Tip of the Month
June, 2006 - VHF RADIO COMMUNICATION & DSC
Anyone who uses a boat will be familiar with VHF radio - although familiarity does not always indicate understanding. Unfortunately, all too often people are unaware of the obligations that come withusing this equipment in the public forum, and therefore misuse this important communication tool.
·The equipment must be licensed and comply with
approved manufacturers standards (CE marked)
·The user must have an operator’s licence or be in
the company of a licence holder
·The use of the VHF/DSC equipment is limited to
emergency, safety or navigational purposes only
· Correct procedures should be followed at all times
·Do not say ‘Over and Out’
There are only 59 channels available to maritime VHF radio users, and this serves literally hundreds of thousands of boaters.
The system of using procedural words and the phonetic alphabet contributes to clear and efficient communication, but frankly, this can still be a little bit ‘hit and miss’ at times. For instance, ‘Over’ means I have finished my section of the conversation and I am expecting you to reply, whereas ‘Out’ means all communication ended. This makes clear the confusion then in saying ‘Over and Out’ which means, “come back to me – no don’t!”
Before going out to sea, it is always advisable to test yourVHF to see that it is operational, particularly if you have not used your boat for a while, or have recently been working on the boat. To do this radio check, call another vessel or the harbour master instead of the coast guard to avoid inundating them with routine checks on channel 16 (the safety and calling channel). If you do have to speak to the coastguard it would more advisable to use channel 67.
The Distress Call is obviously the most important to learn; classified as such when the situation involves ‘Grave and imminent danger to a person, ship, aircraft or other vehicle requiring immediate assistance.’ Though most boaters hopefully will not come across the need to exercise Distress call procedures, they should be memorised, or at the very least, displayed nearby the VHF radio equipment so that every person on board is in a position to send the call if necessary.
Sealine Sea School runs regular one day SRC (Short Range Certificate) courses at their base on the Hamble. Call 01489 885115 for further information
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