Can i use vhf radio

Do I need a license? If I have a radio do I have to listen to it all the time? How do I operate it? Make sure you are on the correct channel. Adjust "Squelch" control as low as possible without hearing static or "white noise". Push the button on the microphone to transmit send. Speak in a normal voice.

Take your finger OFF the button to hear the other person. Which channels should I use? Establish contact on this channel and move to a "working channel" as soon as possible. You may also hear an announcement on Channel 16 to switch to Channel 22A for important information.

Also used to request bridge openings. Ships less than 65ft in length maintain a listening watch on this channel in US waters. This is a good channel to listen to in periods of poor visibility so that you can communicate with ferries, freighters, and other large vessels. You must use the low power on your radio when broadcasting on Channel Although you may have many other channels on your radio, each of them is restricted to specific uses.

How do I use it? The standard procedure for a non-emergency call such as calling another vessel, marina, or restaurant to ask where to tie up for dinner, is as follows: Call the vessel, marina or restaurant on Channel 9 in the following manner. Name of station being called, spoken three times. Name of your vessel spoken once. The word " OVER ". Then you wait for the station being called to answer.

Their answer should be in the same manner as your call. Once answered you should suggest a specific working channel to carry on your conversation. Wait for reply or confirmation from the station being called, switch to the working channel and repeat the process.

For this reason a hand-held unit is a great back-up to a more-powerful fixed-mount VHF. Digital Selective Calling DSC is a feature on all fixed-mount radios that with the push of one button sends a signal with your location to the Coast Guard. Many boat owners are not aware that the radio needs to be linked to GPS, so make sure you handle this task right away. Skip to content. Tune to channel 16, the channel monitored by the U.

Coast Guard. Perform a radio check to ensure your unit is functioning properly—do not use channel 16 this. Use an "open channel" to performance the check channels 68, 69, 71, 72 and 78A. The five channels designated for non-commercial ship-to-ship communications are 68, 69, 71, 72, and 78A.

Channel 9 used to be in this group but has been re-designated as an alternate calling but not distress channel. You may hail another vessel on channel 16 and then ask them to switch to another channel. However, sometimes when you switch to a working channel, you find it occupied. In that case, check the other four to find an empty one, then go back to 16 and say, "Your name, their name, channel.

For example: "Cowboy. This is Tambourine. Seven one. Channel 13 is for navigational use between vessels. Large vessels in close proximity announce their intentions to one another on this channel. This is also the primary channel used at bridges and locks. Use this channel to announce your arrival to a bridge or lock tender, or to communicate with a nearby ship or other large vessel.

You do not need to call on Channel 16 first. Channel 13 serves both as a calling and a working channel. Transmission power on this channel is restricted to 1 watt , so be sure to switch your radio to low power. Channels 6 and 22A are also important to pleasure boaters. Channel 6 is reserved for inter-ship safety use , primarily during search and rescue operations. Channel 22A is reserved for communications with the Coast Guard. Remember, it is illegal to contact the Coast Guard for a radio check.

Call another boat instead. Speaking on the radio: When speaking into the radio, hold the mic so that your fingers are clear of mic's speaker. Hesitate for one second before speaking. Otherwise, your first words will be missed.

Only talk when all other parties on the frequency are silent. The strongest signal will dominate, which means if you speak over someone else, their communication will not be heard. This is critical for distress call reception. Speak slowly and clearly. Radio waves can distort the sound of your voice, making clarity essential. Use channel 16 for distress calls and hailing only. If you need to speak to another vessel, hail them on 16 and then immediately agree to switch up to another channel on the recreational band, such as channel 68, to carry on the conversation.

To hail another vessel or shore station, repeat their name 3 times. Then conclude with your vessel name. End transmissions with either the word "Over" meaning I am done talking for the moment , or "Out" meaning I am signing off. Do not initiate your reply until the other station has indicated they are clear via the words "Over". Remember, if you talk over another person, only the strongest signal is heard.

When speaking on an open deck, be sure to shield the mic from the wind. Duck behind a console or block with a shirt before speaking. Otherwise, all that will be heard is rushing wind. Likewise, when listening in windy conditions, you may hold the remote mic to your ear. It doubles as a speaker. Unless you know you are outside VHF range of shore and ships, call on channel 16 first.

Give the name of the vessel in distress spoken three times and call sign or boat registration number , spoken once. Give the position of your vessel by latitude or longitude or by bearing true or magnetic, state which and distance to a well-known landmark such as a navigational aid or small island, or in any terms which will assist a responding station in locating the vessel in distress.

Include any information on vessel movement such as course, speed and destination. Nature of distress sinking, fire etc. Type of assistance needed. Number of persons on-board. Any other information which might facilitate rescue , such as length or tonnage of the vessel, number of persons needing medical attention, color hull, cabin, masks, etc.

The word "OVER". Stay by the radio if possible. Even after the message has been received, the Coast Guard can find you more quickly if you can transmit a signal on which a rescue boat or aircraft can home. Marine Channel Frequency Assignments Below is a complete list of frequency channel assignments and the designated type of communication use of each marine channel.

Commercial and Non-Commercial. VTS in selected areas. Ships required to carry radio, USCG, and most coast stations maintain a listening watch on this channel. Coast Guard only 22A Broadcasts announced on channel Coast Guard only 24 Used for Bridge-to-bridge communications in lower Mississippi River.

Intership only.