LARSON Bass - Very High Frequency (VHF) Radio

SAFETY
SECTION
2
© 2003-2018 Ken Cook Co. 2 - 30 l Bass
VERY HIGH FREQUENCY (VHF) RADIO
The VHF radio is used to communicate with others on and off the water. VHF
channel 16 (156.8 MHz) is designated as the international distress, safety and
calling channel and is used to summon rescue services such as the USCG and to
make initial contact with ports, marinas, bridges, locks and other boaters in the
area. Use a VHF radio. The best way to clearly understand and deal with crossing,
overtaking and meeting situations in open water is to communicate with the other
boat on the radio.
The responder may then ask the caller for other information to help the caller. It is
important to remain calm, speak slowly and be succinct. Short and concise
communications are best no matter what the situation is.
Since VHF radios have limited distance line-of-sight (to the horizon) capabilities, it
is important for all boaters receiving the distress call to attempt to render
assistance until the rescue authorities arrive. The very nature of open water
escalates the importance of any distress call. Boaters should always monitor
(listening watch) channel 16 but never use it for casual communications. Assist
others in distress if possible or monitor the situation until help has arrived.
In other communications, call the other party on channel 16 using your call sign.
Bridges and locks will instruct boaters on what to do. Harbors, marinas and other
boaters in the area will inform boaters to switch to a particular channel. Most VHF
radios transmit in “simplex,” where communication can only take place in one
direction at a time. For this reason, standard etiquette is to never interrupt a
transmission and to wait 15-30 seconds before making a transmission. There are
many channel options available for both commercial and non-commercial use.
The USCG is the lead agency for maritime search and
rescue (SAR) in U.S. waters, but that mission is compromised every time the service
receives a hoax distress call. Making a false distress call is a violation of federal law
(14 U.S. Code § 88) and may result in up to six years in prison, a $250,000 criminal
fine, a $5,000 civil fine, and reimbursing the U.S. Coast Guard for the cost of
performing the search.
Using a VHF radio in foreign waters with a U.S.-registered boat may require a
federal Ship Station License by law or treaty. Traveling to a foreign port (for
example, Canada, Bahamas, British Virgin Islands and Mexico) requires a Ship
Station License as well as a restricted radiotelephone operator permit (RR). Go to
www.fcc.gov/wireless/bureau-divisions/mobility-division/ship-radio-stations for
more information.
Read the VHF manufacturer’s information on the special features and use of the
radio.