As the VHF marine radio is widely used by official and commercial operators. It is essential to use your VHF radio properly for optimum performance. If you are using the DSC function see the details in DSC VHF radio. It is amazing how many people do not know how to use a VHF properly. Doing a course is well worth the effort even of you are not required to do so. Know how to use your radio properly as one day it may be the difference between life and death.
As I have introduced above, you absolutely need to know how your VHF marine radio functions and also how to use it. When the SHTF and you really need urgent help and rescuing the difference between that red and white chopper or USCG cutter turning up can be simply knowing how to use your VHF marine radio. If you do go offshore then invest in a DSC VHF radio. These are my basic list of competencies that I have observed and experienced as deficient.
STEP 1 – READ THE OPERATOR MANUAL. I repeat READ THE OPERATOR MANUAL.
STEP 2 – Practise using the screen menu. Every VHF radio has similar features but have varied ways to access and select. Most functions require menu access and selection. When things go wrong its not time to be grabbing the manual or trying to figure it out. Seconds count!
STEP 3 – Check and set the channel bank to USA, CAN (Canada) or INT (International). Amazing to see how many do not set this correctly
STEP 4 – Practise Channel Selection. Do you understand which channels to use? Understand calling and communication channels for your area. Check VHF Radio Channel charts so you do.
STEP 5 – Power Set. Always use the 1-watt low power setting for local communications, and the 25-watt high power for distance contacts.
STEP 6 - Practise Squelch Setting. Squelch reduces the inherent noise in the radio, but do not reduce the squelch too far. Practise getting the setting right many do not get it set right.
STEP 7 – Dual/Tri Watch. This facility enables continuous monitoring on Channel 16 and the selected weather or other important channel. Understand how to set it up correctly and use it.
How to Talk. Hold the microphone clear of the mouth approximately 2 inches and speak at a volume only slightly louder than normal. Be clear and concise and don't waste words. Many newer VHF marine radio units also incorporate noise-cancelling microphones, which are a good development. No need to shout or talk loudly!
Which VHF marine radio Channel. Channel 16 should only be used for the calling and then switch to another channel. See the VHF Radio Channel list for correct channels.
How to Make a Call. Wait until any current call in progress is terminated. Even if you do not hear speech, listen for dialling tones or other signals. Do not attempt to cut in or talk over conversations. Sometimes traffic may be busy and patience is required.
1. Always identify your vessel and call sign both at the beginning and end of transmission.
2. Keep conversations to a minimum, ideally less than three minutes.
3. After initial contact with other stations or vessels, allow at least ten minutes before contacting them again. This is not your personal radio, and remember everyone else is listening to your every word.
4. Always observe a three-minute silence period on the hour and half hour. Whilst not essential it is good practice.
VHF Marine Radio distress calls are made on VHF Channel 16.
MAYDAY
Use of this distress call should only be used under the direst of circumstances "grave and imminent danger". Use of the call imposes a general radio silence on Channel 16 until the emergency is over. Use the following procedure, and allow time before repeating. Some say after 30 seconds others longer until a response is found:
1. MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY.
2. This is the vessel <YOUR BOAT NAME>.
3. MAYDAY, vessel <YOUR BOAT NAME>.
4. My Position is "Lat and Long. True Bearing and distance from known point".
5. State <Nature of Distress> calmly, clearly and concisely, do not panic!
6. State type of assistance required.
7. Additional relevant information including number of people on board.
Pan-Pan. (Pronounced PAHN-PAHN)
Use of this call is to advise of an urgent message regarding the immediate safety of the vessel or person. It takes priority over all traffic except Mayday calls. The call is used primarily in cases of injury or serious illness, or man overboard. Start with what is written.
1. <All Ships>.
2. PAN PAN, PAN PAN, PAN PAN.
3. This is the vessel <YOUR BOAT NAME>.
4. Await response and transfer to working channel.
Security. (Pronounced SAY-CURE-E-TAY).
For navigational hazards, gale warnings, etc as follows:
1. SAY-CURE-E-TAY, SAY-CURE-E-TAY, SAY-CURE-E-TAY.
2. This is the vessel/station <YOUR BOAT NAME>.
3. Pass the safety message. Clear and concise, don't ramble on
A. ALFA N. NOVEMBER
B. BRAVO O. OSCAR
C. CHARLIE P. PAPA
D. DELTA Q. QUEBEC
E. ECHO R. ROMEO
F. FOXTROT S. SIERRA
G. GOLF T. TANGO
H. HOTEL U. UNIFORM
I. INDIA V. VICTOR
J. JULIET W. WHISKEY
K. KILO X. X-RAY
L. LIMA Y. YANKEE
M. MIKE Z. ZULU
Phonetic Numbers.
1. WUN 6. SIX
2. TOO 7. SEVEN
3. THUH-REE 8. AIT
4. FO-WER 9. NINER
5. FI-YIV 0. ZERO
Use the phonetic alphabet, don't make up your own as many do. The reason we have a standardized alphabet is everyone is speaking the same language. So this winter why not practise and memorize at home so it comes naturally so you can use your VHF marine radio correctly. More great fishing and boats information and all about boat radios.