Re: VHF Radio
Great Question and an important one.<br />Per the rules anytime you are not talking on your radio you are required to monitor channel 16 in the USA. This is what makes the VHF radio an important saftey device.<br />Anytime you here a Mayday you should listen and copy information you here. Do not respond unless the Coast Guard or other agency does not respond. If they get no responce at all then you should respond. I think the best responce back to vessel is "Vessel calling Mayday what is the nature of your distress". The reason for this responce is both Coast Guard and other vessel that can here you but can not here the vessel in distress will know there is a vessel in distress. Coast Guard may respond and have you relay information. Also find out there position and Number on Board. <br />Since everyone is required to monitor 16 there are several ways to do it. I am not sure if all these ways meet the requirement but here are the ways I know. 1: Just leave it on channel 16. 2: IF your radio has Dual watch or Triple watch make sure one of the channels is 16. 3: If Scaning again make sure you have 16 in the loop. 4: I see lots of Party boats that have a second radio and leave it on 16. OK, OK enough about 16.<br /><br />When you call another boat make sure 16 is clear and no mayday in progress make the call. As soon as your make contact switch to another channel. Non commerical channels in the USA are 9, 68, 69,71,72,78. Many locks and bridges use channel 9 also some areas are useing 9 as a backup calling channel. Channel 68 is likely the most popular channel but it can be pretty busy. Most Marinas, Bait docks, Fuel docks will use 68 so if you can use 1 watt do so. Finding the guest dock to pick up supplies, or the fuel dock to get fuel, or a birth for an over night stay out her in the west I try 68 on 1 watt first. If you want a more privite chat use 69, 71, 72, or 78.<br /><br />Off the coast of Northern California most fisherman are on the Channel 88 (Commerical Ship to Ship). <br /><br />Other channels you may want to learn if you have large ocean going ships in your area are Channels 11, 12, 13, 14. These are for Vessel traffic. Out here one is for Offshore vessel, one for inland vessel. Channel 13 is Bridge to Bridge 1 watt. I am in Sacramento 85 miles inland from San Francisco but we have a narrow ship channel that allow large ships to come to our port. If you meet a ship there good idea to call them on 13 and ask <br />witch side they would like you to pass on. In this channel you will pass the ship with only about 30 feet clearence. Ship will not be able to see you at all when you get within about 500 yards. Passing that close pretty scarry the first time. First thing is you will hit his bow wave and be pushed away but then will be sucked toward the ship when you are along side. after pass the stern again pushed away. Many people get in trouble by going too close to the bank and the ship sucks the water up when along side so can leave your sitting on the mud.<br /><br />You should also know the Coast Guard channels. 22A is likely channel Coast Guard will ask you to go to talk with them. Channel 6 also when real busy. Channel 21, 23, 81, 82 are Coast Guard only. Channe 83 is used for the Coast Guard Aux use.
