VHF Marine Radio Procedures
Voice Calling
VHF Marine Radio Protocols
VHF Marine Radio Procedures
Maintain Your Watch
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VHF Marine Radio Protocols
Voice Calling
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To call another vessel or a shore installation such as a lock or bridge tender:
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 1⁄2 watt first if the station being called is within a few kilometres. If there is no answer, switch to a higher power. This will conserve your battery and minimize interference to other users.
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. You may also call on
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 2 minutes before calling again. After three 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 your station by your call sign, ship name 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.
■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 pages 12 – 21.
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.
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