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

•

To call another vessel or shore installation (e.g, 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 watt first, if the station being called is within a few kilometers. If there is no answer, switch to 3 watts and call again. You have the ability to go to high (maximum) power to increase your calling distance. Remember, the lower wattage outputs 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 ship-to-ship channels when you know that the vessel is listening on a ship-to-ship channel.

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, vessel name and the state registration number, at both the beginning and at the end of the message.

Prohibited Communications

You MUST NOT transmit:

nFalse distress or emergency messages.

nMessages containing obscene, indecent or profane language.

nGeneral 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.

nWhen you are on land.

nMake sure the radio is On.

nMake sure you are in standby listening mode on Channel 16. Make sure Channel 16 is not in use.

nWhen the channel is open (quiet), press the Talk button and call a vessel. Hold the radio or microphone several inches 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].”

nOnce contact is made, you must leave Channel 16 and go to another working channel. See channel listing in the appendix.

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.”

nIf 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.

nAfter 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 51 mm (2 in.) 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.

 

 

 

 

42 English

Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra® 43

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Cobra Electronics MRHH475FLTBTEU owner manual VHF Marine Radio Procedures Voice Calling
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MRHH475FLTBTEU specifications

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One of the standout features of the MRHH475FLTBTEU is its dual and tri-watch capabilities. This allows users to monitor emergency channels while simultaneously keeping an eye on other important frequencies. The device seamlessly switches between channels, ensuring boaters never miss critical communications. The inclusion of the NOAA Weather Radio provides real-time updates on weather conditions, helping sailors stay informed about any potential storms or hazardous conditions.

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