I've been on the water some forty years now, so this is nothing new to me, but has anyone else noticed that the improper use of the VHF is on the rise? The jerks who call "Mayday" for fun? Those who leave their mics keyed so we can hear them arguing? Kids singing? And how about the ones who just don't know how to use it? All day long we hear; "Breaker, breaker one six--radio check" or "Mayday! my oil light is on"! Is anyone else getting annoyed? I'm not a stick in the mud, and I'm not big on govt. impossition, but I'm starting to think we need some sort of certification when distress calls are being stepped on by someone who wants to ask where the fish are.
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I agree!
Monitoring 16 on a weekend in the Chesapeake is both funny (it's unbelievable what you hear) and frightening (when you realize how uneducated our fellow boaters are, and if they don't the rules on proper VHF useage what else don't they know?).
Monitoring 16 on a weekend in the Chesapeake is both funny (it's unbelievable what you hear) and frightening (when you realize how uneducated our fellow boaters are, and if they don't the rules on proper VHF useage what else don't they know?).
No Problem Here on the Left Coast
...must be a Right Coast deal ;D Actually, it is annoying when guys, usually charter fishing boat captains around here, babble for hours, using really rough profanity. Wish the FCC was monitoring... I understand the problem is really bad in Florida, huh guys? I do think it's been worse since licensing was scrapped, but that's just an excuse. All people have to do is monitor a VHF for a while, and they should be able to figure it out. Rick D.
...must be a Right Coast deal ;D Actually, it is annoying when guys, usually charter fishing boat captains around here, babble for hours, using really rough profanity. Wish the FCC was monitoring... I understand the problem is really bad in Florida, huh guys? I do think it's been worse since licensing was scrapped, but that's just an excuse. All people have to do is monitor a VHF for a while, and they should be able to figure it out. Rick D.
Steve, I agree...
whole heartdly. My career for thirty years has been around Communications, MARS, Amature, FedEx corp, and Motorola. I have used them, and repaired them for those thirty years. Ever since the CB deregulation by the FCC in the early 80's, all radio professionalism and etiquette seems to have disapated. I may be old fashion, but the use of radios today, seem to be by immature and irresponsible individuals. I remember when I had my first boat, I had to apply to the FCC for a permit to use a VHF radio on my boat, and you HAD to know how to use it. At least when I use the radio, I know that I am using it properly.
whole heartdly. My career for thirty years has been around Communications, MARS, Amature, FedEx corp, and Motorola. I have used them, and repaired them for those thirty years. Ever since the CB deregulation by the FCC in the early 80's, all radio professionalism and etiquette seems to have disapated. I may be old fashion, but the use of radios today, seem to be by immature and irresponsible individuals. I remember when I had my first boat, I had to apply to the FCC for a permit to use a VHF radio on my boat, and you HAD to know how to use it. At least when I use the radio, I know that I am using it properly.
Fishpoop for brains
I'm with you, Ajax! If I hear one more bloody kid call in a mayday (which the coasties must take seriously) I'm gonna lobby for cell phones only on boats that stay within a mile of the beach. Best Regards, Cap. Jim
I'm with you, Ajax! If I hear one more bloody kid call in a mayday (which the coasties must take seriously) I'm gonna lobby for cell phones only on boats that stay within a mile of the beach. Best Regards, Cap. Jim
education in physics
I agree with you folks, it is a problem. This is a slight exageration, but some days it seems that the VHF is only being used by people who want to demonstrate their ignorance for a larger audience. It can be pretty funny, in a sad sort of way. On my first trip down the Chesapeake, in my first boat, we were approaching Kent Island when we saw a barge approaching in the opposite direction. Of course I gave it lots of room, at least 150 yards. Over the radio, though, I could hear the sailboater behind me arguing loudly with the barge captain, screaming about right of way. He said that he had his sails up, so the barge had to clear a path for him. Huh? The barge captain told him in no uncertain terms that this was not going to happen. After all, in the middle of the bay a small sailboat can go for miles in any direction, while the barge needed to stay in the channel. The sailor held his ground, and eventually tempted death by riding over the bow wave of the barge, still yelling about right of way. Not long after that, the CG stepped in and told the sailor to get off the radio and call them on his cell. I certainly hope he got reamed out but good. How long ago did licensing stop, and why? I haven't been on the water long enough to remember anything different than what we have now, but I'm starting to think that something needs to be done differently.
I agree with you folks, it is a problem. This is a slight exageration, but some days it seems that the VHF is only being used by people who want to demonstrate their ignorance for a larger audience. It can be pretty funny, in a sad sort of way. On my first trip down the Chesapeake, in my first boat, we were approaching Kent Island when we saw a barge approaching in the opposite direction. Of course I gave it lots of room, at least 150 yards. Over the radio, though, I could hear the sailboater behind me arguing loudly with the barge captain, screaming about right of way. He said that he had his sails up, so the barge had to clear a path for him. Huh? The barge captain told him in no uncertain terms that this was not going to happen. After all, in the middle of the bay a small sailboat can go for miles in any direction, while the barge needed to stay in the channel. The sailor held his ground, and eventually tempted death by riding over the bow wave of the barge, still yelling about right of way. Not long after that, the CG stepped in and told the sailor to get off the radio and call them on his cell. I certainly hope he got reamed out but good. How long ago did licensing stop, and why? I haven't been on the water long enough to remember anything different than what we have now, but I'm starting to think that something needs to be done differently.
More than "no licensing"
I think there's more to the problem than no more licensing (for recreational users). I personally believe the lower cost in radios contributes to it too. I'm reasonably new to the "boating scene", but I remember the CB heyday. It wasn't non-licensing that was the real problem. That contributed to the real problem. Non-licensing upped interest in the CB's, which encouraged more mass production, which lowered the price. When they hit conusmer throw-away prices, everyone turned idiot it seemed. I know it may sound trite, but there's something to be said about a person's level of "respect" when compared to what they paid for something.
I think there's more to the problem than no more licensing (for recreational users). I personally believe the lower cost in radios contributes to it too. I'm reasonably new to the "boating scene", but I remember the CB heyday. It wasn't non-licensing that was the real problem. That contributed to the real problem. Non-licensing upped interest in the CB's, which encouraged more mass production, which lowered the price. When they hit conusmer throw-away prices, everyone turned idiot it seemed. I know it may sound trite, but there's something to be said about a person's level of "respect" when compared to what they paid for something.
I don't see a problem
I have heard 2 fake Maydays in 10 years of sailing and so what if someone asks for a radio check on 16 instead of 9. I you ask on 9 you might not get one; if you ask on 16 some jerk will yell at you. At least you got your radio check! If you don't like it listen to commerical trafic on 13.
I have heard 2 fake Maydays in 10 years of sailing and so what if someone asks for a radio check on 16 instead of 9. I you ask on 9 you might not get one; if you ask on 16 some jerk will yell at you. At least you got your radio check! If you don't like it listen to commerical trafic on 13.
Another knee jerk reaction
Darn, if stuff isn't working right, why not just legislate or license it? C'mon, here we go again: licensing doesn't prevent stupidity, anymore than it brings back "the good old days." Stu
Darn, if stuff isn't working right, why not just legislate or license it? C'mon, here we go again: licensing doesn't prevent stupidity, anymore than it brings back "the good old days." Stu
My story ...
As I approached the anchorage during the Columbus Day Regatta, I properly called my friend's boat to try to find him. "Sunday Morning, Cuba Libre", no response I tried again "Sunday Morning, Cuba Libre" the Coast Guard came on admonishing me for making political statements....(Sunday Morning, Free Cuba?) I then called "S/V Sunday Morning, this is S/V Cuba Libre" We finally were able to find our friends. In general radio issues are not much of a problem on Biscayne Bay, but then most of the time I can't understand what they are saying!!!! Have a good day, Marc
As I approached the anchorage during the Columbus Day Regatta, I properly called my friend's boat to try to find him. "Sunday Morning, Cuba Libre", no response I tried again "Sunday Morning, Cuba Libre" the Coast Guard came on admonishing me for making political statements....(Sunday Morning, Free Cuba?) I then called "S/V Sunday Morning, this is S/V Cuba Libre" We finally were able to find our friends. In general radio issues are not much of a problem on Biscayne Bay, but then most of the time I can't understand what they are saying!!!! Have a good day, Marc
Enforcement Maybe
I don't think we need more goverment control, we have to much of that already. What we need is stricter enforcement of the present laws, their are presently laws with stiff penalties for misuse of Ch. 16 and for "Prank Mayday's". We, as responsible boaters should do everything we can to help the USCG and local law enforcement to locate and prosecute those that intentionally violate these laws and make the entire Rec. boating community look bad. Charles S/V Destiny "Not all who wander are lost" J.R. Tolken
I don't think we need more goverment control, we have to much of that already. What we need is stricter enforcement of the present laws, their are presently laws with stiff penalties for misuse of Ch. 16 and for "Prank Mayday's". We, as responsible boaters should do everything we can to help the USCG and local law enforcement to locate and prosecute those that intentionally violate these laws and make the entire Rec. boating community look bad. Charles S/V Destiny "Not all who wander are lost" J.R. Tolken
VHF
I'm just guessing, but I think there's much more important stuff going on these days than chasing down boaters who don't use channel 16 properly. Also, to a certain extent, the Cell Phone has changed the way the VHF is used in coastal waters.
I'm just guessing, but I think there's much more important stuff going on these days than chasing down boaters who don't use channel 16 properly. Also, to a certain extent, the Cell Phone has changed the way the VHF is used in coastal waters.
VHF abuse
I recently installed a VHF unit and backed it up with a handheld. The last time I was out on Lake Hartwell, channel 16 was monopolized by two stinkpot skippers as they discussed not just the finer points but, all the points of tuning and servicing a stern drive ski-boat as compared to a bass-boat equipped with twin 250's. The ridiculous part of the story is that from their conversation, they were both tied up at the same marina. After 45 minutes of insanity I turned my fixed mount off and selected weather alert for the handheld. I wonder how long it will be before these knuckleheads figure out how to screw up DSC. Steve Kamp on the H260 "Carolina Girl"
I recently installed a VHF unit and backed it up with a handheld. The last time I was out on Lake Hartwell, channel 16 was monopolized by two stinkpot skippers as they discussed not just the finer points but, all the points of tuning and servicing a stern drive ski-boat as compared to a bass-boat equipped with twin 250's. The ridiculous part of the story is that from their conversation, they were both tied up at the same marina. After 45 minutes of insanity I turned my fixed mount off and selected weather alert for the handheld. I wonder how long it will be before these knuckleheads figure out how to screw up DSC. Steve Kamp on the H260 "Carolina Girl"
This may turn out to be an interesting thread
Capt. Marc, I respectfully disagree with your "proper" use of calling your friend. I'll be interested in what other folks have to say. I was trained that when hailing another boat on 16, the proper way is to call the boats name twice, and not say who is calling, until the called boat responds. So, it should sound like this: "Sunday Morning, Sunday Morning".... "This is Sunday morning". "Sunday Morning this is Cuba Libre. Please go to channel xx." I very seldom hear it done this way, yours is by far the most common. Just thought I'd throw this out to the group and see if it generates any further discussion.
Capt. Marc, I respectfully disagree with your "proper" use of calling your friend. I'll be interested in what other folks have to say. I was trained that when hailing another boat on 16, the proper way is to call the boats name twice, and not say who is calling, until the called boat responds. So, it should sound like this: "Sunday Morning, Sunday Morning".... "This is Sunday morning". "Sunday Morning this is Cuba Libre. Please go to channel xx." I very seldom hear it done this way, yours is by far the most common. Just thought I'd throw this out to the group and see if it generates any further discussion.
Not quite what I understood
It's interesting you responded as you did, I started to say something too, but the way I understand things is slightly different. I understood we're to repeat the name of the vessel we're hailing THREE times, followed by "this is" and the name of our vessel. I've heard this a number of places, but this link says the same thing: http://www.boatsafe.com/nauticalknowhow/radio.htm#okay So, my interpretation is that the proper calling would have been: "Sunday Morning, Sunday Morning, Sunday Morning, this is Cuba Libre, over" I seldom use my radio (I'm still sort of nervous about being a "VHF Knucklehead", but when I do, I've always used the above format, and never had any issues. Doesn't mean much, as I've only used it a dozen times or so. My wife still giggles at the first time I used the radio. We were in Corpus Christi (TX) marina. They were dredging the regular entrances, so you had to exit and enter the marina through the ship channel, and get clearance from the harbor master. I hailed the harbor master, he responded, and I asked for clearance to enter the channel. He said "your clear to go captain, over" That was the first time anyone called me "captain" and wasn't just joking around. I was thrilled. Guess I'm just an overgrown kid.
It's interesting you responded as you did, I started to say something too, but the way I understand things is slightly different. I understood we're to repeat the name of the vessel we're hailing THREE times, followed by "this is" and the name of our vessel. I've heard this a number of places, but this link says the same thing: http://www.boatsafe.com/nauticalknowhow/radio.htm#okay So, my interpretation is that the proper calling would have been: "Sunday Morning, Sunday Morning, Sunday Morning, this is Cuba Libre, over" I seldom use my radio (I'm still sort of nervous about being a "VHF Knucklehead", but when I do, I've always used the above format, and never had any issues. Doesn't mean much, as I've only used it a dozen times or so. My wife still giggles at the first time I used the radio. We were in Corpus Christi (TX) marina. They were dredging the regular entrances, so you had to exit and enter the marina through the ship channel, and get clearance from the harbor master. I hailed the harbor master, he responded, and I asked for clearance to enter the channel. He said "your clear to go captain, over" That was the first time anyone called me "captain" and wasn't just joking around. I was thrilled. Guess I'm just an overgrown kid.
CG Warning
Coast Guard cautions boaters concerning "Mayday" radio checks ALAMEDA, Calif. – The U.S. Coast Guard is strongly urging boaters to refrain from using the internationally recognized distress call "mayday" for any purpose other than emergency calls for assistance. "We’ve recently received several separate mayday calls that were transmitted in a methodical manner and without a sense of urgency, which indicated that some mariners are assuming this is an acceptable way to test radio signals. Nothing could be further from the truth," said Cmdr. David Swatland, the Eleventh Coast Guard District’s chief of search and rescue. "Not only is it against the law to transmit a false mayday, but these false distress calls can place the lives of other mariners in peril because they detract from our ability to respond to actual emergencies." The Coast Guard monitors VHF-FM radio channel 16 for distress calls, but current direction finding equipment makes it difficult to pinpoint the origin of all calls. As part of a project known as Rescue-21, the Coast Guard is performing a nation-wide replacement of its current distress monitoring equipment. Once the project is completed in 2006, the Coast Guard will be able to pinpoint the origin of all distress calls to within plus-or-minus 2-degrees. "Most boaters are responsible and level-headed, and they understand the consequences of transmitting false distress calls," said Vice Adm. Terry Cross, commander of the Coast Guard’s Pacific Area. "There appear to be some boaters who incorrectly assume that it is okay to use the word ‘mayday’ to get the Coast Guard’s attention in non-emergency situations, such as performing radio signal checks. We want these misguided boaters to be aware that this is wrong, and that if they interfere with legitimate search and rescue cases they may place the lives of others in jeopardy and open themselves up to prosecution and stiff penalties." Knowingly and willfully transmitting a false distress call is a felony offense and is punishable by up to six years in prison, a $250,000 fine and restitution to the Coast Guard for all costs incurred responding to the distress. The maximum civil penalty is $5,000. The Coast Guard conducts approximately 40,000 search-and-rescue cases annually, saving approximately 4,000 people and assisting approximately 50,000 others. -USCG-
Coast Guard cautions boaters concerning "Mayday" radio checks ALAMEDA, Calif. – The U.S. Coast Guard is strongly urging boaters to refrain from using the internationally recognized distress call "mayday" for any purpose other than emergency calls for assistance. "We’ve recently received several separate mayday calls that were transmitted in a methodical manner and without a sense of urgency, which indicated that some mariners are assuming this is an acceptable way to test radio signals. Nothing could be further from the truth," said Cmdr. David Swatland, the Eleventh Coast Guard District’s chief of search and rescue. "Not only is it against the law to transmit a false mayday, but these false distress calls can place the lives of other mariners in peril because they detract from our ability to respond to actual emergencies." The Coast Guard monitors VHF-FM radio channel 16 for distress calls, but current direction finding equipment makes it difficult to pinpoint the origin of all calls. As part of a project known as Rescue-21, the Coast Guard is performing a nation-wide replacement of its current distress monitoring equipment. Once the project is completed in 2006, the Coast Guard will be able to pinpoint the origin of all distress calls to within plus-or-minus 2-degrees. "Most boaters are responsible and level-headed, and they understand the consequences of transmitting false distress calls," said Vice Adm. Terry Cross, commander of the Coast Guard’s Pacific Area. "There appear to be some boaters who incorrectly assume that it is okay to use the word ‘mayday’ to get the Coast Guard’s attention in non-emergency situations, such as performing radio signal checks. We want these misguided boaters to be aware that this is wrong, and that if they interfere with legitimate search and rescue cases they may place the lives of others in jeopardy and open themselves up to prosecution and stiff penalties." Knowingly and willfully transmitting a false distress call is a felony offense and is punishable by up to six years in prison, a $250,000 fine and restitution to the Coast Guard for all costs incurred responding to the distress. The maximum civil penalty is $5,000. The Coast Guard conducts approximately 40,000 search-and-rescue cases annually, saving approximately 4,000 people and assisting approximately 50,000 others. -USCG-
In Canada
IIRC a Restricted VHF Operators License is still required by law. When did the US drop their requirement? David
IIRC a Restricted VHF Operators License is still required by law. When did the US drop their requirement? David
Not sure,
but it was probably about the time the republicans took over. They threw it open when the license fee went WAY UP. Problem is, when the crew gets drunk, nobody notices when the kids are singing on the radio. Solution, stick 'em in front of a DVD. Good thing we don't have these problems in the northwest.
but it was probably about the time the republicans took over. They threw it open when the license fee went WAY UP. Problem is, when the crew gets drunk, nobody notices when the kids are singing on the radio. Solution, stick 'em in front of a DVD. Good thing we don't have these problems in the northwest.
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