two terms is

WRU (Function Key F7): who are you ?

HR (Function Key F8): Here is…

This is the way identity is exchanged between the stations interacting with each other.

NBDP screen WRU HR Over

When you are connected with a station and before you start transmitting any telex message, you need to press these two keys.

This will send your identity and ask for the identity of another station.

Logically this is similar to how we start any communication. For example, during R/T communication we pronounce the ships name and call sign.

The Over (Function key F9) is used to switch the direction of traffic. The information sending station becomes the information receiving station and vice versa. As two way communication is only possible in ARQ mode, Over key is used when communicating in ARQ mode.

One station finishes his message, presses “over” and then waits for receiving the message of other station.

The function of this key is similar to saying “over” over walkie talkie after we finish our message.

GA+?

This is the code that you will see when communicating through NBDP.  The meaning of this code is “Go ahead”.

When you see this code on you screen, this means that now you are the transmission station and you are ready to send your message. Again this code will appear in ARQ mode.

Methods of sending message

On NBDP, we can either

  • Send a message file stored in floppy or SD card of the NBDP or
  • Manually type the message on the keyboard.

In ARQ mode, when you are the transmitting station, you can just start to type the message and it will be received by other station as you type.

Or you can choose the file to send and it will be transmitted to the receiving station.

To choose the file on Furuno NBDP, after exchanging the answer back (WRU, HR)

  • Press the function key F3 then 3 key to open the [File to Send] window

File to send on NBDP furuno

  • Choose the file to send from the list by pressing up/down arrow
  • Press enter to send the file

How to send / Receive a routine message on NBDP ?

Now that we know something about NBDP, let us discuss how we can send a routine message to another ship on NBDP.

I will show this on Furuno GMDSS station.

First thing is to know the MMSI number of the other ship and agree on the working frequency.

To communicate with another ship, both your station and station of other ship need to be on same frequency and NBDP station should be active.

To make the connection with other ship station (on Furuno equipment).

Press the function key F3 to open operate menu and set the working frequency by choosing option 9.

Set Frequency on NBDP

After operating frequency is set, press function key F3 (Operate) and choose “manual calling” option

Manual Calling on NBDP ARQ

Select the ARQ mode (remember for one to one communication we have to use ARQ mode) and then input the ship’s MMSI number in the ID.

Press enter. After you hit “Enter” one of these two message will appear. It will either show

  • Channel busy check, if the frequency is busy. or
  • Connect Send Lock, if the frequency is open for communication

Now if “Connect send Lock” is highlighted on screen, you are all done to communicate with the other ship.

When you are connected with the other station, it will show the station’s ID and frequency you are communicating on.

Exchange answer back by pressing F7  (WRU) and then F8 (HR) keys and start communicating.

As I said earlier, when you are done with sending your message, press F9 (over) key to switch the transmission to other ship.

When you see GA+? on your screen, it mean that the other station has switched the transmission to you and you can again start to transmit your message.

To end the conversation

  • Exchange the answer back by pressing F7(WRU) and F8 (HR) keys
  • After exchange of answer back, press F10 (End) key to disconnect the line.

How to transmit a distress message on NBDP ?

Usual way of GMDSS distress communication is

  • Send the DSC alert to all ships and coast station on an appropriate distress DSC frequency
  • Switch to corresponding Radio Telephony (RT) frequency and broadcast your distress message starting with Mayday Mayday Mayday

Now when we have transmitted the DSC alert, how a ship receiving it know where they can listen to your distress call ?

This information is right there in the DSC alert message. In the DSC alert message that a ship sends, it need to mention

First is the Mode of communication it will broadcast its message. That is if the message will be broadcasted on RT or NBDP. J3E is the code for RT communication and F1B is for NBDP.

Second, the frequency on which the receivers need to switch on. The frequency will be the corresponding frequency on which DSC alert is received.

So now if you want to communicate the distress message on NBDP, first step will be to let that know to ships and coast stations who would receive your DSC alert by choosing the Telecommand as “F1B”

After you have sent the DSC alert, switch to NBDP corresponding frequency.

To transmit your Mayday message,

  • You can either type and save the Mayday message in floppy drive or SD card of NBDP, or
  • You can type directly while transmitting your message

Either way, you have to follow these steps.

Press Function key F3 and select manual call.

Choose the FEC option. Remember for broadcasting to all the parties we cannot use ARQ mode which is for one to one communication.

Leave the station ID as blank. This is to be entered only if we are sending the message to a particular station.

Press enter. If the frequency is clear, you will see Connect Send as highlighted.

Now you are ready to either send your message by input to the keyboard or by choosing a pre-typed file.

To Send the stored message, press function key F3 and then select “File to send” option.

Press enter and your file will be transmitted.

How to receive a distress communication on NBDP ?

When you receive a distress DSC alert. Check if the telecommand is J3E or F1B. If it is F1B, you need to be on NBDP to receive the distress message.

To receive the distress message on NBDP, switch to NBDP frequency corresponding to the frequency on which DSC alert was received.

Press the function key F3 and choose “Manual Reception”.

Manual reception on NBDP

Select FEC mode and press enter key. When a call is detected, Lock will get highlighted.

When the line is connected, [Connect] is highlighted.

When the receiving the message is complete, the NBDP connection will automatically cancel.

The received message will be stored in the Floppy (or SD card) of the NBDP.

NBDP Test procedures

Now that we know how to operate NBDP, testing of NBDP should not be an issue.

Actually NBDP does not require much of the testing. There is a self test in the equipment that should be done as per the maker guidelines.

Self Test NBDP

Apart from that, it is a good practice to communicate with another ship at least monthly and keep the records.

Conclusion

NBDP is hardly put in use onboard ships. Many ship owners are now preferring to have another set of Sat-C on board rather than having NBDP fitted on board.

In spite of all that, if we have NBDP on board, we must know about how to operate it. After all if it is on board, it is very much a part of GMDSS station.

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Capt Rajeev Jassal

About Capt Rajeev Jassal

Capt. Rajeev Jassal has sailed for over 24 years mainly on crude oil, product and chemical tankers. He holds MBA in shipping & Logistics degree from London. He has done extensive research on quantitatively measuring Safety culture onboard and safety climate ashore which he believes is the most important element for safer shipping.

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67 Comments

Capt. Prashant D. Kulkarni
Capt. Prashant D. Kulkarni
7 years before

Very well explained. These notes are useful for GMDSS exams , on board operations , PSC and vetting inspections.

Rajeev Jassal
Rajeev Jassal
7 years before

Thanks Capt Prashant..

sheelendra singh
sheelendra singh
6 years before

rajeev sir i am thanking u for such knowledge, every time if i have any qus. i do look in to it. thanx for giving MY SEA TIME,

Rajeev Jassal
Rajeev Jassal
6 years before

Glad it is helping you Sheelendra...

Aakar
Aakar
7 years before

NBDP has always been bit difficult to understand. Sir it was the best of all what i have read about NBDP.

Rajeev Jassal
Rajeev Jassal
7 years before

Glad you liked it Aakar..

Neelkamal
Neelkamal
7 years before

Very informative,,,

Rajeev Jassal
Rajeev Jassal
7 years before

Thank you Neel..

Abu Taiyeb md. Alimuzzaman
Abu Taiyeb md. Alimuzzaman
7 years before

Liked it. Thank you sir

Rajeev Jassal
Rajeev Jassal
7 years before

Thanks for reading Abu..

Mark
Mark
7 years before

This is very important and most awaited :) thanks capt, more gmdss lecture to come

Rajeev Jassal
Rajeev Jassal
7 years before

Thanks Mark..

arun raveendran
arun raveendran
7 years before

how do we come to know that , whether our vessel is fitted with NBDP

Rajeev Jassal
Rajeev Jassal
7 years before

By actually looking at the bridge equipments. Also list of all the radio equipments provided is there in Form R of the safety radio certificate.

Oli Hansen
Oli Hansen
7 years before

Superb article, sir!

Rajeev Jassal
Rajeev Jassal
7 years before

Glad to hear that Oli..

willow25
willow25
7 years before

good day sir I would like to ask how to set station list and from where should I get the ID for shore station. many thanks

Rajeev Jassal
Rajeev Jassal
7 years before

It is in the ALRS...

melvin
melvin
7 years before

Dear sir, gd day, are you familiar with jrc jue 85 equiptment how to test nbdp ? Thanks in advance.

Mike Malloy
Mike Malloy
7 years before

The JUE 85 is a Sat C system. The concept of NBDP does not apply, as in HF/NBDP. True, the C system is sending data, and there is also a hand shake, between your system and the INMARSAT, but the best test is to send a TELEX routine, or an email. NEVER send a distress as a "test" message. Hope that helps.

John Ilaya
John Ilaya
7 years before

Very informative. I had been reading a lot from your articles during my stay on board and on my vacation time. Good Job sir!

Rajeev Jassal
Rajeev Jassal
7 years before

Thanks John...

Lib Feng
Lib Feng
7 years before

Dear sir, very good article and many thanks! By the way, do you know is it needed to be printed for received DSC distress message? I didn't find it is required in the IEC61097-3 (DSC ). However I noticed there is such port in Furuno VHF stations. do you know in which scenario that the content of the DSC needs to be printed? I am a new engineer developing marine communication equipments. Thanks in advance!

Mike Malloy
Mike Malloy
7 years before

DSC messages do not have to be printed. They are stored in a buffer inside the DSC, with the older messages deleted as the buffer is filled up with newer messages.

Makuhita Kulita
Makuhita Kulita
7 years before

Exceptionally well discussed.

Rajeev Jassal
Rajeev Jassal
7 years before

Glad you liked it Makuhita...

Harpal Singh
Harpal Singh
7 years before

Very well explained. Thanks a lot.

Rajeev Jassal
Rajeev Jassal
7 years before

Thanks Harpal...

Shaffin Thadathazhath
Shaffin Thadathazhath
7 years before

Well said sir...

Rajeev Jassal
Rajeev Jassal
7 years before

Thanks, Shaffin...

Kemal Gürbüz
Kemal Gürbüz
7 years before

Well explained and useful,thank you.

Rajeev Jassal
Rajeev Jassal
7 years before

Glad you found it useful Kemal...

sumit 2/0
sumit 2/0
7 years before

well explained .. all doubt cleared

Rajeev Jassal
Rajeev Jassal
6 years before

Glad to know that Sumit...

R. Babu
R. Babu
7 years before

Dear sir, wherefrom I can get NBDP Coast Station ID Number, channel number and frequencies for the coast stations of China, Japan, Australia and Philippines. Kindly help me. Thanks in advance.

tamil
tamil
6 years before

ALRS you can find all these informations.

Abdullah Al Mamun
Abdullah Al Mamun
6 years before

Well Explained Sir. Really Now-a-days NBDP is an ignored equipment. Remembered a lot of already forgotten info about NBDP. Thanks a lot Sir

Abbas
Abbas
6 years before

Thank you once again sir.Found very helpful.Keep moving.

Raju yadav
Raju yadav
6 years before

Very informative and well explaind.thx keep the good work

VALTER
VALTER
6 years before

Well explained. Just most of telexes are use on F7 DE (from ICS) istead of HR

Filip
Filip
6 years before

very comprehensive!! by far the best explanation I`ve ever seen

Swapn Panda
Swapn Panda
6 years before

Very well explained, Sir. Could you please let me know the procedure for shore communication test on NBDP.

Bart
Bart
6 years before

Text need correction. NBDP is required in A3 (first concep x1) and A4 (x2). SOLAS chapter IV, regulation 9.3.1 is about Epirb.

junie
junie
6 years before

i have nothing to say, two thumbs-up to you captain rajeev very well explained many thanks :)

amit singh
amit singh
6 years before

How to test NBDP ship to ship? Plz explain the procedure. Jrc NBDP fitted on board.

Raja
Raja
6 years before

Please include the CANCELING A FALSE DISTRESS ALERT in HF/NBDP ( in case of FALSE transmit ).

Ashish Mandola
Ashish Mandola
6 years before

Capt Rajeev This is the best explation for NBDP I have ever read in the past 10 years of my Sea career . Thanks

3/0 Ambadi
3/0 Ambadi
6 years before

Short and precise,,,helmed me a lot,,,tnq sir

Amit chauhan
Amit chauhan
6 years before

very informative sir...you explain always in a simple way that i really like thank you for posting such a informative messages

Steven
Steven
5 years before

Amazing , amazing ! You hear this alot but you need to hear it again, this blog is probably the best online education tool I ever found as an officer in tanker fleet. Just discovered your blog and I spend every day reading for few hours after watch. Capt . I also recommend covering next topics if not covered already, 1) Auto-pilot maintenance and operation /testing 2) magnetic compass adjustment 3) tank cleaning procedures line up / chain of events 4) framo stripping /purging / line blowing 5) fluid behavior in pipes , pressure / better understanding 6) cop pumps operation / stripping 7) vessel IT/ systems explained vsat ,fbb Cisco/ servers.. 8) oxygen resyctiator explained

Myat Naing
Myat Naing
5 years before

Thanks a lot, Cap.

Jarnail Singh
Jarnail Singh
5 years before

Thank You Soo Much Sir Very Goodly Explain About NBDP & ARQ MODE & FEC MODE ????

Mark
Mark
5 years before

Hi. 1 observation. NBDP or satc is not requires until sea area A3. An MF set is adequate without NBDP functionality at sea area A2. Other than that, brilliant information.

Akkaranat
Akkaranat
5 years before

Easy to understand thank you so much

WHAT IS THE INTERVAL FOR TESTING NBDP ONBOARD ?
WHAT IS THE INTERVAL FOR TESTING NBDP ONBOARD ?
5 years before

BP observation that when you do NBDP TEST AND WHERE ITS WRITEEN?

Alex
Alex
2 years before

Hello, did you found the interval of the NBDP test and if YES, where written/referred..?

Naing Naing
Naing Naing
4 years before

Very Detail of explanation and easy to understand, thaks you so much Capt...

Balbir Kumar
Balbir Kumar
4 years before

Excellent article...very well explained. Thank you so much sir.

Ananyo Muhammad
Ananyo Muhammad
4 years before

Sir, I want you to know that I have read your entire blog and emerged as a great fan of your writing. Your write-ups are so transparent, detailed and most importantly, in layman language, making shipping knowledge understandable to even schoolgoers. Thank You for your efforts in educating so many people. Sir, a small request from me is that you write on all the functions of INMARSAT-C. I know many people who face huge difficulties in this field, including myself, and I would be ever so grateful to you if you please describe its importance in GMDSS and the process of using it in distress as well as in routine communication.

Harjinder Singh
Harjinder Singh
4 years before

Very well explained sir...thanks alot for ur efforts..

Mark
Mark
4 years before

Hello, first thank you for your great article, I would like to ask this I'm in East African coast and the only station I know that support NBDP is in Asia, like Shanghai. I tried the 16MHz frequency to connect. But as expected its unable to it say its suspended, is this because I'm too far from the station? I'm trying to find for references as to how far are the theoretical reach of each frequency. Hoping you can enlighten me on this.

Dragon
Dragon
4 years before

Thank you for your explanation. but, I have a question as to use sending telex NBDP, we need to register "Answerback code" for our equip as MF-HF NBDP. So, what is "answerback code"? and how do we get the answerback code to register for our equipment MF-HF NBDP?

Patrick.Bunny
Patrick.Bunny
4 years before

There are many ways to make money, but if you can't find the seeds that make money, you can't be a business

Salim javed
Salim javed
4 years before

Sir, can you please explain the procedure to do monthly test with coast stations and ship stations.

Alfred
Alfred
3 years before

Such a relief, Good Explanation Capt.! I agreed too, Your First Sentence is a catchy one.,like raise your hand if you agreed. indeed NBDP left out at the corner even after your contract one or two touch would be ok.

Capt Naseem
Capt Naseem
3 years before

Very well explained sir...thanks alot for ur efforts very helpful keep moving

Arif
Arif
2 years before

Very well explained, as always done Sir. Your contribution is highly appreciated. If I may share/add for the benefit of young navigators: NBDP may also be used to receive Navtex messages by tuning on 518 KHz, in case Navtex is not in working order.

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