traffic, and then go back to either channel 16 or 9 for your initial contact.

When the hailing channel (16 or 9) is clear, state the name of the other vessel you wish to call and then “this is” followed by the name of your vessel and your Station License (Call Sign). When the other vessel returns your call, immediately request another channel by saying “go to,” the number of the other channel, and “over.” Then switch to the new channel. When the new channel is not busy, call the other vessel.

After a transmission, say “over,” and release the microphone’s push-to-talk (PTT) switch. When all communication with the other vessel is completed, end the last transmission by stating your Call Sign and the word “out.” Note that it is not necessary to state your Call Sign with each transmission, only at the beginning and end of the contact.

Remember to return to Channel 16 when not using another channel. Some radios automatically monitor Channel 16 even when set to other channels or when scanning.

10.10 MAKING TELEPHONE CALLS

To make a radiotelephone call, use a channel designated for this purpose, The fastest way to learn which channels are used for radiotelephone traffic is to ask at a local marina. Channels available for such traffic are designated Public Correspondence channels on the channel charts in this manual. Some examples for USA use are Channels 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 84, 85, 86, and 87. Call the marine operator and identify yourself by your vessel’s name, The marine operator will then ask you how you will pay for the call (telephone credit card, collect, etc.) and then link your radio transmission to the telephone lines.

The marine telephone company managing the VHF channel you are using may charge a link-up fee in addition to the cost of the call.

10.11 OPERATING ON CHANNELS 13 AND 67

Channel 13 is used at docks and bridges and by vessels maneuvering in port. Messages on this channel must concern navigation only, such as meeting and passing in restricted waters.

Channel 67 is used for navigational traffic between vessels.

By regulation, power is normally limited to 1 Watt on these channels. Your radio is programmed to automatically reduce power to this limit on these chan- nels. However, in certain situations it may be necessary to temporarily use a higher power. See page 20 ([H/L] key) for means to temporarily override the low-power limit on these two channels.

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