VHF Marine Radio Protocols
VHF Marine Radio Procedures
VHF Marine Radio Procedures
Maintain Your Watch
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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 kilometers. 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 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 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.
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