A VHF Marine
Radio is an essential piece of equipment in coastal waters. It has many
characteristics which make it preferable to a cell phone, CB Radio, or other
means of communication.
A VHF Marine Radio is an essential piece of
equipment in coastal waters.Marine radio allows instant communication between
your boat and other boats, marinas, bridges, and the United States Coast Guard.
Most VHF Marine Radios also have instant access to NOAA weather forecasts, 24
hours a day.
Using a marine
radio may appear to be pretty straightforward, but you have to know some rules,
procedures and the most important frequencies to fully utilize this critical
communication device.
Using MAYDAY
If you are in distress, use the words MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY to get the
attention of others listening on the channel. "MAYDAY" is to be used
ONLY in an emergency in which the boat and/or persons on board are in imminent
danger of sinking or major injury or death. MAYDAY calls are serious business.
Issuing a MAYDAY call for something not immediately threatening loss of life,
serious injury or loss of property is subject to a $10,000.00 fine.
Important Channels
The Federal Communications Commission established VHF-FM channel 9 as a
supplementary calling channel for noncommercial vessels (recreational boaters)
at the request of the Coast Guard. Radio traffic is monitored by all boats with
radios on and by the Coast Guard on Channel 16. This is known as the distress
frequency. Channel 13 serves as the navigation and piloting channel. Other
important channels include 22A, which is the channel the Coast Guard uses to
broadcast weather warnings, navigational hazards and other vital facts. Storm
warnings and forecasts are also made by NOAA Weather Radio.
Digital Selective Calling (DSC)
DSC protocol is a globally applied system used to send and receive digital
calls. DSC uses a unique Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) number to
direct DSC calls directly to your radio, much like a telephone number. When the
DSC signal is received, the radio quickly switches over to channel 70 and
performs the corresponding operation. DSC radio will send an automated digital distress
signal that consists of your position and your MMSI number to other
DSC-equipped vessels and rescue agencies within VHF radio range.
Licenses
A rule change in 1996 allows U.S. recreational boaters operating in domestic
waters to operate marine VHF, EPIRB’s and Radar without a license. If your boat
will be traveling internationally or communicating with foreign stations, or if
you will operate HF single side band or a marine satellite terminal (such as
INMARSAT) then a license is required. Currently the Inmarsat Organization is
the sole provider of worldwide maritime mobile satellite communications
offering emergency calling capability.
Devang Kakkad is a consumer products reviewer. Check
out his latest blog where he reviews and recommends the best two way radios. He recently published his reviews on Uniden BC72XLT, Midland GXT1050VP4 and Midland 75-822 two way radios.
