Cobra Electronics MR HH425LI owner manual VHF Marine Voice Calling

VHF Marine Voice Calling

VHF Marine Radio Protocols

VHF Marine Voice Calling

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You are required to listen to Channel 16 while standing by. Channel 16 is the distress and safety channel used for establishing initial contact with another station and for emergency communication. The Coast Guard also monitors Channel 16 for safety purposes for everyone on the water.

NOTE

Channel 9 may be used by recreational vessels for general-purpose calling. This frequency should be used whenever possible to help relieve congestion on Channel 16. The Coast Guard generally does not make urgent marine information broadcasts or weather warnings on Channel 9. Boaters are still asked to “keep watch” on Channel 16 whenever the radio is turned on and not in use with another station.

To call another vessel or shore installation (e.g., lock or bridge tender):

■Make sure your radio is On.

■You are in standby listening mode on Channel 16. Make sure Channel 16 is not being used.

■When the channel is open (quiet), press the Talk button and call the vessel you wish to speak to. Hold the radio or microphone 2 in. (5 cm) from your face and speak clearly and distinctly in a normal voice tone. Say “name or station being called,” “THIS IS [your vessel name or call sign].”

■Once contact is made, you must leave Channel 16 and go to another working channel. See channel listing on pages 18-19.

For Example

The vessel Corsair is calling the vessel Vagabond:

Corsair: “Vagabond, this is Corsair. Over.”

Vagabond: “Please switch and answer on Channel 68 (or any proper working channel). Over.”

Corsair: “Switching to Channel 68. Over.”

10 English

VHF Marine Voice Calling

VHF Marine Radio Protocols

■If the other does not respond, wait two (2) minutes and repeat. You are permitted to attempt contact three (3) times, two (2) minutes apart. If you still have not made contact, wait 15 minutes before trying again.

■After communications are completed, each vessel must sign off with its call sign or vessel name and the word “out” and return to Channel 16.

NOTE

For best sound quality at the station you are calling, hold the microphone on the front of the radio at least 2 in. (5 cm) from your mouth and slightly off to one (1) side. Speak in a normal tone of voice.

NOTE

“Over and Out”

The most commonly misused procedure words are “over and out” within the same transmission. “Over” means you expect a reply. “Out” means you are finished and do not expect a reply.

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