VHF Protocol. Is there one?

Mar 1, 2012
2,182
1961 Rhodes Meridian 25 Texas coast
As I understand it, boaters are actually supposed to monitor channel 16 at all times. Initial "casual" contact is also made on 16, but then both participants agree to switch to another channel for non-emergency communication. There are specific channels for specific types of communication. Check out
http://www.boatus.org/guide/equipment_19.html
True, with a few exceptions

On the Gulf ICW, between Galveston Texas, ,and New Orleans La, all commercial traffic, and pleasure craft monitor, and operate on Channel 13. They may stand by on ch 16 also,, but no one is using it.
 

JamesG161

SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
Feb 14, 2014
8,019
Hunter 430 Waveland, MS
Here is a summary of an event on Ch16 with the Mobile AL, USCG.
http://forums.sailboatowners.com/index.php?threads/uscg-emergency-response-great.178787/

Adding a bit more to that link...

Automated Radio checks are being done by a towing company. In my area, Ch 27, will actually play back your voice recorded transmission. One thing I get is a reasonable ship-ship range that day. I also learned to talk into the microphone with me facing the wind (low wind noise in mic;)).
Cool service, leaving the Ilk (as Stu Jackson described in that link and all agreed with him) to do Ch16 Radio checks alone.:waycool:
Jim...
 

pateco

.
Aug 12, 2014
2,207
Hunter 31 (1983) Pompano Beach FL
Dumb question. All our local bridges are on CH-9 and race committee uses CH-68 Do most radios automatically monitor CH-16, or should I be switching to 16 when leaving port?
 
May 12, 2004
1,505
Hunter Cherubini 30 New Port Richey
I think most radios automatically switch to ch. 16 upon startup. I just leave mine on 16 when I'm out.
Again, no dumb or stupid questions in this forum.
 

pateco

.
Aug 12, 2014
2,207
Hunter 31 (1983) Pompano Beach FL
I think most radios automatically switch to ch. 16 upon startup. I just leave mine on 16 when I'm out.
Again, no dumb or stupid questions in this forum.
Mine is old enough it has a knob to change channels. I have a handheld that is digital, but it stays on the previous channel when shut off. Maybe I just leave the main one on 16, and use the handheld for bridge access and race committee.
 
Nov 8, 2010
11,386
Beneteau First 36.7 & 260 Minneapolis MN & Bayfield WI
Dumb question. All our local bridges are on CH-9 and race committee uses CH-68 Do most radios automatically monitor CH-16, or should I be switching to 16 when leaving port?
Most radios will have a dual-watch or triple-watch feature that will allow you to scan 2 or 3 selected channels in rapid rotating sequence, and stop on any transmission heard.
 
Jan 4, 2010
1,037
Farr 30 San Francisco
If SF bay you want to listen to 16 12 and 14 12 and 14 tell you what the big ships are doing. 16 is the coast guard telling you whats up.
 
Jun 6, 2006
6,990
currently boatless wishing Harrington Harbor North, MD
Another problem with lack of training is folks think that everybody knows what is going on at the transmitting station. "Hey guy your wake is messing up the race" does little to tell anybody who is talking and who they are intending the message for. with a range of 10+ miles your chances of success doing this way are almost nil. Better to "power boat in the vicinity of mouth of the wazoo river operating at over 15 knots and headed in a northerly direction, you are approaching a group of sailing boats conducting a race. Please reduce speed and control your wake" or better yet use the boat's name. my experience is that is always on the back and they are always pointing at me though
 
Mar 1, 2012
2,182
1961 Rhodes Meridian 25 Texas coast
Min
Dumb question. All our local bridges are on CH-9 and race committee uses CH-68 Do most radios automatically monitor CH-16, or should I be switching to 16 when leaving port?
Mine turns on on what ever channel it was on when it was turned off. Has dual watch though so can monitor two channels
 
May 12, 2004
1,505
Hunter Cherubini 30 New Port Richey
Mine turns on on what ever channel it was on when it was turned off.
Twice this week I've had to correct myself. Need to engage my brain before I put my mouth, (fingers?), in gear. Ignore post #44. Except for the last sentence.
Went to my boat today and checked the VHFs. Both, ship's radio and handheld, revert back to the last channel they were on when last turned off. :redface:
 
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