The message content is intended to provide a non-verbal method of transfer of information on the general categories on dangerous cargoes, i.e. as an outline assessment of the categories of ships and their cargoes to facilitate in their participation in ship reporting systems and as initial information supporting search and rescue (SAR), anti-pollution,
fire/chemical response or other incident/accident response operations. More detailed information can be found from the emergency contact details, the ship and other sources in due course