VHF Marine Radio

Procedures

VHF Marine Radio Protocols

User Responsibility And Operating Locations

All users are responsible for observing domestic and foreign government regulations and are subject to severe penalties for violations. The VHF frequencies on your radio are reserved for marine use and require a special license to operate from land, including when your boat is on its trailer.

NOTE

This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is

subject to the following two (2) conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

FCC Warnings: Replacement or substitution of transistors, regular diodes, or other parts of a unique nature, with parts other than those recommended by Cobra® may cause a violation of the technical regulations of part 80 of the FCC Rules, or violation of type acceptance requirements of part 2 of the rules.

VHF Marine Radio Procedures

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Maintain Your Watch

 

Whenever your boat is underway, the radio must be turned On and be tuned to Channel 16, except when being used for messages.

Power

Try 1 watt first if the station being called is within a few miles. Try a second call after waiting two (2) minutes. If there is no answer, switch to a higher power. This will conserve your battery and minimize interference to other users by avoiding repeated calls.

Calling Coast Stations

Call a coast station on its assigned channel. You may use Channel 16 when you do not know the assigned channel.

Calling Other Vessels

Call other vessels on Channel 16 or on Channel 9. (Channel 9 is preferred for recreational vessel use.) You may also call on ship-to-ship channels when you know that the vessel is listening on a ship-to-ship channel.

Initial Calling on Channel 16 or 9

The use of Channel 16 is permitted for making initial contact (hailing) with another vessel. The limits on calling must be followed. Be reminded, Channel 16’s most important function is for Emergency Messages. If, for some reason, Channel 16 is congested, the use of Channel 9, especially in U.S. waters, may be used as the initial contact (hailing) channel for non-emergency communication.

Voice Calling

VHF Marine Radio Protocols

Limits On Calling

You must not call the same station for more than 30 seconds at a time.

If you do not get a reply, wait at least two (2) minutes before calling again. After three (3) calling periods, wait at least 15 minutes before calling again.

Change Channels

After contacting another station on a calling channel, change immediately to a channel which is available for the type of message you want to send.

Station Identification

Identify, in English, your station by your FCC call sign, ship name, the state registration number, or other official number at both the beginning and end of each message.

Prohibited Communications

You MUST NOT transmit:

■False distress or emergency messages.

■Messages containing obscene, indecent, or profane words or meaning.

■General calls, signals, or messages (messages not addressed to a particular station) on Channel 16, except in an emergency or if you are testing your radio.

■When you are on land.

Voice Calling

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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.

NOTE

Channel 9 may be used by recreational vessels for general-purpose calling. This frequency should be used whenever possible to relieve congestion on Channel 16.

■When the channel is quiet, press the Talk button and call the ship you wish to call. (Hold the microphone/speaker a few inches 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 through 15.

 

6 English

Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra® 7

 

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Cobra Electronics MR F75-D owner manual VHF Marine Radio Procedures, Voice Calling
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MR F75-D specifications

Cobra Electronics has long been a name associated with reliable communication solutions, and the MR F75-D is no exception. This high-performance marine VHF radio is designed specifically for boaters, offering a blend of essential features, advanced technologies, and user-friendly characteristics that make it an excellent choice for both recreational and commercial marine applications.

One of the standout features of the MR F75-D is its Class D DSC (Digital Selective Calling) capability, which allows users to send distress calls and communicate with other vessels or coast guard stations at the push of a button. This increases safety on the water, as it provides an automated means to alert others in case of emergencies.

The radio operates seamlessly on the vital marine channels, ensuring that users have access to all the necessary frequencies for navigation and communication. With an impressive 25 watts of transmitting power, the MR F75-D provides extended range, ensuring that calls can be made even in challenging conditions.

The Cobra MR F75-D boasts an ergonomic design featuring a solid weather-resistant construction to withstand the harsh marine environment. Its large, easy-to-read backlit LCD display enhances readability in bright sunlight or low-light conditions, making it accessible under various circumstances.

Moreover, the radio includes a built-in NOAA weather radio with alerts. This feature keeps users informed about local weather conditions and forecasts, enabling them to make better decisions while out at sea. The option to scan channels and save favorites makes it easy to navigate through crowded frequencies to find the right communication line.

The MR F75-D is equipped with Dual Watch and Tri-Watch functions, allowing users to monitor two or three channels simultaneously. This increases the chances of receiving essential messages while on the water, providing greater peace of mind.

With a compact design, the MR F75-D can fit easily on most boats, while the intuitive controls enhance usability. The radio also supports external GPS connection, offering even better situational awareness.

In conclusion, the Cobra Electronics MR F75-D is a versatile, durable, and feature-rich marine VHF radio. With its DSC capabilities, NOAA weather notifications, and robust build, it proves to be an invaluable tool for safe and efficient marine communication, making it a top choice for any boating enthusiast.
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