6.15 CALLING ANOTHER VESSEL (CHANNEL 16 OR 9)

Channel 16 may be used for initial contact (hailing) with another vessel.

However, its most important use is for emergency messages. This channel must be monitored at all times except when actually using another channel.

It is monitored by the U.S. and Canadian Coast Guards and by other vessels. Use of channel 16 for hailing must be limited to initial contact only. Calling should not exceed 30 seconds, but may be repeated 3 times at 2-minute inter- vals. In areas of heavy radio traffic, congestion on channel 16 resulting from its use as a hailing channel can be reduced significantly in U.S. waters by using Channel 9 as the initial contact (hailing) channel for non-emergency communi- cations. Here, also, calling time should not exceed 30 seconds but may be repeated 3 times at 2-minute intervals.

Prior to making contact with another vessel, refer to the channel charts in this manual, and select an appropriate channel for communications after initial contact. For example, Channels 68 and 69 of the U.S. VHF Charts are some of the channels available to non-commercial (recreational) boaters. Monitor your desired channel in advance to make sure you will not be interrupting other 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 PTT (Push-To-Talk) 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.

HX760S

 

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