VHF is the primary radio for Coastal and Inland Boaters. It's main purpose is safety
It provides:
A means to summon assistance
NOAA weather forecasts (receive only)
Also provides communication to other boaters, shore facilities, marinas, etc.
The VHF Radio range is Line of Sight – 25 nautical miles is the typical maximum range. The actual range is based on
Height of antenna(s)
Design of antenna(s)
Transmitted power
All boats within that range will hear your transmission
Two types of VHF Radio:
Fixed Mount
Connected to Boat Electrical System
Separate antenna - mount higher for greater range
Around 25 mi range
1 watt (low) or 25 watt (high) power
Hand held
Powered by internal battery (rechargable)
Integrated antenna - lower height / lower greater range
1 watt (low) or 5-6 watt (high) power - also lower range
Around 5-6 mile range
Procedures for Routine Call
Set Volume control to a comfortable level
Advance Squelch just until background hiss stops
Switch to Channel 16
Listen to Make Sure Channel is Clear
Press “Push-to-Talk (PTT)” Button
Hold microphone at a 45 degree angle
Speak in a Normal Voice
Release PTT Button to Receive
Call Other Party
Calling Party Selects Working Channel (68, 69, 71, 72, 78)
Return to Channel 16 at Completion of Call
Make initial contact at low power - Use high power only if necessary
.Example - Island Girl calling Blue Goose
Island Girl (Ch 16): Blue Goose, Blue Goose, Blue Goose...This is Island Girl....Over
Blue Goose (Ch 16):: Island Girl, this is Blue Goose, ....Over
Island Girl (Ch 16): Blue Goose, Switch and Ansewer Channel 68...Over
Blue Goose (Ch 16):: Blue Goose switching to Channel 68 ....Over
Vessels switch and converse on Channel 68, ending conversation with :
Island Girl: (Ch 68): Island Girl Switching back to Channel 16...Out
Blue Goose (Ch 68): Blue Goose switching back to Channel 16...Out
VHF Voice Radio Channels
06 - Ship to Ship Safety
09 - Alternate Calling Channel – some areas
13 - Navigation Safety – ship to ship, locks, bridges
16 - Calling, Emergency, Distress
22A - Use only when directed by Coast Guard
68, 69, 71, 72, 78 - Working Channels for Recreational Boats
WX1, WX2, … WX9 - Weather (receive only)
"Local" VHF Voice Radio Channels
09 - Huron Boat Basin
10 / 16 - Put In Bay Boardwalk / Water Taxi
68 - All Canadian Marinas (at least around Lake Erie)
68 - Portside Marina, Kelley's Island
71 - Middle Bass Island State Park Marina
16 / 69 - Put In Bay Public Docks
Distress Call - "Mayday" - Make on Channel 16
Takes precedence over all other calls
Use only if threatened by grave and imminent danger…
…and if you require immediate assistance (Example: fire, sinking, etc)
When Mayday is declared, all radio traffic must cease to give absolute priority to the distress in progress.
.
Example of Mayday Call
Island Girl (Ch 16): Mayday, Mayday, Mayday...This is Island Girl....Over
Coast Guard (Ch 16):: Island Girl, this is the Coast Guard, ....
Please state the nature of your distress and your postiion...Over
Island Girl (Ch 16): Respond with nature of distress, postion, description of boat
Listen and respond to Coast Guard Instructions
If you hear a Mayday Call, Stand by:
make sure the Coast Guard hears and responds to the call
If the Coast Guard does not respond (they may be out of range), relay the call to the Coast Guard on Ch 16
If you are near the vessel in distress, and can do so without endangering your vessel, be prepared to offer assistance
Other types of Calls -
Pan-Pan (pronounced "Pahn-Pahn") - Urgent call Takes precedence over all calls except Mayday
Used when there is no life threatening condition but assistance is required relative to safety of the vessel or personnel (example: Engine failure, out of gas...
Use Channel 16
Pan-Pan, Pan-Pan, Pan-Pan...This is Island Girl....Over
