Nowadays most sailors have either a portable or an installed VHF radio on their boats. Unfortunately, it's not uncommon to hear many boaters misuse this valuable piece of equipment. Some ask for radio checks on Channel 16; others chat away without seeming to care that they're jamming an emergency hailing channel; and some boaters just seem to keep their thumbs on the transmit button forever. Has this happened to you? Do you routinely turn your VHF radio on and monitor Channel 16 whenever you sail? How, and under what circumstances, do you conduct radio checks? Do you only use the VHF for emergency messages? Have you ever heard, or had to send, a Mayday message? Has the use of your VHF ever resulted in your being able to provide, or receive, emergency assistance? Tell us about your radio waves then take the Quick Quiz on the bottom of the home page. (Quiz by Warren Milberg)
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Sweet 16
I have used channel 16 for a mayday call when the Marina was caught in a surprize front with 40-50 knt winds. Four boats were blown on the rocks inside the Marina, and three were blown up on the beach. My cal 20 was going faster than it ever has gone on just the main, but I couldn't get stopped. If I turned into the wind I got blown backwards, I didn't even want to try to go on a run in that wind so I went back and forth on a beam reach until the life guard boat could handle the life threating maydays and get to me to pull me into the wind so I could get my motor out of the locker and drop it in the motor well. I also ocassionally do a radio check on 16, if I'm singlehanding to Catalina. I don't know if my hand held radio is being heard from 20 miles out.
I have used channel 16 for a mayday call when the Marina was caught in a surprize front with 40-50 knt winds. Four boats were blown on the rocks inside the Marina, and three were blown up on the beach. My cal 20 was going faster than it ever has gone on just the main, but I couldn't get stopped. If I turned into the wind I got blown backwards, I didn't even want to try to go on a run in that wind so I went back and forth on a beam reach until the life guard boat could handle the life threating maydays and get to me to pull me into the wind so I could get my motor out of the locker and drop it in the motor well. I also ocassionally do a radio check on 16, if I'm singlehanding to Catalina. I don't know if my hand held radio is being heard from 20 miles out.
Several Maydays
I have responded to two maydays directly (one fire and one sinking), and called the Coast Guard to advise for myself after mast failures twice and an engine failure. That's over a lot of years. My take is that Ch 16 is a problem but less on the Left Coast, but still an important component of good seamanship. RD
I have responded to two maydays directly (one fire and one sinking), and called the Coast Guard to advise for myself after mast failures twice and an engine failure. That's over a lot of years. My take is that Ch 16 is a problem but less on the Left Coast, but still an important component of good seamanship. RD
Not fair Rick.
Rick Dinon, You casually breezed through 5 stories that would be good then left me wondering with the last sentence. You may have told these a bunch of times but, any one or more stories would be great. #1 the fire #2 the sinking #3 the first demasting #4 the second demasting #5 an explaination of you last sentence of your post. Thanks r.w.landau
Rick Dinon, You casually breezed through 5 stories that would be good then left me wondering with the last sentence. You may have told these a bunch of times but, any one or more stories would be great. #1 the fire #2 the sinking #3 the first demasting #4 the second demasting #5 an explaination of you last sentence of your post. Thanks r.w.landau
Not bad here
On most days it's ok here...maybe only once or twice a day we get a nucklehead wanting to talk. As far as me...well..it's embarrasing but my first time out here in Kemah, I got stuck and had to call for a tow. I found the one place in the mouth of Galveston Bay where it gets below 6'. To top it all off, it was dark and I was surrounded by shallow water. I was able to get off the first mound but of course the wind just blew me deeper into it before I could get turned around. It took the tow boat 2.5 hours to get me out. That was an expensive lesson in knowing your area well. The depth meter never read anything less then 12 until it was too late.
On most days it's ok here...maybe only once or twice a day we get a nucklehead wanting to talk. As far as me...well..it's embarrasing but my first time out here in Kemah, I got stuck and had to call for a tow. I found the one place in the mouth of Galveston Bay where it gets below 6'. To top it all off, it was dark and I was surrounded by shallow water. I was able to get off the first mound but of course the wind just blew me deeper into it before I could get turned around. It took the tow boat 2.5 hours to get me out. That was an expensive lesson in knowing your area well. The depth meter never read anything less then 12 until it was too late.
Always scanning
I never leave the dock without the VHF on and scanning channels 9,13,16, and occaisionally channel 22. My radio will even monitor the weather channel in case of alert. 9- That's the primary hailing frequency in these parts. 13- It's nice to know what the "Big Boys" are doing. 16 - Hailing and Distress monitoring 22- sort of an addition to 16 Since I generally sail midweek, I usually don't have to put up with the kind of clutter you get on weekends. I am reluctant to admit though, when the clutter gets high, I usually turn the volume way down or shut off the radio. If I may impart a couple of "suggestions" concerning the use of your unit: 1. NEVER allow a child on the radio. It may seem cute to you, but it's annoying to others and the radio is not a toy! 2. Be mindfull of where your mic is at all times. How many times have you been unable to hail someone because someone else is sitting on the their mic and holding the key down with their ... well you know. 3. Use 9 & 16 for hailing and establishing contact ONLY and get to another channel ASAP. Think about all those people monitoring those channels who could care less is little Johnny finally learned how to use the marine head, or how big a fish Uncle Joe caught? The radio can be among the most important safety items on your boat. It can also be the most abused!
I never leave the dock without the VHF on and scanning channels 9,13,16, and occaisionally channel 22. My radio will even monitor the weather channel in case of alert. 9- That's the primary hailing frequency in these parts. 13- It's nice to know what the "Big Boys" are doing. 16 - Hailing and Distress monitoring 22- sort of an addition to 16 Since I generally sail midweek, I usually don't have to put up with the kind of clutter you get on weekends. I am reluctant to admit though, when the clutter gets high, I usually turn the volume way down or shut off the radio. If I may impart a couple of "suggestions" concerning the use of your unit: 1. NEVER allow a child on the radio. It may seem cute to you, but it's annoying to others and the radio is not a toy! 2. Be mindfull of where your mic is at all times. How many times have you been unable to hail someone because someone else is sitting on the their mic and holding the key down with their ... well you know. 3. Use 9 & 16 for hailing and establishing contact ONLY and get to another channel ASAP. Think about all those people monitoring those channels who could care less is little Johnny finally learned how to use the marine head, or how big a fish Uncle Joe caught? The radio can be among the most important safety items on your boat. It can also be the most abused!
always
unless I forget to turn the radio on or plug in the antenna when I step the mast. I've occasionally heard idiots trying to use it for chit chat, but the CG in the Puget Sound is always quick to tell them to switch channels or get off. If I'm not mistaken, it's a requirement to monitor 16 if you have a VHF.
unless I forget to turn the radio on or plug in the antenna when I step the mast. I've occasionally heard idiots trying to use it for chit chat, but the CG in the Puget Sound is always quick to tell them to switch channels or get off. If I'm not mistaken, it's a requirement to monitor 16 if you have a VHF.
Radio is always on
Like Ernie, scan 9, 16,22 all the time. Made one Mayday call to save a life last year. Get upset with the Coast Guard when they get after someone for requesting radio check on Ch16. Good grif no one listens to Ch9 to get a check. Not sure if the Coast Guard listens to Ch9? Oh Well, got into the water this weekend and life is GOOD... Jim S/V Java
Like Ernie, scan 9, 16,22 all the time. Made one Mayday call to save a life last year. Get upset with the Coast Guard when they get after someone for requesting radio check on Ch16. Good grif no one listens to Ch9 to get a check. Not sure if the Coast Guard listens to Ch9? Oh Well, got into the water this weekend and life is GOOD... Jim S/V Java
Most essential piece of safety equipment
My VHF saved the day when I needed medical assistance at 3AM in the Bahamas. A bartender on a nearby island responded to my call, made a land line call to a doctor on another island and relayed information to diagnose appendicitis in my crewmember and determine a course of action. BATELCO was not in the cell phone business that morning, even though we had two on board. I was once called and warned by a nearby local boater that the course I was on would not support my draft. Thanks, guys. What is the official policy on getting a radio check? I don't unerstand why checking your most essential piece of emergency equipment is considered offensive by some.
My VHF saved the day when I needed medical assistance at 3AM in the Bahamas. A bartender on a nearby island responded to my call, made a land line call to a doctor on another island and relayed information to diagnose appendicitis in my crewmember and determine a course of action. BATELCO was not in the cell phone business that morning, even though we had two on board. I was once called and warned by a nearby local boater that the course I was on would not support my draft. Thanks, guys. What is the official policy on getting a radio check? I don't unerstand why checking your most essential piece of emergency equipment is considered offensive by some.
Always on...
I always monitor 16 when I am out of the slip. With the new Homeland Security rules, it is a requirement to monitor 16, and the CG has been cracking down on this. In addition, I also monitor 14, as this it VTS in this area. Only had to use 16 once for an emergency...a couple of jet skiers ran out of gas and were in danger of washing up on the breakwater. I called the Harbor Patrol, and had a line out to them in no time. As for chit-chat and radio checks, it really is annoying hear this going on 16. The proper way to do a radio check on 16 is to hail a vessel, request a channel switch and then do the radio check.
I always monitor 16 when I am out of the slip. With the new Homeland Security rules, it is a requirement to monitor 16, and the CG has been cracking down on this. In addition, I also monitor 14, as this it VTS in this area. Only had to use 16 once for an emergency...a couple of jet skiers ran out of gas and were in danger of washing up on the breakwater. I called the Harbor Patrol, and had a line out to them in no time. As for chit-chat and radio checks, it really is annoying hear this going on 16. The proper way to do a radio check on 16 is to hail a vessel, request a channel switch and then do the radio check.
Yes to both
The questions this poll asked implies that the only time I use it is to call another marina or boat or I tune in every time I go out. In my case, actually both things are true. I monitor (tune in) to 16 all the time, but I only use it to hail another marina or boat. lately my friends and I try to pre arrange a channel to hail on when we know we are going to be out on the water and many marinas in my area are monitoring 16 and 9 for marina radio traffic.
The questions this poll asked implies that the only time I use it is to call another marina or boat or I tune in every time I go out. In my case, actually both things are true. I monitor (tune in) to 16 all the time, but I only use it to hail another marina or boat. lately my friends and I try to pre arrange a channel to hail on when we know we are going to be out on the water and many marinas in my area are monitoring 16 and 9 for marina radio traffic.
VHF 9
For the past number of years Upstate NY and VT boaters have been instructed to use VHF channel 9 for hailing other boats and non urgent Coast Guard communications. Channel 16 is dedicated now to "boat to USCG or Police" contact only. Mind you the change to channel 9 has not diminished the annoyance of constant chatter nor improved the quality of the usage!!
For the past number of years Upstate NY and VT boaters have been instructed to use VHF channel 9 for hailing other boats and non urgent Coast Guard communications. Channel 16 is dedicated now to "boat to USCG or Police" contact only. Mind you the change to channel 9 has not diminished the annoyance of constant chatter nor improved the quality of the usage!!
Answers, Mr. Landau...
..actually, there were two near-sinkings, and one real one. The first was nearly my Brother and I in his 24' Skipjack when the stern filled up to the distributor caps because the bait tank thru-hull line had parted. THe second was a new Catalina 28 that had a bad through hull and took water over the floor boards. They were able to keep up with the water long enough for the Avalon patrol to get a gas pump to them off Long Point. I stood by with a buddy boat to help until they arrived. The actual sinking turned out to be about a 30+ foot wood sloop that was, as it turned out, scuttled (unauthorized) near the shipping lanes several miles off L.A. Harbor. Of course, I had no way to know it had been intentional and it was very spooky watching her go down with full sail set. The dismastings were when a tang at the masthead of my O'Day 27 came out of the fitting and when a lower aft shroud turnbuckle parted on my friend's Cat 30. In both cases, we were able to keep the rig up by a fast tack and setting spare halyards, but the masts were bent beyond repair both times. The comment re: CH 16 was in reference to the many comment I have seen regarding unauthorized use of 16 in the NE. We don't get much of that in SoCal, but plenty of abuse on other channels. Mostly profanity and hogging air time on 68/69. Mostly fishermen, pro and otherwise. Rick D.
..actually, there were two near-sinkings, and one real one. The first was nearly my Brother and I in his 24' Skipjack when the stern filled up to the distributor caps because the bait tank thru-hull line had parted. THe second was a new Catalina 28 that had a bad through hull and took water over the floor boards. They were able to keep up with the water long enough for the Avalon patrol to get a gas pump to them off Long Point. I stood by with a buddy boat to help until they arrived. The actual sinking turned out to be about a 30+ foot wood sloop that was, as it turned out, scuttled (unauthorized) near the shipping lanes several miles off L.A. Harbor. Of course, I had no way to know it had been intentional and it was very spooky watching her go down with full sail set. The dismastings were when a tang at the masthead of my O'Day 27 came out of the fitting and when a lower aft shroud turnbuckle parted on my friend's Cat 30. In both cases, we were able to keep the rig up by a fast tack and setting spare halyards, but the masts were bent beyond repair both times. The comment re: CH 16 was in reference to the many comment I have seen regarding unauthorized use of 16 in the NE. We don't get much of that in SoCal, but plenty of abuse on other channels. Mostly profanity and hogging air time on 68/69. Mostly fishermen, pro and otherwise. Rick D.
Usually on
I have my radio on about 95% of the time. I usually scan channels 9, 16, and 68. Why these? Of course, 16 is madatory if you have your radio on. 9 is the secondary CG channel for the East Coast (to offload some of the traffic on 16, which remains the primary emergency channel). 68 is the channel used in the harbor by my launch service. For radio checks, I usually use 68 because the local launches use it and it won't interfere with the emergency channels. I rarely have to request a check, though. I have a hand-held unit that I take with me and call the lauch service for a ride to the mooring, so I already know the radio works fine. I always try to be very careful about knowing where the radio is and making sure the transmit button is secured. It's pretty easy with my hand held unit. I don't find that folks chat much on 9 or 16 in my area. When they do the CG is quick to tell them to switch channels. I have more problems with folks chatting on the harbor channel when I need to call for a launch pickup. Fortunately, I haven't yet had to either call for help or respond to an emergency. Brad
I have my radio on about 95% of the time. I usually scan channels 9, 16, and 68. Why these? Of course, 16 is madatory if you have your radio on. 9 is the secondary CG channel for the East Coast (to offload some of the traffic on 16, which remains the primary emergency channel). 68 is the channel used in the harbor by my launch service. For radio checks, I usually use 68 because the local launches use it and it won't interfere with the emergency channels. I rarely have to request a check, though. I have a hand-held unit that I take with me and call the lauch service for a ride to the mooring, so I already know the radio works fine. I always try to be very careful about knowing where the radio is and making sure the transmit button is secured. It's pretty easy with my hand held unit. I don't find that folks chat much on 9 or 16 in my area. When they do the CG is quick to tell them to switch channels. I have more problems with folks chatting on the harbor channel when I need to call for a launch pickup. Fortunately, I haven't yet had to either call for help or respond to an emergency. Brad
Scan it
My radio can scan programmed channels. I usually include Channel 16 in that scan so I can be aware of what might be going on. I also have heard many boaters respectfully "remind" other boater when they are conversing on 16 that it is an emergency hailing channel (likewise for Channel 9 in the Northeast).
My radio can scan programmed channels. I usually include Channel 16 in that scan so I can be aware of what might be going on. I also have heard many boaters respectfully "remind" other boater when they are conversing on 16 that it is an emergency hailing channel (likewise for Channel 9 in the Northeast).
Children and VHF
I absolutely agree with Ernie in that the VHF is not a toy and should not be used as such by children, but I also have made it a point to try and educate my children in it proper use. There exists the very real scenario that I might need to rely on them to make that call, and just like teaching them the proper use of 911, teaching the proper emergency use of the VHF is right up there with MOB drills. As we would never actually call 911 while teaching, the VHF training is done with the radio off. But they do know how to get to 16, that it is for emergencies, and what some of the key information is to relay. T J
I absolutely agree with Ernie in that the VHF is not a toy and should not be used as such by children, but I also have made it a point to try and educate my children in it proper use. There exists the very real scenario that I might need to rely on them to make that call, and just like teaching them the proper use of 911, teaching the proper emergency use of the VHF is right up there with MOB drills. As we would never actually call 911 while teaching, the VHF training is done with the radio off. But they do know how to get to 16, that it is for emergencies, and what some of the key information is to relay. T J
Bridges
Nothing I like better than being under sail and having quiet so I keep the use of my motor and my radio to a minimum. I have both a ships radio and a handheld. Primarily use the handheld and turn it on when approaching bridges or when we are sailing with other boats who may want to hail us. Even then, near shore, we are more likely to communicate via cell phone. That said, we were about six miles offshore of Treasure Island, FL one and rescued a couple of kids on a wave runner who were out of gas and drifting. We used the radio to meet up with one of the tow boats to come take them from us.
Nothing I like better than being under sail and having quiet so I keep the use of my motor and my radio to a minimum. I have both a ships radio and a handheld. Primarily use the handheld and turn it on when approaching bridges or when we are sailing with other boats who may want to hail us. Even then, near shore, we are more likely to communicate via cell phone. That said, we were about six miles offshore of Treasure Island, FL one and rescued a couple of kids on a wave runner who were out of gas and drifting. We used the radio to meet up with one of the tow boats to come take them from us.
Depends...
Certainly, we use it to obtain a slip for the night and to engage other sailors as needed. As a rule, I don;t keep it on UNLESS the weather looks/turns crappy or we're on a cruise. Then it's always on 'cause you never know when the CG is going to do a notice to mariners or there's a Security from some ship leaving/entering a harbor/port.
Certainly, we use it to obtain a slip for the night and to engage other sailors as needed. As a rule, I don;t keep it on UNLESS the weather looks/turns crappy or we're on a cruise. Then it's always on 'cause you never know when the CG is going to do a notice to mariners or there's a Security from some ship leaving/entering a harbor/port.
Sometimes on
I get irritated by the constant chatter on channel 16. I usually arrange with my friends to monitor a particular channel which I will keep on when sailing. During inclement weather, I will monitor Channel 16 though.
I get irritated by the constant chatter on channel 16. I usually arrange with my friends to monitor a particular channel which I will keep on when sailing. During inclement weather, I will monitor Channel 16 though.
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