West Marine VHF155, VHF460 manual Making a Distress Call

Page 2

Making a Distress Call

Lift the red cover. Press and hold the DISTRESS button for three seconds. Your radio transmits your boat’s location every few minutes until you receive a response.

## NOTE: If the radio displays Enter User MMSI, cancel the automatic distress call and make a normal voice distress call.

Lift the red cover and press the red

DISTRESS button underneath.

Making a Voice Distress Call

Speak slowly - clearly - calmly.

For future reference, write your boat’s name & call sign here:

1.Make sure your radio is on.

2.Press the 16/9-TRIbutton to switch to Channel 16 (156.8 MHz). (If the corner of the display does not show 16, press the 16/9-TRIbutton again until it does.)

3.Press the PUSH TO TALK button and say: “MAYDAY -- MAYDAY -- MAYDAY.”

4.Say “THIS IS {name of your boat (three times) and call sign/boat registration number (once).”

5.Repeat “MAYDAY {name of your boat}” once.

6.Tell where you are: (what navigational aids or landmarks are near, or read the latitude and longitude from your GPS).

7.State the nature of your distress (e.g. are you sinking, medical emergency, man overboard, on fire, adrift, etc. ).

8.State the type of assistance you need (medical, towing, pumps, etc.).

9.Give number of persons aboard and conditions of any injured persons.

10.Estimate present seaworthiness of your ship (e.g. how immediate is the danger due to flooding or fire or proximity to shore).

11.Briefly describe your ship, giving ship name (e.g. “Blue Duck is 32 foot cabin cruiser, white hull, blue deck house”).

12.Say: “I WILL BE LISTENING ON CHANNEL 16.”

13.End message by saying “THIS IS {name or call sign of your boat}, OVER.”

14.Release the PUSH TO TALK button and listen.

If you do not get an answer after 30 seconds, repeat your call, beginning at step 3, above.

Page 1 Page 3
Image 2
Page 1 Page 3
Contents VHF460155 Making a Distress Call Faire UN Appel DE Détresse Table of Contents Features IntroductionXx Battery level display and low battery alert Parts of the VHF460 Getting StartedWhat’s included Front viewBack view Button Press to Press and hold toMenus How It WorksReading the display Display icons and what they meanMenu Option What it does DSC Setup MenuCall Menu Menu Option What it does DirectoryOperation Modes GPS Setup MenuMode What it does Use it when you want to To turn it on/off GPS MenusWatch mode What it does To turn it on/off Normal Mode with Weather Alert WatchNormal Mode with Triple Watch or Dual Watch NormalScan Using the Radio in Scan ModeScan Mode with Weather Alert Watch Memory Channel ScanWeather Using Rechargeable Batteries Setting Up the HardwareInstalling the Battery Attaching the AntennaInstalling the External Speaker/Mic Setting Up Your RadioCharging the Battery Turning It OnSetting It Up Operating the Radio Using the Strobe/Flashlight Digital Selective Calling FeaturesWhat is DSC? Changing the ChannelMmsi Numbers Advanced DSC featuresFeature Menu Item Function Entering a group Mmsi number Entering Mmsi numbersEntering Your User Mmsi Number Using the Directory Entering an individual Mmsi numberCall type What it does When to use it Making DSC CallsSelect Individual Calling a single station Individual CallAll ships call Calling all stations All-Ships Call Making an automatic distress callCalling a particular group of stations Group Call Receive log Canceling an automatic distress callReceiving a DSC call Select Receive LogMaking Test Calls Test Test CallsReturning a call from the Receive Log DSC Call Type Receive Log InformationAcknowledging Test Call Receipt Receiving Test Call SetupSelect DSC Setup and then Test Reply If Test Reply is set to AutoEnabling Automatic Position Reply Select DSC Setup and then Position ReplyPosition Request and Reply POS RequestPosition Send Disabling automatic channel switchingPutting the radio into standby GPS Operation Overview GPS FeaturesSelect DSC Setup, then Auto CH SW Goto MenuTo select a Goto entry Nmea FeaturesTo input coordinates Maintenance and Troubleshooting Renaming ChannelsCommon Questions SpecificationsProblem Things to Try GeneralTransmitter Channels and Frequencies MHzUS channel frequencies and names ReceiverUS Marine Channels RX Freq TX Freq Status NameCanadian Marine Channels RX Freq TX Freq Status Name Canadian channel frequencies and namesSimplex Commercial Ship-Ship International channel frequencies and names RX Freq TX Freq Status Name on display156.5750 Simplex Non commercial Weather channel frequencies and names Regulations and Safety WarningsMaritime Radio Services Operation ChannelBasic Radio Guidelines FCC/Industry Canada InformationLithium Ion Battery Warning What Must I Do To Keep the Warranty in Effect? What Will West Marine Do? Page Boating

VHF460, VHF155 specifications

West Marine VHF155 and VHF460 are two prominent marine VHF radios designed to enhance communication for boaters and ensure safety on the water. These devices come packed with features that cater to both recreational and commercial vessel operators, making them invaluable tools for any maritime adventure.

The West Marine VHF155 is a compact and cost-effective model that provides essential communication capabilities. One of its main features is a built-in DSC (Digital Selective Calling) functionality, which allows users to send distress signals directly to the Coast Guard or nearby vessels with just a push of a button. This feature significantly improves safety, as it can alert others of emergencies without needing to communicate verbally.

The VHF155 offers a user-friendly interface with a large, easy-to-read LCD display, making it simple to navigate through channels and settings. It operates on the international VHF marine band and has access to all US, Canadian, and international channels, ensuring that users can communicate effectively regardless of their location. Additionally, the VHF155 is rated IPX7 for water resistance, meaning it can withstand splashes and brief submersion, providing peace of mind in challenging weather conditions.

On the other hand, the West Marine VHF460 boasts advanced features that appeal to professional mariners and avid boaters alike. It includes an integrated GPS receiver, allowing users to send their position during a distress call accurately. This feature is crucial for ensuring rapid assistance from search and rescue teams. The VHF460 supports both analog and digital communication, offering versatility in transmission methods.

Another notable characteristic of the VHF460 is its powerful built-in speaker, which delivers clear audio even in noisy marine environments. The radio also supports multiple scanning features, including Priority Scan, enabling users to monitor various channels effectively. This ensures that operators never miss important communications while engaged in other tasks on board.

Both models supportNMEA0183, which facilitates interoperability with other marine electronics, allowing for seamless integration with plotters and other navigational devices. The devices are designed for easy installation, with intuitive mounting options and clear instructions.

In summary, West Marine VHF155 and VHF460 marine radios bring crucial communication technology to boaters. Whether prioritizing essential safety features or seeking advanced capabilities, these radios provide reliability, ease of use, and enhanced safety, making them go-to choices for anyone who spends time on the water.
Top Page Image Contents