The U. These new channel numbers should eventually begin to be displayed on new models of VHF marine radios. Boaters should normally use channels listed as Non-Commercial. Channel 16 is used for calling other stations or for distress alerting. Channel 13 should be used to contact a ship when there is danger of collision.
Users may be fined by the FCC for improper use of these channels. See Marine Radio Watch Requirements for further information. Channel numbers, e. WX1, WX2 etc. Other channel numbering schemes are also prevalent. The order of channels shown is the order they were established and is slowly becoming less "popular" over time than a numerical ordering of channels. VDSMS 08 08 VDSMS 09 09 Commercial and Non-Commercial.
Marine VHF channels are between The number of channels and their frequencies differ from country to country. In EEC countries, channels are standardised, but there may still be differences for some countries. This will allow you further understand and tackle many problems before they arise. 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. The "gain" is singularly the most important specification of the antenna.
It is indicated in dB Decibels which briefly means this: the higher dB numbers, the greater the range. On the other hand, a high gain will decrease the antenna radiation patterns. This means that low gain antennae are less influenced by the rolling and pitching of a boat. With increased gain, the pitching movement of the boat may cause a temporary signal reduction. These are the reasons why on the faster planing boats it is recommended that a high gain antenna be used.
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. In general, the higher the antenna, the better the range of your radio. VHFs transmit via "line-of-site" radio waves--therefore the higher the antenna, the farther your signal will reach over the horizon. 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.
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. To use your VHF, turn it on and pick a channel, set the squelch to the point where you don't hear any white noise, and begin talking. 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.
Most VHF radios have some or all of the following:. In emergency situations, there are certain procedures to follow to ensure prompt response to your need for help. There are three phrases that you might hear on a VHF radio, and they all relate to safety.
This signal is only to be used when a person, or boat is threatened by grave or imminent danger, and requires assistance. PAN-PAN - this signal is used to signal urgent information, such as when someone has fallen overboard, or a boat is drifting into the shore or a busy shipping channel.
This is used to transmit information about the safety of navigation. For instance, if a large commercial vessel is coming through a narrow channel, this signal would be used. Can also be used to transmit weather information, such as when a powerful storm system is approaching. 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.
This is the Tambourine. Our position is ' north and ' west and we are sinking. Try to speak slowly and clearly , and repeat this information three times. The essential information is Mayday, your position, and your emergency. 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.
If time permits, scan through the other channels and interrupt any radio traffic you hear with your Mayday broadcast. If you don't hear traffic, try transmitting on Coast Guard Channel 22A. If your emergency isn't immediately life threatening, say Pan-Pan instead of Mayday. Make it just like a distress call, except state exactly what assistance you want. For example, maybe you have a controllable leak, and you just want help standing by in case it gets worse.
Board of Directors Current Board of Trustees. Make sure you are on the correct channel. Adjust "Squelch" control as low as possible without hearing static or "white noise". Push the button on the microphone to transmit send.
Speak in a normal voice. Take your finger OFF the button to hear the other person. Which channels should I use? Establish contact on this channel and move to a "working channel" as soon as possible. You may also hear an announcement on Channel 16 to switch to Channel 22A for important information.
Also used to request bridge openings. Ships less than 65ft in length maintain a listening watch on this channel in US waters. This is a good channel to listen to in periods of poor visibility so that you can communicate with ferries, freighters, and other large vessels.
You must use the low power on your radio when broadcasting on Channel Although you may have many other channels on your radio, each of them is restricted to specific uses. How do I use it? The standard procedure for a non-emergency call such as calling another vessel, marina, or restaurant to ask where to tie up for dinner, is as follows: Call the vessel, marina or restaurant on Channel 9 in the following manner.
Name of station being called, spoken three times. Name of your vessel spoken once. The word " OVER ". Then you wait for the station being called to answer.
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