Proper VHF etiquette and use

[Mike G.]

Over the years, I have periodically found some good articles on the proper etiquette and use of VHF radios. A few of them were well laid out and clearly spell out what to do in an emergency. I wish I had saved one to copy and laminate for easy reference. It would be nice to have it handy near the radio for emergency situations when one is not thinking clearly.

If anyone knows of one, please lead me to it.

Or, maybe Phil would like to make a nice one and sell it on the chandlery. I'd buy it! Three easy payments plus shipping and handling!

Mike

 

[sailingdog]

While it is from a powerboat magazine site, this article may be of use to you.

LINK

Please note, the article is very basic, and doesn't go into the use of DSC-equipped radios for distress calls... but in an emergency, just flipping the safety cover up and holding the big red button down will generally do the trick if the person doesn't know anything else at all about radios, doesn't speak english or is other wise incapable of speaking. Hopefully, the GPS is connected and the DSC-capable radio will send out the Lat/Lon information with the distress call when the big red button is pushed.

 

[newly anonymous]

here in the SF Bay...

...there seems to be a direct reverse correlation between those who understand how to call a proper mayday and those who actually find themselves in distress. Those who need help have no idea how to secure it, while those who know how to secure it never seem to need it.

Ironic, eh? But by all means learn the proper form--it seems that's the best insurance against ever finding yourself in a position of distress.

 

[Ken Palmer]

DSC Radios and GPS Receivers

but in an emergency, just flipping the safety cover up and holding the big red button down will generally do the trick if the person doesn't know anything else at all about radios, doesn't speak english or is other wise incapable of speaking. Hopefully, the GPS is connected and the DSC-capable radio will send out the Lat/Lon information with the distress call when the big red button is pushed.

Your new DSC Radio won't send anything out when you press the red button under the flap unless you obtain and load your MMSI number, available free for Boat US members or for a fee by following the instructions with the radio.

As for adding your GPS, that seems to be a daunting task for a few people. Not that difficult, but I have to ask why are the Marine Radio manufacturers NOT building the GPS chip INSIDE the radio? This is a low cost and simple alternative to wiring it up seperately. I retired from a radio manufacturer that sells VHF radios to the military and they have embeded that feature for years. The technology is there for all to use.

Also, have the GPS manufacturers figured out that most laptops DO NOT have a serial port? Having to buy a USB adapter is just another gaget you must buy to use your GPS with a PC for uploading charts, etc.

Sorry for venting... Ken

 

[Jim]

I like to ask for a Radio check on Ch 16

and have people yell at me!

You know it is working when they start yelling.

 

[Mike G.]

I found a rather informative site

I found this site: http://www.coastalsailing.net/Cruising/Seamanship/Radio/RadioBasics.html

It has a lot of info. I think I will summarize it and keep a copy near the radio.

Although, Jim's idea of using channel 16 is pretty good. Always nice to hear a friendly voice on the radio. It's similar to going to the casino and having the guy next to you at the black jack table screaming "Hey --**** Why did you pull that card. You should have held!"

Mike

 

[sailingdog]

Ken—

If they haven't gotten an MMSI number for their DSC-capable VHF radio, they probably shouldn't be out on the water. The reason for getting a DSC capable radio is to make sending a distress signal by an untrained person simpler....

BTW, if you're going to be going out of domestic US waters, or getting an SSB, don't get the MMSI from BoatUS. Get it from the FCC when you apply for your ship's station license and restricted radio operator's license—both of which you'd need for SSB or foreign operation any ways.

Your new DSC Radio won't send anything out when you press the red button under the flap unless you obtain and load your MMSI number, available free for Boat US members or for a fee by following the instructions with the radio.

As for adding your GPS, that seems to be a daunting task for a few people. Not that difficult, but I have to ask why are the Marine Radio manufacturers NOT building the GPS chip INSIDE the radio? This is a low cost and simple alternative to wiring it up seperately. I retired from a radio manufacturer that sells VHF radios to the military and they have embeded that feature for years. The technology is there for all to use.

Also, have the GPS manufacturers figured out that most laptops DO NOT have a serial port? Having to buy a USB adapter is just another gaget you must buy to use your GPS with a PC for uploading charts, etc.

Sorry for venting... Ken

 

[Brian D]

A DSC capable radio is not a requirement for sailing or boating. I fear that too many tech savvy people will depend on tech savvy equipment to save their hide. One must understand the fundamental of proper radio procedures before one is allowed on the water. To hell with high tech crap on the boats. Learn the basics.

Just my 2¢ worth.

Mike G. if you want to read an interesting exchange on the radio, check out this post.

 

[Bill Roosa]

Dito SailDog

My Raymarine VHF manual clearly states that you only get two trys at your MMSI. That means if there is one in there now your new one is your last. So as Saildog pointed out get yours from the FCC if you plan on going outside US waters.

 

[knowitall]

Some good posts here - hope all take it seriously.

A DSC capable radio is not a requirement for sailing or boating. I fear that too many tech savvy people will depend on tech savvy equipment to save their hide. One must understand the fundamental of proper radio procedures before one is allowed on the water. To hell with high tech crap on the boats. Learn the basics.

Just my 2¢ worth.

Mike G. if you want to read an interesting exchange on the radio, check out this post.

In Canada, you must have a "Restricted Operators Licence" (requires study, memorizing the international alpha and numeric names, passing the exam with a 70% mark) before you use a VHF radio. There are fines for operating a VHF radio without this operators licence.
If travelling into international waters, you also require a "Station Licence" (same as USA)

 

[Benny]

Brian, DSC is no longer considered high tech. A DSC message travels farther than voice and uses a frequency with less traffic to help insure that your properly formated SOS message is received by the nearest USCG station. If paired to your GPS or chartplotter it can also transmit your current position. So many experienced sailors have given the coordinates of their destination instead of their position as under pressure they mistook the GPS reading. I agree that everyone should know the basis to be able to handle the situation in case of failure. I'm usually one of the last to acquire any technology as the equipment needs to wear out before I'll consider replacement, but even I now have a DSC radio thanks to a short in my old one.

 

[Brian D]

Understood and agree, Benny. However, I must state that DSC is technology like programming a VCR. Just read some of the posts here about the pitfalls of not programming the radio correctly. Then, how does one test to ensure their DSC coded device is functioning correctly? Also, if I may, what happens if I hear a distress call and the guy on the other ends says, "hell, I don't know, I am using DSC. Can't you decode me?" I know these are what ifs, but...

You made a good point, Benny.

 

[Rick]

I just have one thing to say. Hopefull the DSC message doesnt say "over" at the end of the transmission. Trust me after 28 years of talking on the radio, NOTHING says "rookie" better than "over" when you talk

Cheers

 

[Ron20324]

Most marine stores and marina chandleries have a plastic card with VHF basics on it. West catalog page 1246, for several types.

 

[Ken Palmer]

Then, how does one test to ensure their DSC coded device is functioning correctly? Also, if I may, what happens if I hear a distress call and the guy on the other ends says, "hell, I don't know, I am using DSC. Can't you decode me?" I know these are what ifs, but...

You would be surprised at the number of boaters that have DSC radios and have not applied for their MMSI number. A few of us at the yacht club have programmed our DSC radios and use the "calling" feature to hail one another. You just go to your address list, select the person you want to call, go to the channel that you want to chat on, and press to call. The signal goes out on channel 70 (reserved for only digital calling), and if the receiving station has their radio on, it will automatically respond, change his channel to the one you selected, and beep both radios. No more calling on channel 16... How great is that?

That is the way we test our installation. This year our club is going to publish the member's MMSI number in the annual membership directory, and we will have the capability to call individuals or "all call".

I believe that all new marine VHF radios on the market must have DSC capability. That means that when you update that old radio, you can replace it with one that doesn't cost an arm and a leg.

 

[knowitall]

Right - when you are at the end of the transmission - you say "OUT"

I just have one thing to say. Hopefull the DSC message doesnt say "over" at the end of the transmission. Trust me after 28 years of talking on the radio, NOTHING says "rookie" better than "over" when you talk

Cheers

(nm)

 

[sailingdog]

DSC can be used for a lot of different purposes...

For instance, if you and a buddy are fishing in a tournament, and he wants to know where you're located, you can send him your position via DSC-equipped radio and only his radio will grab the lat/lon information from the DSC channel because it'll be tagged with his MMSI—so all the other radios will ignore it.

 

[Bill Roosa]

more etquiette

After sailing the Chesapeake Bay for a few years now I can certainly say the following speed up things for the coast guard during an emergency
On initial contact state the following:
Number of adults and children on board and in the water.
That you have doned your PFD.
The position in lat/long in the xx degrees, xx.x min N/S Lat, xxx degrees, xx.x min E/W long. Note the three x-es on the long degrees and the use of decimal minutes not seconds. Add 0s to get three digits.
The type and color of your boat and any distinguishing marks. A white sailboat is not very helpful but a white sailboat with blue boot stripe is.
And most importantly, be specific about what you require. A high capacity bilge pump, cardiac kit...... When the young dudes in the speed boats take off they ain't coming back so if they can throw the needed equipment on the boat you have a better chance of saving lives and property. For the record the USCG makes saving lives take president to saving property.

This also begs the question; what equipment does the USCG stock on board its water craft in your area and what is optional stuff. Can make a good club outing to tour the local USCG servicing your cruising grounds.

 

[Mike B]

Re: Right - when you are at the end of the transmission - you say "OUT"

I'm always amused at the rookies who holler "Breaker 16" when hailing someone. I'm always tempted to respond with a "Good Buddy" comment.