Voice Calling
VHF Marine Radio Protocols
Voice Calling
•
To call another vessel or a shore installation such as a lock or bridge tender:
■Make sure your radio is On.
■Select Channel 16 and listen to make sure it is not being used.
■When the channel is quiet, press the Talk button and call the ship you wish to contact. (Hold the radio at least 5 cm from your face and speak directly into it in a normal tone of voice — clearly and distinctly.) Say “[name of station being called] THIS IS [your vessel’s name or call sign]”.
■Once contact is made on the calling channel, you must switch to a proper working channel. See the channel listing on page 14 – 23.
For Example
The vessel Corsair calling the vessel Vagabond:
Corsair: “Vagabond, this is Corsair.”
Vagabond: “Corsair, this is Vagabond. Reply 72 (or any proper working channel).”
Corsair: “72.” or “Roger.”
■After communications are completed, each vessel must sign off with its call sign or vessel name and switch to Channel 16.
NOTE
For the best sound quality at the station you’re calling, hold the radio at least 5 cm from your mouth and slightly off to one side. Speak in a normal tone of voice.
Radiotelephone Calls
VHF Marine Radio Protocols
Radiotelephone Calls
•
Boaters may make and receive radiotelephone calls to and from any number on the telephone network by using the services of public coast stations. Calls can be made — for a fee — between your VHF radio and telephones on land, sea and in the air. See pages 14 – 23 for the public correspondence (marine operator) channels.
If you plan to use these services, consider registering with the operator of the public coast station that you plan to work through. Those services can provide you with detailed information and procedures to follow.
CAUTION
You may disclose privileged information during a radiotelephone call. Keep in mind that your transmission is NOT private, as it is on a regular telephone. Both sides of the conversation are being broadcast and can be heard by anyone who has a radio and tunes to the channel you are using.
| 8 English | Nothing comes close to a Cobra® 9 |