TAUNTON RIVER POWER SQUADRON

A Component Squadron of District 14

A unit of the United States Power Squadrons®

PROMOTING SAFETY IN SAIL AND POWER BOATING

 

Radio Rules 
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RADIO RULES


For most skippers, a VHF radio is their only means to call for help. For this reason, you are urged to review proper radio procedure. When on board your own vessel, you should ensure and least one other person (family member or guest) knows the fundamental rules of the Marine Radio and where to “find” information, which may be essential to your survival. This information should include a “cheat sheet” which includes the following:

1. Vessel - type [sail or power]; color of hull; length; name; home port

2. How to find your current position

    -either loran coordinates or coordinates from GPS in latitude and longitude

3. Number of persons on board

    - in their lifejackets if danger or disability is present and

    - the specific nature of the vessel’s disability

BY THE WAY: Did you file a “float plan” with someone ashore, who will be looking for you, if you don’t show up where and when you are expected ? NOETA [no expected time of arrival] is not an acceptable entry on a float plan !!!!!

The rules for operation of marine radio relies upon common sense, for the most part, and are fully described in the text “Chapman’s Communications Afloat.” In addition, much valuable information is contained in the FCC Web Site, which has basic radio utilization instruction. [Licensing requirements and a brief guide to using your marine VHF radio.]

The “right” frequency [channel] is also of significant importance. Channel 16 is always the first choice for emergency transmissions, as it is the only channel which is constantly monitored by the US Coast Guard and most Harbormasters. From a practical, “back-up” perspective, Channel 9 has been designated as a local and harbor “calling channel” because of the need to clear Channel 16 from the extraneous traffic on Channel 16.

LICENSING: Vessels under 65 feet in length are not required to have an FCC license for on board radio or radar devices. Unlicensed vessels will use the Vessel Name for purposes of identification and not a “call sign”. On the other hand, if you expect to be visiting a foreign port [including Canada] you must have an FCC license for every communicative device on your vessel. The cost is $105 for a 10 year license and, it is recommended for close on-shore vessels as well, as an additional safety measure.

DO:

bulletmonitor Channel 16, whenever your radio is on unless you are transmitting
bulletidentify your vessel at the beginning and ending of each transmission
bulletuse Channel 16 or 9 for hailing another vessel or station; when contact is made shift to a “working Channel”
bulletuse your radio on on the “low power” setting whenever practical, especially “in harbor”;
bulletalways speak slowly, distinctly, and do not shout [hold the microphone at least 1 inch away from your mouth when transmitting]
bulletkeep all communications short and to the point, no slang, no curses, no “BS”

 

DON’T:

bulletuse profanity or for trading insults with other boaters. It is a criminal offense to transmit obscene, profane, or indecent language [note the “seven deadly words” of broadcast radio, dealing with explicit sexual references or bodily functions] conviction for which results in financial penalties of, at least, $8,000
bulletstay on any “calling Channel” for any length of time
bullet“chat” on Channel 9 or 16 - move your contact to another Channel
bulletlet your children use the radio, except in emergencies - the radio is not a toy and this is not “CB”
bulletbroadcast a “mayday” unless there is serious danger to life or property
bulletuse your “portable” VHF radio for traffic originating on land
bulletattempt to contact the US Coast Guard for a “radio check”

CHANNELS AVAILABLE FOR RECREATIONAL VESSELS

CHANNEL                             PURPOSE

16                             DISTRESS, SAFETY, CALLING

9                              CALLING  (note: Plymouth Yacht Club uses Channel 8, Marblehead uses

                                                            Channel 16, and almost others use channel 9)

6, 68, 69, 71, 72, 78    RECREATIONAL USE

24-28, 84-87               MARINE TELEPHONE OPERATOR

13                             LOCKS, CANALS, BRIDGES, PILOTS

 
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Last modified: 09/17/05

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