Boat name when hailing

[analog]

Hi all, my buddies and I will be taking my 19' CC down the columbia river in a couple weeks for a long weekend fishing trip. The trip will involve several locking thru experiences. This will be a first for me, as I am new to boating (2 years now).<br /><br />I have read about the schedules in effect, and what frequencies and call signs to use when calling the different locks. I am a pilot, and quite comfortable on the radio. But, I don't know how to identify myself. When flying, I use the tail number of my airplane, however my boat has no name. Should I use the registration number? It is long, and impossible for my poor brain to memorize.<br /><br />What is the standard for small boats who aren't officially named when hailing?<br /><br />Thanks!<br /><br />Ryan<br />Seattle, WA

 

[Luna Sea]

Re: Boat name when hailing

I say, come up with a name. Even seen "NO NAME" on there.<br /><br />You got 2 weeks.....<br /><br />The marine stores now sell fancy stick on lettering kits, I think they give you 4 of each, A-Z and 0-9. They look good too.<br /><br />More importantly you should be asking how the boat behind you hails you, or the Coast Guard, or the River Police, should they need to get by, or inform you of a nav. hazard ahead.<br /><br />Can always peel em off at the end of the ride if it's just a delivery cruise or something.......

 

[Tufan]

Re: Boat name when hailing

Honestly - I dont know what the standart is - but I would definitely name the boat.

 

[mattttt25]

Re: Boat name when hailing

the most appropriate thing to do is use the registration name.<br /><br />"columbia river lock bravo, this is pleasure boat Mike Delta 4 3 2 1 Bravo Lima, channel 9, over."<br /><br />but rarely do people do the right thing. picking a name will work fine. i would identify yourself as pleasure boat (insert name here), and let the operator know you are a 19' center. you'll be fine.

 

[crab bait]

Re: Boat name when hailing

like what MATTT said.. your boat doesn't need a lettered name.. it's just abbratrary.. it's just a name to give as for contact.. but boat doesn't need to be displayed.. <br /><br />but include your boat's lenght & type..<br /><br />CH 13 is usually it.. most have signs posted,, even with phone number..<br /><br />from here on out .. i deem you GIG HARBOR KING..

 

[analog]

Re: Boat name when hailing

Heh, thanks crab bait! I think I will come up with something slick to call the boat, even if I don't put it via decal. I have never been one to like registration numbers issued by government entities. I'll call her freedom or liberty or something like that.<br /><br />Thanks for the advice everyone. I found these forums a few weeks back, and the lessons I am learning from reading the archive have been priceless.<br /><br />Oh, and mattttt25, thanks for that structure to use when hailing. It is slightly different than what I use when flying. Glad you mentioned it. Learned another thing today!<br /><br />Thanks and thanks again!

 

[timbo1963]

Re: Boat name when hailing

About 5 minutes listening and you'll be an ol pro.

 

[eeboater]

Re: Boat name when hailing

If you are referring to the registration numbers that register your boat with the state -- I know its law to have the registration numbers posted on your boat in the State of WI. Better check your law or next thing you know it you're gonna be pulled over!<br /><br /> <br /><br />Sean

 

[analog]

Re: Boat name when hailing

OH yeah, those numbers are on there, I just don't want to be identified by them.<br /><br />Thanks for the advice! I really don't want a nice weekend ruined by a little visit from a marine patrol.

 

[DaveM]

Re: Boat name when hailing

You can use the model of boat and length if you cannot come up with a clever boat name. I used "Excel 20" in a pinch and it worked swell. The important thing is not to use something dumb like, "Help Me I'm Going To Die." Common sense rules.

 

[crab bait]

Re: Boat name when hailing

or worse.. <br /><br /><br />MAYDAY MAYDAY