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Marine Radio Could Be A Lifesaver
Why
Should You Have A Marine Radio On Your
Boat?
You
are sailing to the farthest reaches of an
isolated bay when you strike an unchartered,
submerged object. You begin taking on water.
No one is around. If you had a radio, you
could call for help.
Motoring along the river,
one of your passengers begins convulsions.
You know you must contact medical authorities
immediately, but you are without a radio.
With a radio, medical help might be only
a radio call away. Without one, it may
be hours before you are able to get to
a medical facility.
What Type Of Radio Should I Buy?
Investing in a good Very
High Frequency FM (VHF FM) radio is the
smartest purchase. A VHF radio has certain
advantages such as:
- Good
quality transmission.
- Strong
signal.
- Channels
reserved for distress calls.
- Continuously
monitored frequencies.
Citizen
Band (CB) radios are not recommended due
to weak signals and overcrowded frequencies.
In addition, the Coast Guard does not routinely
monitor CB Channels.
Can I Use the Radio as a Telephone?
There is a marine operator
in many areas, located on a specified channel,
that will "patch" you into the
local telephone system. A radio is not to
be used for gossip or idle conversation.
The use of profanity and obscene language
is illegal. One difference between a telephone
and a radio is that anything said over the
radio will be heard by hundreds of other
people. Another difference is that there
are only a limited number of channels so
conversation, should be kept to passing
only required information. Conversation
is not permitted to extend past three minutes.
What Are the Different Channels Used
For?
There are 104 VHF channels
designated for marine service. Of this number,
54 are designated exclusively for use in
the waters of the United States. The most
common channels and their purpose are listed
below:
Channel 16 (156.8 MHz) This
is the most important channel on the VHF
band. THIS IS THE DISTRESS, SAFETY, AND
CALLING FREQUENCY WHICH THE COAST GUARD
MONITORS CONTINUOUSLY. All vessels equipped
with VHF radios must keep their radios tuned
to channel 16 so they can assist if an emergency
is near. Vessels may initiate contact with
each other but must shift to a working frequency
to carry on a conversation (e.g., Motor
vessel Albatross, this is sailing vessel
Mother Goose, AB-1234, on Channel 16, switch
and answer Channel 68). Use Channel 16 for
only bona fide emergencies.
Channel 22A (157.1 MHz) This
channel is the primary working channel of
the Coast Guard. It is used for communications
between the Coast Guard and the maritime
public, both recreational and commercial.
Severe weather warnings, hazards to navigation,
and other maritime safety warnings are broadcast
on Channel 22A.
Channel 13 (156.65 MHz) This
channel is the bridge to bridge or "piloting"
channel, used for communicating navigation
information between ships. Strictly used
for navigational purposes by commercial,
military, and recreational vessels at locks,
bridges and harbors.
Channel 6 (156.3 MHz) This
channel is the ship to ship frequency used
for safety related communications. This
channel is not used for ordinary operational
navigation or personal communications.
What Do Certain Words I Hear on the
Radio Mean?
MAYDAY is a request
for immediate assistance. LISTEN! DO NOT
TRANSMIT!! Determine if you're in a position
to help. If not, maintain radio silence.
"MAYDAY" identifies an imminent,
life-threatening emergency.
PAN-PAN (pronounced
pahn-pahn) is used when the safety of a
boat or person is in jeopardy. Man-overboard
messages are sent with the PAN-PAN signal.
SECURITE (pronounced
say-cure-e-tay) is used to pass navigation
information or weather warnings.
What if I Hear Someone Saying MAYDAY
on Channel 16?
If you have a radio and
you are under way, you are required to monitor
Channel 16. MAYDAY takes precedence over
all other transmissions. If you hear a MAYDAY,
remain silent and listen. Take down the
information being passed. If the Coast Guard
or other rescue authority responds, maintain
silence and listen, but do not respond.
However, if there is no response, take action.
Try raising the distressed vessel over the
radio. Gather more information, especially
the position. Attempt to raise the Coast
Guard while traveling toward the vessel.
Sometimes the Coast Guard may not hear the
distressed vessels transmissions, but can
hear another vessel near the scene; therefore,
call the Coast Guard again, just in case.
If you raise them, give them the information
you have and follow their instructions.
If you cannot contact the Coast Guard, attempt
to assist the other vessel to the best of
your ability without placing yourself in
danger.
What If I Need Help?
If you have an imminent life
threatening emergency, transmit on Channel
16:
- MAYDAY,
MAYDAY, MAYDAY!
- This
is (name of boat three times, call letters
once).
- Repeat
once more, "MAYDAY", (your
boat's name).
- Now
report your position (give as accurate
a position as possible).
- Report
nature of emergency.
- Report
the kind of assistance desired.
- Report
number of people on board and condition
of any injured.
- Description
of the boat and seaworthiness.
Then
wait for a response. If there is none, repeat
the message.
Do I Need A Radio License or Operator's
Permit?
You must have a SHIP STATION
LICENSE for your radio before operation.
An OPERATOR'S PERMIT is only required if
you dock in a foreign port. To obtain forms
and additional information contact the FCC
at (202) 632-FORM.
Transmission
of a false (hoax) distress or emergency message or using obscene
or profane language is illegal. If search and rescue units are
sent out, the perpetrator is responsible for their costs in
addition to the fine.
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