proper marine radio use??

Bartman · 03-06-2006, 07:39 PM

I just bought a marine radio for the boat,never used one before so I'm hoping you guys can give me some pointers on proper use, I know that channel 9&16 are coast guard and thats about it. what channels do you use for just talking??
during a distress call what do you use as a vessel name if your vessel has no name and what is the vessel call sign?
what channel would you do a radio check on?
anything else you guys can think of that would be worth knowing would be greatly appreciated.
many thanks, Bartman

pnwcoast · 03-06-2006, 07:41 PM

I'll start with:
Coast Guard is 16 and 22A

lostpuppy · 03-06-2006, 07:48 PM

If your boat has no name use your boat registration numbers.

Bartman · 03-06-2006, 07:50 PM

is 9 an emergency channel??
what would be the proper way to radio for assistance if you were dead in the water but in no immediate danger?

pnwcoast · 03-06-2006, 08:09 PM

16

Salty Walty · 03-06-2006, 08:13 PM

Use 16 to report any problem. More than likely you will be switched to another channel 22a to keep 16 open for other emergencies. If your boat has no name use size and type ie; open sled, skiff, sailboat, aluminum, color when describibing your vessel. State your problem and stand by for instructions. Even if you do not believe you are in trouble it is best to let the CG know that you are out there. That way they know that they may have to respond and are that much closer to getting to you if you need it.

wannacatchem · 03-07-2006, 08:21 AM

Pilar on the Salty Dogs posted the proper converstaion to have with the CC if you're in trouble. I've looked for it but can't find it. Its a couple years old , I think. Its a good read. It would be nice if somebody could find it.

I've set my radio up to scan 9, 14 (tugs), 16, 22, 68, 72 (general conversation)

flapbreaker · 03-07-2006, 09:54 AM

Here's one link with good info

http://www.ifish.net/forum/showflat.php?...true#Post794767

skein · 03-07-2006, 10:13 AM

My procedure, and I believe it's pretty close, is to call on 16, then, unless it's an emergency advise the responder to switch to a working channel. For example, if you call a buddy ask for him and identify yourself, like this:

Using channel 16,say "Kismet, Kismet... this is Irish Wake"
When Kismet responds, say "Roger Kismet, can we switch to 78"

That gets you off the emergency channel.

If you need to talk to the coast Guard, but it's not an emergency, try this:

On 16, "Coast Guard Yaquina Bay, Coast Guard Yaquina Bay.... This is Irish Wake, this is Irish Wake"
When they respond, say "Roger Coast Guard, this is Irish Wake, can we switch to channel 22 Alpha?"
Then change to 22A and call again.

If it is an emergency, but not life-threatening, use 16, call the Coast Guard as above, and explain your situation. Follow their lead and answer their questions.

If it is a life-threatening situation, like a fire or you are sinking, then on 16 it's "Mayday Mayday This is Irish Wake This is Irish Wake." Remember, you can't hear if you have the mic keyed. Give them time to respond. If you have no time to wait, try to give your gps coordinates and how many people are on board.

I'm not saying that is exactly right, but it's pretty close. Anybody got anything they can add to that?

Skein

StickFish · 03-08-2006, 07:31 AM

Might add in the mayday scenario that everyone on board be instructed to raise the red flap and press the distress button to utilize the DCS function (If so equipped) that will take you back to 16 when that is complete and you can start you mayday call as Skein suggests.

Speak clearly and do not scream at the microphone - sure its an emergency, but if you have to repeat yourself three times you may have run out of time.

Bartman · 03-08-2006, 06:59 PM

thanks for the info and links. regarding the distres button, the radio is equiped with that feature,in the manual it states that I need to enter a MMSI # into the unit,the manual gives me a web address at which to obtain this #,does the distrees button not work at all without this #??.

Boats · 03-08-2006, 09:02 PM

Just spoke to a Senior Chief at the US Coast Guard in Portland last week. In addition to the channels already listed, he recommended channel 13.

The web site for getting an MMSI assignment is:
http://www.boatus.com/mmsi/

Bartman · 03-09-2006, 04:10 PM

thanks guys

I got my MMSI # , I'm ready to roll.
Bartman

adfluvial angler · 03-09-2006, 04:22 PM

The Boatowner's Guide to GMDSS and Marine Radio (Paperback)
by The United States Power Squadrons

Adfluvial