ShipStore.com Beacon: How to Use a VHF Marine Radio
Issue 66, January 31 2006
http://www.ShipStore.com
Floating your boat since 1982 TM


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IN THIS ISSUE:
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~ WELCOME ABOARD: Greetings from Captain Jim
~ CAPTAIN'S TIP: How to Use a VHF Marine Radio
~ CAPTAIN'S SPECIALS: VHF Marine Radio Specials
~ CAPTAIN'S CONTEST: "Win a Shopping Spree" Drawing

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~ WELCOME ABOARD: Greetings from Captain Jim
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More bizarre weather. Chilly but still above freezing. The Westport Marina docks are under water the way they usually are in late winter and spring. Precipitation continues to fly, sleet and rainy snow. But no ice on Northwest Bay, and no thick blanket of snow on the ground. Can you say global warming?

As promised last week, here's part two of the "How to Choose" and "How to Use" a marine radio series. We've been hearing from a steady stream of boaters recently who want to share their ideas about topics addressed in the Beacon. Thanks! Keep sending them in. We've integrated some of your feedback into the way we explain things on the site, and we've started to blog them as well. Keep emailing us. We love to hear from you.

You may have noticed the last week or so that there are TWO search boxes up at the top left of our website. We've been trying to improve ShipStore's searchability, and we'd really appreciate your feedback. Try to find items both ways and let us know which one you like more. And pass along any helpful suggestions so that we can continue to improve the user-friendliness of our website for you.

If you're in the market for new navigation lights for your boat, you've got to take a look at this spiffy new Flip-up Bi-Color Navigation Light from AQUA SIGNAL CORPORATION. The flush mounted unit is made of stainless steel. It swivels under for unobtrusive storage when not in use. Pretty cool!

And another product that's been so much in demand we've had a difficult time keeping it in stock is the incredibly handy LED Shake Lite Flashlight from SEACHOICE. This popular instrument uses no batteries, but instead generates electricity from the motion of your hand. It emits a strong beam of light, and it's always ready. We love them as much as all of our customers do, and we've just received another large shipment, so order quick.

Captain Jim
captjim@shipstore.com

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~ CAPTAIN'S TIP: How to Use a VHF Marine Radio
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"Before you purchase anything else, make sure you have a VHF marine radio. A VHF marine radio is the single most important radio system you should buy. It is probably also the most inexpensive." That's the advice of the United States Coast Guard. You can read more at the USCG website under Maritime Telecommunications: Radio Information for Boaters. This helpful information is available online at http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/marcomms/boater.htm

Despite widespread and increasingly reliable cellular telephone technology, a VHF (Very High Frequency) marine radio remains an essential communication device for boaters. A VHF radio is not required by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for boats under 65.6 feet long, but it is the most immediate and reliable means of communication between your boat and other boats, marinas, bridges, and the USCG. It is a versatile safety tool which enables boaters to call for assistance in emergency situations. VHF radio frequencies are monitored 24 hours a day by the USCG. In addition, many VHF radios offer access to NOAA weather forecasts.

Therefore, experts agree that a VHF radio should be one of the first electronics you purchase for your boat. And since 1996 FCC regulations no longer require a VHF operating license for private recreational vessels traveling within the United States, so there's simply no reason not to integrate this component into your safe boating plan. It may well save you, your family and your boat in a time of emergency.

In order to learn how to use your VHF marine radio, you must first distinguish between everyday, non-emergency communications and emergency/distress call use.

Non-emergency Use of a VHF Marine Radio (i.e. calling a marina or another vessel)

1. Select the correct channel. The primary calling channel is 9. (Note: Once you have successfully established contact on channel 9, you should immediately switch to another "working channel" such as channels 68, 69, 71, 72, etc. Visit FCC Marine VHF Radio Channels http://wireless.fcc.gov/marine/vhfchanl.html for more.)
2. Adjust the squelch to eliminate static.
3. Push the microphone button to transmit.
4. Repeat three times the name of the marina or vessel you are trying to contact. (i.e. "Westport Marina, Westport Marina, Westport Marina...")
5. Identify your vessel. (i.e. "This is Jim's Skif.")
6. Conclude your transmission. (i.e. "Over.")
7. Release the microphone button and wait for the other party to respond.
8. The responding party should answer you according to the same protocol that you've used to contact them. (i.e. "Westport Marina, Westport Marina, Westport Marina, this is Jim's Skif. Over." "Jim's Skif, Jim's Skif, Jim's Skif, this is Westport Marina. Over.")
9. Switch to another working channel. (i.e. You should say, "Please switch and answer channel 68. Over." The other party should respond, "Switching to channel 68. Over." )
10. If the party does not respond, wait two minutes and repeat. You are permitted to attempt contact three tries two minutes apart. If you still have not made contact, wait 15 minutes before trying again.

Emergency Use of a VHF Marine Radio (i.e. distress calls)

1. Select channel 16. (Note: Channel 16 ONLY for emergency and distress calls.)
2. Adjust the squelch to eliminate static, and ensure that you are transmitting at high power.
3. Only in a severe emergency in which the vessel and/or crew are in imminent danger of submersion should you use the "MAYDAY" distress signal.
4. Push the microphone button to transmit.
5. Repeat three times the distress signal, "MAYDAY". (i.e. "MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY".)
6. Identify your vessel three times. (i.e. "This is Jim's Skif, Jim's Skif, Jim's Skif.")
7. Repeat "MAYDAY" and the name of your vessel once. (i.e. "MAYDAY. Jim's Skif ".)
8. Specify any/all relevant location information including proximity to a well know landmark (i.e. bridge, island or marina), GPS coordinates, approximate bearings, latitude and longitude, etc., and remember to include relevant information regarding your vessel's movement.
9. Specify the nature of your emergency. (i.e. sinking vessel)
10. Specify type of assistance required.
11. Specify the number of people on your vessel, and explain any injuries.
12. Conclude your transmission. (i.e. "Over.")
13. Monitor channel 16 for assistance.
14. Repeat as necessary.
15. If time permits, you may also need to scan other channels for traffic. Interrupt any communication you hear to broadcast your "MAYDAY" distress signal.

VHF Marine Radio Advice & Etiquette

Avoid using your VHF radio like a telephone. Regulations limit radio communications to operational purposes only. Keep communications brief, polite and relevant. Remember, your transmissions are not private, and there may be many people overhearing what you're saying.

Share the radio waves. While you're transmitting, others are unable to use that channel. Because there are relatively few "working channels", you should try to keep calls short in order to reduce radio wave congestion. For the same reason, always transmit at minimum power when possible to reduce the distance your transmissions carry.

End your transmission with "Out." This is one of Captain Jim's pet peeves! "Over and out," is incorrect radio protocol, but frequently overheard on the radio. "Over," is the last thing said while mid-conversation, similar to "back to you Jim" on a TV newscast. "Out," ends a communication and should technically be used as the equivalent of hanging up the telephone.

That's all you need to know. It's simple to use a VHF marine radio. And it could save your life!

Good luck. Out,
George Davis, Beacon Editor
editor@shipstore.com

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~ CAPTAIN'S SPECIALS: VHF Marine Radio Specials
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ICOM AMERICA VHF RADIO HAND HELD

ICOM AMERICA VHF RADIO WHITE COMPACT

ICOM AMERICA VHF RADIO BLACK

ICOM AMERICA M602 VHF RADIO WHITE

ICOM AMERICA Submersible VHF Handheld Radio, Black

HORIZON VHF ECLIPSE+ WHITE (CTD)

STANDARD HORIZON Submersible Hand Held Mini 5W VHF RADIO, Black

STANDARD HORIZON Submersible Hand Held Mini 5W VHF RADIO, White

STANDARD HORIZON Handheld Tri-Band VHF, FRS, AM/FM, MURS Radio, Black

STANDARD HORIZON Handheld Tri-Band VHF, FRS, AM/FM, MURS Radio, Silver

UNIDEN Atlantis 250 Hand Held VHF Radio, Black

UNIDEN Hand Held VHF Radio Compact

UNIDEN Fixed Mount VHF Radio with DSC, White

UNIDEN VHF RADIO FIXED Mount with DSC, Black

UNIDEN VHF FIXED Mount CLASS D DSC White, 3 inch display, with hailer

UNIDEN Hand Held VHF Radio Mini

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~ CAPTAIN'S CONTEST: "Win a Shopping Spree!" Drawing
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Win a $100.00 credit at ShipStore.com. To be eligible for future "Win a Shopping Spree!" drawings all you have to do is subscribe to the Beacon. All current subscribers are eligible for the random drawing. If you're not already subscribed, then visit http://www.shipstore.com and click the "Win a Shopping Spree!" link along the top of your screen.

Once you subscrive you'll be sent a confirmation email which you must respond to in order to activate your subscription and be added to our mailing list. This double opt-in procedure enables us to prevent accidental subscriptions and spam. As soon as your confirmation is confirmed, you will be entered into the "Win a Shopping Spree!" drawing for a $100.00 free merchandise from ShipStore.com. Good luck.

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CONTACT INFORMATION
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