Do you monitor your VHF radio while on the water? If so, which channel do you listen to? Do you monitor channel 9, or 16, or do you prefer the local traffic control often available in crowded commercial waterways? Is the chatter of the radio more than you can stand? Broadcast your opinion here, then tune into the Quick Quiz at the bottom of the home page.
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ALWAYS
Sailing on the Southern Chesapeake Bay can be interesting with numerous deep water shipping channels, lots of commercial and military ships, and not a few fellow pleasure sailors. I keep my fixed VHF on Ch16 (w/ external speaker on in cockpit) all the time. When I'm near the shipping channels, I put my handheld on Ch13 in order to hear/talk to deep draft vessels. While I know I need to keep clear of vessels constrained by draft, a lot of them don't know I know (uh oh, this is getting complicated!), so monitoring Ch13 and hailing ships/tug-tows in potential crossing situations keeps them happy and improves everyones situational awareness. Overkill? Maybe, but it works for me. Tim (S/V "TIDE") PS: Just in case there are some out there who don't know, unless the rules have recently changed, IF you have your VHF "ON" you are required to maintain a watch on Ch16. You may be the only one to hear a weak distress call.
Sailing on the Southern Chesapeake Bay can be interesting with numerous deep water shipping channels, lots of commercial and military ships, and not a few fellow pleasure sailors. I keep my fixed VHF on Ch16 (w/ external speaker on in cockpit) all the time. When I'm near the shipping channels, I put my handheld on Ch13 in order to hear/talk to deep draft vessels. While I know I need to keep clear of vessels constrained by draft, a lot of them don't know I know (uh oh, this is getting complicated!), so monitoring Ch13 and hailing ships/tug-tows in potential crossing situations keeps them happy and improves everyones situational awareness. Overkill? Maybe, but it works for me. Tim (S/V "TIDE") PS: Just in case there are some out there who don't know, unless the rules have recently changed, IF you have your VHF "ON" you are required to maintain a watch on Ch16. You may be the only one to hear a weak distress call.
radio chatter
We try to monitor 13 and 16 but sometimes the nonsense chatter is more than we can bear! I come from a profession where radio discipline is expected and enforced and find the situation on marine VHF distracting, disappointing and sometimes dangerous! I'm sure I'm preaching to the choir as the offenders are over at the junior powerboat forum. I’m hoping for the DSC thing to take off and relieve some of that noise! Is it me? No matter how many times coast guard says “16 is an hailing and distress channel only” people continue to look for radio checks and talk with their buddies. It seems to me that this has to lead to more government intrusion and licensing… Which is just going to be another way to extract money from the boating elite!!
Scott
We try to monitor 13 and 16 but sometimes the nonsense chatter is more than we can bear! I come from a profession where radio discipline is expected and enforced and find the situation on marine VHF distracting, disappointing and sometimes dangerous! I'm sure I'm preaching to the choir as the offenders are over at the junior powerboat forum. I’m hoping for the DSC thing to take off and relieve some of that noise! Is it me? No matter how many times coast guard says “16 is an hailing and distress channel only” people continue to look for radio checks and talk with their buddies. It seems to me that this has to lead to more government intrusion and licensing… Which is just going to be another way to extract money from the boating elite!!
ScottMultiple Channels
I can set my VHF to scan WX, 16 and one other channel. I monitor CH 78 because that is the channel used by the NSHSA. The vote should allow more than one choice, even if scanning radios are not the majority.
I can set my VHF to scan WX, 16 and one other channel. I monitor CH 78 because that is the channel used by the NSHSA. The vote should allow more than one choice, even if scanning radios are not the majority.
Scanning
I'm the same as Jay, scanning multiple channels, usually 16, 9, and WX. Although the background chatter (latest fishing activity, check out the girls on that boat, where to go to dinner,...) gets annoying, I'd like to think that if I have problems, someone close will be listening. The noise bothers the Mrs more than me, she like the boat 'cause it's QUIET. T J
I'm the same as Jay, scanning multiple channels, usually 16, 9, and WX. Although the background chatter (latest fishing activity, check out the girls on that boat, where to go to dinner,...) gets annoying, I'd like to think that if I have problems, someone close will be listening. The noise bothers the Mrs more than me, she like the boat 'cause it's QUIET. T J
Sometimes It's A Good Thing
We monitor 9 and 16 when on the water. Occasionally there have been distress calls which were near us although we weren't able to help if no one else came we could have. Also, when sailing overnight it is soothing to hear the chatter especially when a big ship is in the "right thick a" fog and calls out to you inquiring which direction you are heading thus avoiding collision.
We monitor 9 and 16 when on the water. Occasionally there have been distress calls which were near us although we weren't able to help if no one else came we could have. Also, when sailing overnight it is soothing to hear the chatter especially when a big ship is in the "right thick a" fog and calls out to you inquiring which direction you are heading thus avoiding collision.
bad vhf reception
most places in ak have bad vhf reception due to mountions, i tend to use ssb more
most places in ak have bad vhf reception due to mountions, i tend to use ssb more
Sounds like CB
I monitor channel 16 until I can't stand it any longer. We have people that call and call and call! They try to find their friends, one at a time, and sound like a bunch of CB'ers (You got your ears on?) After I turn off the VHF, sailing is what it should be...QUIET! Ken Palmer, S/V Liberty
I monitor channel 16 until I can't stand it any longer. We have people that call and call and call! They try to find their friends, one at a time, and sound like a bunch of CB'ers (You got your ears on?) After I turn off the VHF, sailing is what it should be...QUIET! Ken Palmer, S/V Liberty
CB it is !
We're far from any saltwater so the marine channels have been pirated by individuals for various uses much like CB. The FCC only seems to protect CH16. Various other channels are being used for surveying, farming, plumbers, grocery shopping, etc. Marine radios are cheap and plentiful and enforcement is non-existant. Another interesting development is Marine Radar mounted on top of trucks and vans to chase tornados. Marine Radar isn't really very good for weather tracking but again, it's available at a decent price. Ken S/V WouffHong
We're far from any saltwater so the marine channels have been pirated by individuals for various uses much like CB. The FCC only seems to protect CH16. Various other channels are being used for surveying, farming, plumbers, grocery shopping, etc. Marine radios are cheap and plentiful and enforcement is non-existant. Another interesting development is Marine Radar mounted on top of trucks and vans to chase tornados. Marine Radar isn't really very good for weather tracking but again, it's available at a decent price. Ken S/V WouffHong
Monitoring VHF
I monitor VHF ch 14, and 16 here in Puget Sound. Chan 14 is the VTS channel, and you can hear the controller inform the routine vessels (ferries, sight seeing, etc!) of the approaching traffic. I then know which direction to look for a tug and tow, or a freighter, and also which of the 'routine boats' to look for. Chan 16 is self explanitory. I keep a hand held at the helm to communicate with any commercial vessels on 13. As with others mates, my wife doesn't like hearing all the "noise"!
I monitor VHF ch 14, and 16 here in Puget Sound. Chan 14 is the VTS channel, and you can hear the controller inform the routine vessels (ferries, sight seeing, etc!) of the approaching traffic. I then know which direction to look for a tug and tow, or a freighter, and also which of the 'routine boats' to look for. Chan 16 is self explanitory. I keep a hand held at the helm to communicate with any commercial vessels on 13. As with others mates, my wife doesn't like hearing all the "noise"!
VHF Monitoring
I use my radio's scan function to monitor the most commonly used channels. Sometimes the conversations are entertaining, other times informative, especially when some boat has an emergency. The Coast Guard stations nearby keep the CB type chitchat to a minimum.
I use my radio's scan function to monitor the most commonly used channels. Sometimes the conversations are entertaining, other times informative, especially when some boat has an emergency. The Coast Guard stations nearby keep the CB type chitchat to a minimum.
Yes, I do monitor 16
I keep a handheld on in the cockpit and it is on whenever we are underway. When we go any distance other than a day sail, I turn on the ship's radio and monitor 16 with the aerial off the mast. Both radio's can monitor more than 1 channel, but unless I'm in company with another boat and we're talking on 68 or 72, I leave it on 16. It drives me crazy that the Coast Guard wants you to call for a radio check on 9. I never been able to find anyone who is monitoring 9 in our area!! So, whats the point of calling for a radio check on 9 when no one is listening???
I keep a handheld on in the cockpit and it is on whenever we are underway. When we go any distance other than a day sail, I turn on the ship's radio and monitor 16 with the aerial off the mast. Both radio's can monitor more than 1 channel, but unless I'm in company with another boat and we're talking on 68 or 72, I leave it on 16. It drives me crazy that the Coast Guard wants you to call for a radio check on 9. I never been able to find anyone who is monitoring 9 in our area!! So, whats the point of calling for a radio check on 9 when no one is listening???
Safety Discussion
I always have the VHF on to 16. If for no other reason, it allows those on the boat that are new to sailing to hear the received messages and open discussions on what should and should not be said on the air. They also can get a feel for what to say if the need ever arises to make a broadcast themselves. The discussions almost always include the recommendation for taking the USPS boating safety course.
I always have the VHF on to 16. If for no other reason, it allows those on the boat that are new to sailing to hear the received messages and open discussions on what should and should not be said on the air. They also can get a feel for what to say if the need ever arises to make a broadcast themselves. The discussions almost always include the recommendation for taking the USPS boating safety course.
CH 16 Nazis
...thats what Seinfeld would call them anyway! I agree with Bill Hendrick, a radio check on CH.9 is as futile as it seems to get. Many innapropiate callers on CH 16 get headed off by candy coated "do gooders". Some people seem to love to take this as an opportunity to exercise their latent desires in order to verbally abuse other boaters. This is done under the guise of "Helping the common good." I think it gives the abusor a buzz of feeling superior. ANNOYING! I personally can not stomache this activity. It is the Coast Guard's job to take of this. Many a novice boater fall prey to the abusive on the marine radio. Help is not helpful, if it is abusive! Plain and Simple. I think this and many other abuses cause me and I dare say a lot of others a great deal of frustration of keeping the VHS actively monitoring CH 16. It has it's drawbacks like anything else. However, common sense and courtesy go a long way in making boating more enjoyable. Not to mention, it may even save us a few bucks for the cost of legislation. repectfully, attempting to practice what I ....... Mike DiMario s/v Serenity
...thats what Seinfeld would call them anyway! I agree with Bill Hendrick, a radio check on CH.9 is as futile as it seems to get. Many innapropiate callers on CH 16 get headed off by candy coated "do gooders". Some people seem to love to take this as an opportunity to exercise their latent desires in order to verbally abuse other boaters. This is done under the guise of "Helping the common good." I think it gives the abusor a buzz of feeling superior. ANNOYING! I personally can not stomache this activity. It is the Coast Guard's job to take of this. Many a novice boater fall prey to the abusive on the marine radio. Help is not helpful, if it is abusive! Plain and Simple. I think this and many other abuses cause me and I dare say a lot of others a great deal of frustration of keeping the VHS actively monitoring CH 16. It has it's drawbacks like anything else. However, common sense and courtesy go a long way in making boating more enjoyable. Not to mention, it may even save us a few bucks for the cost of legislation. repectfully, attempting to practice what I ....... Mike DiMario s/v Serenity
Channel 16 most of the time
I'll turn it on when I go out on the weekends but usually don't bother during weekdays since there's nobody out there to hear. I do love listening on major summer holidays though - all the chit chat gets briskly swept away by CG but every once in a while there's a gem. Once a drunk got on
I'll turn it on when I go out on the weekends but usually don't bother during weekdays since there's nobody out there to hear. I do love listening on major summer holidays though - all the chit chat gets briskly swept away by CG but every once in a while there's a gem. Once a drunk got on
Is there no one else!
Monday afternoon I was out on the lake when we heard "Pan, Pan, Pan, this is the *****, a 26' Regal with engine failure. Need help" broadcast on channel 16. I told a friend with me that it was unusual to hear a pan,pan,pan message. When I answered that we were the S/V Valjean his response was, "Isn't there anyone else out here!" After a quick scan of the lake I told him I saw no one else and that we would be there shortly. I guess he was ready to take "any port in the storm". I think that he was happy to see that the S/V Valjean was 10' longer that his lifeless Regal. We lashed his boat alongside our starboard side and motored him about two miles back to his dock. I am now looking for two small red powerboat decals to put on each side of the cabin trunk. What a day! A stick and rag guys hauls in a less than grateful gass passer!
Monday afternoon I was out on the lake when we heard "Pan, Pan, Pan, this is the *****, a 26' Regal with engine failure. Need help" broadcast on channel 16. I told a friend with me that it was unusual to hear a pan,pan,pan message. When I answered that we were the S/V Valjean his response was, "Isn't there anyone else out here!" After a quick scan of the lake I told him I saw no one else and that we would be there shortly. I guess he was ready to take "any port in the storm". I think that he was happy to see that the S/V Valjean was 10' longer that his lifeless Regal. We lashed his boat alongside our starboard side and motored him about two miles back to his dock. I am now looking for two small red powerboat decals to put on each side of the cabin trunk. What a day! A stick and rag guys hauls in a less than grateful gass passer!
Ken, You are the Man!
Sort of like the little 'Kill Markings' fighter planes have? I love it! Seemed too good. I hope you got a photo, or someone else did...
Sort of like the little 'Kill Markings' fighter planes have? I love it! Seemed too good. I hope you got a photo, or someone else did...
NEW C.G. RULES
Just read in the paper that the CG has given up the ghost on requiring radio checks on Ch9. They (supposedly) will no longer "gig" vessels requesting radio checks on Ch16. Chief reason given is that (DUH) no one was complying! Smooth sailing Tim (S/V "TIDE")
Just read in the paper that the CG has given up the ghost on requiring radio checks on Ch9. They (supposedly) will no longer "gig" vessels requesting radio checks on Ch16. Chief reason given is that (DUH) no one was complying! Smooth sailing Tim (S/V "TIDE")
I Monitor 16 and 13...sometimes 9
and then when I'm rendezvousing with others I'll monitor that channel (i.e 68,72,78, etc). It is no problem with scanning on the Horizon Spectrum and a remote RAM mike....I too often get sick of the chatter on busy weekends and then I cut down the scanning to only a few channels.(or just 16) I know all about the CG trying to "suggest" we use channels other than 16 for Radio Checks. As someone said earlier, it isn't working, But the CG can only "suggest" how we use the VHF and frequencies on it. It is the FCC that is the governing and *enforcing* body of the airwaves, but it seems they have left the burden of policing the airwaves to the CG. BTW -- Why doesn't the CG and the FCC promote/accelerate the use of DSC. If it starts getting used in earnest it will help to aleviate a lot of extraneous chatter on the radio.....I'm all for its early adoption.
and then when I'm rendezvousing with others I'll monitor that channel (i.e 68,72,78, etc). It is no problem with scanning on the Horizon Spectrum and a remote RAM mike....I too often get sick of the chatter on busy weekends and then I cut down the scanning to only a few channels.(or just 16) I know all about the CG trying to "suggest" we use channels other than 16 for Radio Checks. As someone said earlier, it isn't working, But the CG can only "suggest" how we use the VHF and frequencies on it. It is the FCC that is the governing and *enforcing* body of the airwaves, but it seems they have left the burden of policing the airwaves to the CG. BTW -- Why doesn't the CG and the FCC promote/accelerate the use of DSC. If it starts getting used in earnest it will help to aleviate a lot of extraneous chatter on the radio.....I'm all for its early adoption.
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