Once you have established the correct channel, Port Operations can be called directly, so do not use Channel 16 to make the initial contact. If you are talking with someone, switch to a working channel so you are not keeping others from using channel 16 or 9. All new radios, and some older ones, have DSC capability. #12 hailing a fuel dock to coordinate arrival instructions and identify when you are next if there are other boats in the queue. Furthermore, when cruisers are done talking they sometimes drop the out and say Britican going back to 68.

Depress the side button of the radio, speak clearly and project your voice forward across the microphone area rather than directly into it, and then say the name of the boat or person/place that youre calling up to three times and then say the name of your boat up to three times. Channel 70 - Digital Selective Calling. Repeat at intervals until an answer is received. Learn about location accuracy and signal strength. Wait for a reply confirming someone has heard your transmission. To find the nearest available locations, visit 211ct.org or call 2-1-1. We use cookies to optimize our website and our service. Always remember to check locally for channels authorized for use in your area as well as any local restrictions. The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user. Take your finger OFF the button to hear the other person. Those few vessels with DSC radios should use this channel for distress and calling channel instead of 16. We accept PayPal and all major credit cards including Having an antenna with the right gain, and located as high as practicable, will give you the optimal operating conditions for using your VHF radio. If you don't hear traffic, try transmitting on Coast Guard Channel 22A. Donate, 2022, BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water, All Rights Reserved, 147 Old Solomons Island Road, Suite 513 Annapolis, Maryland 21401. After my husband and I decided to sell everything we own, buy a sailboat and sail around the world, I had to conquer my VHF fears. VHF and DSC equipment are made up of three distinct parts - each part is equally important. The main factor governing prices of the VHF radios are the features available. Use plain English on the VHF. Most VHF Marine Radios also have instant access to NOAA weather forecasts, 24 hours a day.

Filled with examples, checklists and fill in the blank templates, this guide can be given to any crew member for general help on how to make a ship-to-ship call or how to handle an emergency or safety broadcast. They operate in the 460 mHz UHF band between VHF radios and cell phones and transmit at 0.5 watts. VHF radios come in many shapes, sizes and colors to meet anyone's needs today. We offer a range of free and advanced courses. BoatUS.com They are perfect for outdoor trips with friends and family where you need to stay in contact. Alchemy: Britican this is Alchemy changing to channel 69. Looking for more on marine communication and safety? Conversely, on sailboats, with a masthead installation and with the mast subject to swaying, it is recommended that the 3 dB gain antenna be used. Free online state specific safety course. VHFs transmit via "line-of-site" radio waves--therefore the higher the antenna, the farther your signal will reach over the horizon. This is used to transmit information about the safety of navigation. This is simply because when you call another ship you can not be sure that it is convenient for the other radio operator to talk, they may be busy doing something else or in communication with another vessel outside of your reception area. Also note that Channel 63 has no listen. If lives are in danger transmit Mayday Mayday Mayday and your vessel name. Read 2022 National Marine Manufacturers Association. Cooling centers are open statewide. Any vessel in distress should use Channel 16 VHF-FM (which the Coast Guard does monitor). They are very handy because they can be used on land for communication without a license. Get community news, buying bargains, and how-to guides at your fingertips. Current info to keep you safe, smart & clean, Boat Owners Association of The United States. To call a port or marina for clearance or berthing instructions, 4. Keep your unit set to channel 16 so you can hear emergency calls or transmissions from the Coast Guard.

This signal is only to be used when a person, or boat is threatened by grave or imminent danger, and requires assistance. Even after the message has been received, the USCG can find you more quickly if you can transmit a signal on which a rescue boat or aircraft can home in on. After the initial communication of saying both boat names three times, callers often drop down to saying the name of the boat once or not at all. Make it just like a distress call, except state exactly what assistance you want. Channel 06 - Ship-to-ship safety messages, and communication with search and rescue and Coast Guard vessels and aircraft. Turn the radio to its one-watt power setting, key the microphone and call radio check three times followed by your boat name and location; so for example radio check radio check radio check this is Big Daddy in North Harbor Marina. Then wait for a reply confirming that someone has heard your transmission. amzn_assoc_asins = "B00UH0DD16,B00MAULSOK,B001J5MQ20,B076DPJZ9L"; Tags: Calling someone on the VHF, how to, VHF, VHF Radio Categories: Safety, Reason for making a VHF call #11 Never hold a conversation on channel 16, or any hailing channel, as it is for initial contact and/or emergencies only. To sign in and later sign off with your local Volunteer Marine Rescue (VMR) base. All RNLI vessels are equipped with Channel 0. If time permits, scan through the other channels and interrupt any radio traffic you hear with your Mayday broadcast. Heres what you do. Over, Britican: Alchemy this is Britican. The wrong antenna or a damaged or poor quality coax cable can drain the transmission power therein wasting the money spent for a good installation. Using 36 ORBCOMM satellites, the constellation allows real-time data communications with low per message costs and low hardware costs. That same VHF marine radio can be used to communicate with other boats, with draw bridges and locks, and with marina operators. Cell phones, although very convenient on land, are less reliable on the water. An example of two cruisers using the VHF radio on channel 16 is as follows: Britican: Alchemy, Alchemy, Alchemy this is Britican, Britican, Britican. You can be prosecuted for either. ONE PERSON COMPOUND FRACTURE OF ARM. Newer DSC capable radios also allow non-emergency facilitated boat to boat communications. Having just bought a yacht in UK waters I wanted a quick check on my VHF procedures and techniques which could have become rusty or out-dated. For the most part only Channels W1 through W4 are receiving weather broadcasts from NOAA. amzn_assoc_search_bar = "true"; Always listen before you transmit to make sure you are not "stepping" on someone. At every frequency, besides being free from obstacles, the antenna has to meet precise electrical and electronic requirements. font size, Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, Pumpout Facilities and Clean Boating Information. However, if you have made a previous arrangement with another station, you may call them directly on the working channel. (NOTE: These instructions are based on USCG District1 in which Channel 9 is the designated hailing channel.).

Channel 6, Out". Perform a radio check to ensure your unit is functioning properlydo not use channel 16 this. A VHF marine radio may be hand-held or fixed-mount. The vessel called always controls ship to ship communications. A Sailing Cruisers Guide To Making Money - Digital, Confident Sailing Cruiser Collection - All Digital Guides, Sailboat Buying Guide For Cruisers - Digital. These channels are used for listening to ship movements in tight waterways, locks, etc. Alchemy: Britican this is Alchemy. Britican: Alchemy this is Britican, please change to channel 69. amzn_assoc_linkid = "7e3abe9cd04e314253fb5660bffcc5f1"; SSBs are commonly available with an output power from 50-150 watts. To take full advantage of the DSC, be sure to obtain a free nine-digit Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) number and have it programmed into the unit before you transmit. In general, the higher the antenna, the better the range of your radio. Don't tie up channel 16 or channel 9. Channel 80 Duplex: has an identical function but is designed for foreign vessels that do not have access to Channels M and M2. All conversations whether on a hailing channel or a working channel should be kept short and to the point. VHFs, cell phones, Family Radio Service radios, CB radios, Single Sidebands, and satellite communications are among the myriad of choices available. For More information on FCC rules and regulations, and to download license applications, click on the button to visit the FCC Marine Radio Fact Sheet. amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual"; However, boaters still need a VHF Ship Station License in the following categories: Those traveling to or broadcasting in a foreign port must also obtain a Restricted Radiotelephone Operator's Permit (RP). These extra channels are reserved for government, commercial, or vessel use only. Channel 16 - Distress calling and safety, ship-to-ship and ship-to-coast. It seems that JavaScript is not working in your browser. An SSB's range is affected by the strength of the radiated signal, among other things.

All fixed-mount radios now include it as a feature, so when the USCG Rescue 21 System becomes fully operational, your VHF will be able to take advantage of this latest feature. All vessels must monitor this channel while underway. Over".

Some of the features on CT.gov will not function properly with out javascript enabled. Clean Boating To participate in a VHF cruisers net (routine call to discuss weather, etc. The operator will need to know the other stations MMSI number. The range is typically 1-2 miles and is line-of-sight like VHFs and cell phones. So vital in Australia It may also be used between ships, aircraft and shore stations in Search and Rescue, (SAR) and anti-pollution operations. If you need to communicate over a greater distance consider installing a Single Side Band (SSB) radio - which has the capability to transmit over hundreds of miles. DSC radios are VHF radios, but they have an added benefit of sending an automatic DISTRESS alert (on Channel 70) to the USCG and other nearby DSC and VHF equipped vessels when activated. amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; "MAYDAY - MAYDAY - MAYDAY - THIS IS BLUE DUCK - BLUE DUCK - BLUE DUCK - CAPE HENRY LIGHT BEARS 185 DEGREES MAGNETIC - DISTANCE 2 MILES STRUCK SUBMERGED OBJECT NEED PUMPS - MEDICAL ASSISTANCE AND TOW. MAYDAY - is the distress signal, and requires the most urgent response.

Things to remember when you are on the radio. Channel 67 is known as the Small Craft Safety Channel and is used in the UK by small craft and the Coastguard to exchange safety messages. For extra assurance, the USCG and most TowBoatU.S. ESTIMATE CAN REMAIN AFLOAT TWO HOURS. Great stuff and all correct and up to date ; so many thanks ! Get community news, buying bargains, and how-to guides at your fingertips. Transactions are performed via a SSL server to ensure ), 5. Private channels are channels that are not included in the Maritime Mobile Band, although some may be available on VHF radios designed for marine use. The normal procedure for contacting another vessel at sea was to first call them on Channel 16. Call the Gettysburg office to locate your nearest field office, or call the FCC Form Distribution Center at 800-418-FORM (3676). Limit your conversations to 5 minutes or less. If you have time, describe your boat and how many are aboard: If you don't get an immediate response keep periodically sending out a Mayday broadcast as long as the radio will function, taking care to give your position with every transmission. VHF antennae come in many lengths and types so, before buying a VHF antenna contact an expert and determine which style best fits your needs. In some areas, you can place a call to the local Coast Guard station by dialing *CG. Wait for reply or confirmation from the station being called, switch to the working channel and repeat the process. For a potentially dangerous situation, which may or may not end up in a "MAYDAY", use "PAN-PAN, PAN-PAN, PAN-PAN" (pronounced. Turn your radio on and listen for a while to hear how other people use it. The channels used have to be allocated to each port in such a way as to avoid interfering with each others transmissions. When the person youre calling responds, if youre on Channel 16, you then need to suggest moving to a different working channel to carry on the conversation. Any channel may be used with either single or double sideband amplitude modulation except Channel 9, which is reserved for emergency communications. To call a buddy boat or a boat with unclear intentions, 3. To do a radio check (this enables you to find out if your VHF is working), 10. Having a Cell Phone on board allows you to keep in touch with land-based people and businesses easily. For important announcements that you want others to pay attention to, say "SECURITAY" (the French pronunciation of "Security"). If the Coastguard finds it necessary to interrupt for any reason, you will have to comply with any instructions they give. Read Next: Boat Safety Checklist & Safety Equipment. Once the two vessels are communicating on a working channel there is less need for brevity, however messages should be confined to ship's business and not used for general chit chat. 'Over' means, over to you and 'out' means I'm hanging up. The usual reliable range of CB is five miles. The initial call on Channel 16 must last no longer than 60 seconds. Today's boaters are faced with many choices for ship-to-ship and ship-to-shore communications. Channel 50: used by the RNLI as a back up to Ch 31. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Tune to channel 16, the channel monitored by the U.S. Coast Guard. Who else admits to feeling nervous about VHF Radio etiquette? The point is not to pollute channel 16 with unnecessary transmission. Adjust "Squelch" control as low as possible without hearing static or "white noise". With SSBs, antenna selection and installation is also more complicated. The main uses of a VHF radio are: They come equipped with a choice of transmitter power: one (1) watt for very close communication (approximately one mile or less) or twenty five (25) watts for extended communication (up to approximately twenty five miles). amzn_assoc_title = "VHF Radio's On Amazon"; Also, check that no one is using the channel prior to making a call. For example to report a submerged log in a particular vicinity. Range is further complicated by the fact that the majority of cell antenna/stations are placed with land-based use in mind, so the distance offshore that a vessel can remain in contact is frequently short. They will then respond and nominate a working channel, as in; "Kinghorn Lifeboat, this is Queensferry Lifeboat, Channel W1 through Channel W10 - These channels are reserved for weather transmissions. This means that low gain antennae are less influenced by the rolling and pitching of a boat. "Queensferry Lifeboat, Queensferry Lifeboat, Channel 31: is used by the RNLI Lifeboats and boathouses during launch and recovery operations and whilst training.

There are three phrases that you might hear on a VHF radio, and they all relate to safety. Vessels equipped with DSC can call each other directly using the Routine DSC Alert procedure.

Channels 24 through 28 and Channels 84 through 88 - Are reserved for Marine Operator communications for the purpose of sending or receiving ship-to-shore phone calls. Channel 13 and Channel 67 - These are navigational channels. Over To call your own boat using a handheld from shore, 6. These are receive-only channels. All of this is done usually with the push of a button. This lets distant boaters also use the channel. Youll want to confirm that your radio is functioning by performing a radio check. IRS rules for determining max deductions. Family Radio Service Radios are intended for personal, non-commercial use like CB radios. If you still dont get a reply wait 15 minutes and try again. About/Contact Us All rights reserved. When you use your VHF, everyone tuned to that station in the area can hear you!

Over Our position is 24:33' north and 74:56' west and we are sinking.". In case this sort of advice is not available to you, the information provided below should be helpful in the selection of the proper antenna. For general communications, always use channel 16. The 66 Iridium satellites have the ability to forward voice phone calls from one another and then relay the conversations to ground stations.

The "gain" is singularly the most important specification of the antenna. You can't do both at the same time! The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes. However, there are several other channels that can be used for ship to ship communications. And often its the boat being called that might suggest a different channel to move to. These are the reasons why on the faster planing boats it is recommended that a high gain antenna be used. When listening to the Coastguard talk youll always hear them say the name of the boat theyre directing their message to and then the Coastguard name during every transmission. To help relay a message between two boats.

Do not use codes or "CB talk". SSBs generally require a much longer antenna than VHFs, and different antenna tuning for different bands. I was a charter skipper in the Windward Islands, too many years ago. In USCG District I waters (northern New Jersey to Canada), urgent marine information broadcasts, such as storm warnings, are announced on Channel 16. Boating Safety This is the Tambourine. Channel 22 - Used to speak with Coast Guard after initial contact on Channel 16. Users must switch to a "working" channel after making initial contact (except in emergencies). Thanks for the great article. Use an "open channel" to performance the check (channels 68, 69, 71, 72 and 78A). These radio channels are also known as the "bridge-to-bridge" channels. Very High Frequency (VHF) Radios Very High Frequency (VHF) radios have been around for many years and remain the primary means of communication for vessels throughout the United States. The most important channels on your VHF radio are 13, 16, 19, 22, and 70. This can be found by cross-referencing the vessels name in the ITU's 'List of Call signs and Numerical Identities' or by visiting the ITU MARS shipo search web site at http://www.itu.int/online/mms/mars/ship_search.sh. "MAYDAY" is to be used ONLY in an emergency in which the boat and/or persons on board are in imminent danger of sinking or major injury or death. Channel 0: is used by Search and Rescue organisations to control units during a Distress or exercise. After you decide which VHF radio is best for you, your next step is to pick out an antenna. It could be because it is not supported, or that JavaScript is intentionally disabled. ALL OTHERS - Virtually every radio manufactured today has every available channel. The VHF antenna is a very important part of your VHF Radio System. The maximum reliable range in the 2-3mHz (MF) band during the day is 50-150 miles. amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0"; Remember that everything you say can be heard by anyone who has a VHF radio. It is indicated in dB (Decibels) which briefly means this: the higher dB numbers, the greater the range. Port Operations will commonly use either Channels 12 or 14, but several other channels are available to them and these may be used on a shared basis. Its just another way to say, okayIm done talking and Im going to go back to the main hailing channel.. VHF Radio Broadcasts was created to help people like me to get familiar with what to say, how to say it and what to do if an emergency does occur. Many hand-held units are also waterproof and will float. After making a few calls, using the VHF radio becomes second nature just like using the telephone. Name of station being called, spoken three times. Britican: Say message and end with Over Things to remember when you are on the radio: Using a VHF radio is one of the easier things to do on a boat, but their are things you need to do to operate a VHF properly. Ship to Ship communications are probably the most commonly used facility provided by VHF radios. your privacy. If you are reasonably sure that the distressed vessel is not in your vicinity, you should wait a short time for others to acknowledge. or West Marine Center where you may discuss the pros and cons. You may be able to talk to the local Coast Guard station that may be over twenty miles away (because they have a very tall radio tower) but not your friend who is only a few miles away as their antenna is only a few feet above the water. Here's a hypothetical mayday from the fishing boat Tambourine: "Mayday, Mayday, Mayday. However, for DSC to work the radio must either have its own internal GPS receiver or be linked to another GPS on the boat, such as a chart plotter.

If you would like to get in touch or having any questions, here are our details. Then you wait for the station being called to answer. Instead, use one of the open channels (68, 69, 71, 72 and 78A) which are designated for conversation. So thanks very much for the free check, youve set my mind at rest, its all still very familiar ! For example, maybe you have a controllable leak, and you just want help standing by in case it gets worse. You may do so free of charge here. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 1. Channel 67 (Commercial Only) is for one-watt transmission power only.

Both stations will then switch to Channel 6, where it is up to the vessel called to re-open communications. Because it is the channel used for Distress, Safety and Urgency messages as well as the general point of contact, the exchange of calls on Channel 16 must not exceed one minute unless they are for Distress reasons. If you hear a distress message from a vessel and it is not answered, then you must answer. For example, the Coastguard will say every time, Britican, Solent Coastguard, (message), over.. Digital Selective Calling (DSC) is a feature on all fixed-mount radios that with the push of one button sends a signal with your location to the Coast Guard. Click here to access our online ordering system. amzn_assoc_region = "US"; Channel 01, Channels 07 through 11, Channel 18, Channel 19, Channel 63, Channel 67, Channel 79 and Channel 80 - Commercial working channels and are reserved for commercial vessels only. Channel 68, Channel 69, Channel 71 and Channel 72 - Used solely for communications between vessels. Once answered you should suggest a specific working channel to carry on your conversation. The reason that a boat name is said up to three times is to increase the chances that the person being called can hear their boat name and the boat name of the person calling. Citizen Band Radios is intended to afford the general public economical access to two-way radio communication. Youll reply with an open channel to switch to, for example 69. Then both parties will switch to channel 69 to exchange information. Request working Channel 6 The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Alchemy: Britican, Britican, Britican this is Alchemy, Alchemy, Alchemy. Channel 22 is the most common working channel for USCG in the event of an emergency. When calling a vessel on Channel 16, the normal procedure is to listen to ensure the channel is free then repeat the name of the vessel you wish to call, (or its call sign), twice, followed by the name of your own vessel, (or its call sign), twice. Here is another: Sea Tow operates a network of automated radio-check stations in many parts of the country as a public service (check at Sea Tow to find the correct frequency in your area). amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; Home Magellan's GSC 100 Personal Satellite Communicator is for those who need worldwide e-mail capabilities. CB is allocated 40 specific frequencies between 26.965 and 27.405 mHz, commonly referred to as channels 1-40. Transmit in this order: Stay by the radio if possible. Education Over Any other information which might facilitate rescue, such as length or tonnage of vessel, number of persons needing medical attention, color hull, cabin, masts, etc. We help people to take the exciting leap from living on land to becoming full time live-aboard sailors. Name of vessel in distress (spoken three times). However, it is important to take note that the United States Coast Guard does not monitor Channel 09 VHF-FM for distress calls. Our recommendation for reliable on-the-water communications, we recommend using either hand-held or fixed-mount VHF radios. A VHFradio is a critical piece of safety equipment that should be on board every powerboat, and knowing how to use it could save the life of you and your passengers, so read the owners manual for your radio to become familiar with its functions. There is a "procedure" for sending out a distress call, but all you really need to know is to turn your VHF to Channel 16 and high power, key the mike, and say one of the three phrases three times, along with position and situation information.