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VHF Radio Protocol

Here's how to use your VHF radio the right way so you can be understood, and get what you need.

Photo: USCG

Many boaters never take the time to learn how to properly use one of the most important pieces of safety gear on board your boat: the VHF radio. If you need to call for help, don't you want that call to be heard as clearly as possible? And if you're using the VHF for communications of convenience, you certainly don't want to step on an emergency transmission, do you? So let's dive right into the do's and don'ts of VHF protocol.

Know Thy Channel

Rule No. 1: Respect the channel designations, especially those of the "big three." Channel 16 is reserved for distress and safety calls and for contact calls to other vessels or shore stations. Channel 13 is used for vessel bridge-to-bridge communications and is heavily trafficked by commercial ships for intership navigation. And Channel 22A is used for safety broadcasts and U.S. Coast Guard communications; after hailing on 16, you're usually asked to switch to 22A. Because of congestion on 16, Channel 9 has been designated as an alternate contact-calling channel between pleasure vessels and to shore stations but, except in some areas, the Coast Guard doesn't transmit safety messages on 9. You should always monitor 16 in case a nearby boat needs help and to hear Coast Guard safety messages. Ideally, it's good to have two VHFs, one set on 9 and another tuned to 16.

Do regular radio checks, but the U.S. Coast Guard requests that you do so on Channel 09, which has been designated as a boater’s calling channel by FCC. Something the authorities find quite aggravating is when a recreational boater requests a "radio check" on Channel 16 (an emergency channel. Hailing "TowBoatUS" on 68 is an easy way to conduct a check.

What channels should you use for regular conversations? Channels 68, 69, 71, 72, and 78A are considered non-commercial channels, and in most areas, 68 and 72 are commonly used by the recreational-boating community. But remember that the VHF is officially for "operational" purposes. This can be as informal as passing on a weather report, but conversations about what the dog chewed up yesterday are inappropriate. Some channels, such as 70, have restricted use, and you can't use them for voice communications.

Whatever type of conversation you may be having, remember that no one else within a 20-mile range can talk on that channel while you're talking. Considering the limited number of appropriate channels, an extended conversation can inconvenience a large number of other boaters. So keep your VHF communications brief and to the point. If you're communicating with a boat that's close by (within a mile or two), you should switch over to low power. Both fixed-mount and handheld VHFs have low-power settings, which limit the range of your broadcast and thereby limit the number of other boaters you may be blocking out due to your transmission.

Remember that everyone can hear you. It's very easy to offend a large number of people on the VHF, and there are often small children listening.

3 Tips for Using a VHF Radio

Emergency Signaling

In an emergency, your broadcast needs to be more structured. With the radio tuned to Channel 16 and the power set to high, begin your broadcast by stating either "Mayday" or "Pan-pan" three times over. Mayday is used when you're in a life-threatening situation. Pan-pan is the appropriate call to make when you're in a bad situation that isn't life threatening at the moment but could become life threatening. Next, state your vessel's name, latitude and longitude, a brief description of your boat, and the nature of your emergency. Speak slowly and clearly, and wait for a response from the Coast Guard. Once the Coast Guard knows the exact situation and location, be ready for some follow-up questions. You're likely to be asked about such things as the size and type of the boat you're on, the number and age of the people on board, and whether anyone has any medical training, if it's applicable to the situation.

Even if you don't get an answer, continue making the emergency broadcast with those first three vital bits of information. The authorities (or perhaps a nearby pleasure boater) may be listening, even if you can't hear them calling back. Usually the best way to make sure your vital info gets through with no confusion or mistakes is to ensure that you have digital selective calling (DSC) active on your radio. This requires a Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) number and a link to your GPS, unless you've got a newer VHF with a built-in GPS. When you press the DSC "panic button" on the VHF, the radio will automatically transmit your vessel information and exact location. And since it's digitally processed and uses narrow receiver bandwidth, it also boosts range over normal voice communications.

If you know for a fact that you haven't activated DSC, check out the article " Setting Up A VHF Radio With Digital Selective Calling ", which tells you how to integrate your VHF and GPS. Then visit the MMSI website (free for members) to get an MMSI number and register your radio.

Think of VHF communications like the highways and byways of our nation. They're public, everyone uses them, and everyone benefits from them. But they can become clogged with overuse and unpleasant due to discourtesy. Follow the proper VHF protocol, and everyone will be in for a better boating experience — and a safer one, too.

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Top tech writer and accomplished sports fisherman, BoatUS Magazine Contributing Editor Lenny Rudow has written seven practical boating books, won 30 awards from Boating Writers International — many for his marine electronics articles – and two for excellence from the Outdoor Writers Association of America. He judges the NMMA Innovation Awards, and is Angler in Chief at FishTalk, his own Chesapeake-based publication. A great teacher and inspirational writer, Lenny hosts many of BoatUS Magazine’s very-popular how-to videos, which can be found on the BoatUS YouTube channel, or at BoatUS.com

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Andy at the helm with his VHF at the ready. Photo by Maria Karlsson

The ocean is accessible to anyone brave enough to meet the challenge. That is my favorite thing about boating. My least favorite thing: improper vhf radio etiquette.

A VHF radio is a must-have on even the smallest of pleasure boats – more reliable than a cell phone and nowadays cheaper than one. If you ever truly need it in an emergency, the Coast Guard will be thankful if you at least sound like you know what you’re talking about. And other boaters will certainly take you more seriously.

Proper calls on the VHF Radio start with repeating the name of the boat you’re calling and the name of your own boat a full three times.

It’s long, and sometimes annoying, but it’s correct. “Arcturus, Arcturus, Arcturus, this is Sojourner, Sojourner, Sojourner, channel 1-6, over.” I like to repeat the channel as well , as many commercial craft monitor multiple channels and might not necessarily understand that it’s 16 you mean.

The VHF Radio Distress Call: Digital Selective Calling (DSC)

When you’re done speaking into the mic, say “over.”

This is by far the simplest part of radio etiquette, and probably the most abused. It’s easy – just say it.

Use the NATO phonetic alphabet when speaking letters .

Here’s a useful link for making sure you have the right corresponding phonetic word .

Numbers are perhaps the worst culprit behind letters. (‘A’ is ‘Alpha,’ not ‘Adam.’) Radio numbers are always read in single digits for complete clarity . ‘Six-eight’ is easier to understand as channel 68 than simply saying ‘68.’

K now the working channels for the area you’re in .

If the local water taxi uses channel 68 to run their business, try and keep that channel clear, simply out of courtesy. And channels 09, 11 and 13 are usually reserved for commercial craft and drawbridges, so keep them clear as well. And I shouldn’t have to mention keeping 16 clear, save for hailing and distress. But you hear people abuse it all the time, and the Coast Guard will remind you.

The serious ones: securité, pan-pan and mayday calls:

Securité (pronounced securitay) calls are made to alert boaters to something – for example, when a commercial ship is leaving the dock, they will usually call on channel 16 “Securtié, Securité, Securité, this is the cargo vessel Asphalt Commander, Asphalt Commander, Asphalt Commander leaving the dock at Baltimore Harbor. Any concerned traffic please call on channel 16.”

This is just an informational message, nothing more. The Coast Guard often broadcasts things like missing navigation marks or any hazards to navigation in the same manner.

Pan-pan (pronounced pahn-pahn) calls are when there is an emergency onboard but it’s not life or death . It’s to signify urgency, but it’s not a call for help. The pan-pan call lets other people out there know that something has happened on board. You should announce your position and what exactly happened, how many people onboard, type and color of boat, etc, but the Coast Guard won’t drop everything and rescue you.

With mayday calls, the US Coast Guard WILL come rescue you, and that’s the point. With a Mayday Call , the boat is going down, on fire or something else catastrophic, and the vessel (or a seriously injured person onboard) needs immediate assistance. Be careful with mayday calls, as sometimes they’ll require you to abandon the boat if help arrives. It’s a last-resort. Don’t abuse it either, as it can result in the classic cry wolf scenario.

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VHF RADIO BASICS: RULES AND GOOD MANNERS

A proper use of Vhf radio is first of all a safety matter and the respect of few basic rules also contributes to describe our education and nautical culture.

It will certainly have happened to everyone, especially in summer, to listen to everything on channel 16 : long conversations occupying the emergency channel, background music transmitted by putting the microphone close to the stereo, teasing and quarrels, all to the detriment of those who should use this channel for more serious reasons.

The rules we must respect are few . The first one is also the most ignored: while the ship is sailing, Vhf must be on and tuned on channel 16 . This is an important rule for our own and other people’s safety.

Channel 16 is in fact an emergency channel which must be used to send help messages and it must be always open.

If you don’t know which is the channel of the station you are calling (a harbour, another boat, a ship), you must first call channel 16 and then, after the first contact, the desired channel.

Vhf is not a telephone, so the call must follow a precise and concise procedure. The correct way to make a call is to repeat the name of the called station and his own one three times . For example : “ Red boat, red boat, red boat, here green boat, green boat, green boat, change”.

Today, nobody repeats the station’s name three times. But two times are necessary and usual.

If you receive no answer , rules and good manners force us not to persist on the microphone. You must wait two minutes before making the second call and other two minutes for the third one.

In theory, for the fourth call, you should wait 15 minutes, but it is not a problem if you try after only few minutes.

On channel 16 you can also send storm or ceased storm notices, messages to sailors, bulletins, help and safety messages, such as mayday or pan-pan signals.

The service is extremely important. And the respect of it is another important rule sailors should observe. The navigation code establishes that in the first three minutes of every half-hour, sailors must respect total silence on channel 16. For example: from 08:00 to 08:03 and from 08:30 to 08:33 and so on every 30 minutes. This way, everyone in trouble can use this time to send his help message.

Anyway, communications must always be short and concise and they must not include false or deceptive messages . Phonetic alphabet must be used for acronyms and spellings. For example, the word ALFA will be said this way: Alfa – Lima – Foxtrott – Alfa.

Vhf must be used also for mayday signals in case of extreme danger for people or for the boat itself.

They must be sent on channel 16 only by the captain or under his authorization, by repeating the word mayday, pronounced in French, three times: “medé medé medé, here white boat, position…., emergency reason, number of people on board”.

The receiver must use Vhf radio if he thinks to be close to the boat in trouble; law and morality oblige him to give help. He must repeat the name of the boat in trouble three times, his own name three times and then “ mayday received”.

If, on the contrary, you think a mayday message has not been listened, you can act as “bridge”, by transmitting a mayday relais : Medé relé, medé relé, medé relé…” followed by the received help message.

The urgency call or pan must be sent if there is no danger for human life or the boat but it is a demand for urgent help anyway. It must be transmitted the same way than maydays.

A securité is usually transmitted by ground stations to send notices about something which could compromise sailing, such as storm notices or other important news.

An advice, not a rule : fixed Vhf radios are 25 W, all necessary to cover the maximum 10-mile range. But if you want to make a short range communication , for example with a coast or a near boat, it is better to reduce the emission to 1W. This way, you will save your batteries and the other communications will be not disturbed.

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SAILING BASICS: HOW TO USE A VHF RADIO

My brothers and I grew up in a sailing family. We had a 27-foot Catalina that we’d take out on the weekends any time the weather was nice and even when the weather wasn’t nice, we’d often still find ourselves on the boat, helping to scrub the decks and maintain the gear. On those days, we’d inevitably get bored, at which point the VHF radio would become a serious temptation. One day, when our dad was occupied somewhere on the bow, I grabbed the radio and said something silly. Before I could crack another joke, my dad was over top of me, grabbing the receiver out of my hand. I never knew he could move that fast! I learned the importance of VHF radio etiquette that day, and it’s a lesson I’ve never forgotten.

Your VHF radio is your best way to communicate with other boats on the water, with marinas, and with the coast guard, if necessary. VHF stands for “Very High Frequency.” It’s the standard form of communication on the water, is more reliable than cell phones, and it’s always being monitored. Learning to use it, however, is a little like learning a new language. You can’t just hop on and start talking.

Below are the basics, and you can learn VHF usage in-depth in NauticEd’s Bareboat Charter Clinic .

Always be listening

And note there are certain regulations that require you to keep a “Radio Watch” at all times. The rules state that in general, any vessel equipped with a VHF marine radiotelephone must maintain a watch on channel 16 (156.8MHz) whenever the radiotelephone is not being used to communicate.

Brush up on your VHF lingo

VHF communication has its own set of terms that have developed over the last century. These were originally brief, clear words and ideas that could be easily transmitted over telegraph. As vocal communication developed, these terms continued to develop and were used to keep communications brief and to avoid confusion and miscommunication. These terms are often called “procedure words,” or “prowords.” You can find exhaustive lists online, but here are a few basic ones that are good to know.

VHF Basic Features

Channel 16 is internationally recognized and designated as the calling and distress frequency channel.

Transmission Power

You should always use the lowest (1 watt) setting first. This reduces the broadcast distance and keeps overall interference down.

Squelch Control

The squelch control filters out static. With the unit on, turn the dial until the static sound just disappears. If you turn it too much the unit will filter out voice as well and you will not hear any transmissions.

DSC (Digital Selective Calling)

DSC is a button that instantly sends a digital distress alert to the Coast Guard. Using DSC transmits information about your vessel and location (if set-up properly), and should be transmitted if, in the opinion of the Master, the vessel or a person is in distress and requires immediate assistance.

VHF Procedure Words

Safety or distress vhf calls.

There are three different levels of safety or distress calls, which boaters can use to let other boats in the area know of potential or real danger. Distress calls are initiated on Channel 16 (and a reason you always monitor it). If you hear or receive a distress call and cannot assist , immediately cease all transmission on Channel 16! Any vessel with knowledge of distress traffic who cannot assist is forbidden from transmitting on a distress channel (until you receive the “all clear”).

MAYDAY: This is an urgent and immediate distress call, made when a boat is in danger of sinking or there is a fire, man overboard, or medical emergency on board. Vessels that are close enough to help are required to do so. You should only make a mayday call if you are in serious or immediate danger. Below is the generally accepted procedure for a Channel 16 Mayday:

If you have a VHF marine radio, tune it to channel 16. Unless you know you are outside VHF range of shore and ships, call on channel 16 first.
A Mayday distress signal is first spoken three times, “MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY”.
The words “THIS IS”, spoken once.
Name of the vessel in distress (spoken three times) and call sign or boat registration number, spoken once. *TIP: have this information written and nearby the VHF for anyone onboard calling a mayday. Seconds count in an emergency!
Repeat “MAYDAY” and name of vessel, spoken once.
Give position of the vessel by latitude or longitude or by bearing (true or magnetic, state which) and distance to a well-known landmark such as a navigational aid or small island, or in any terms which will assist a responding station in locating the vessel in distress. Include any information on vessel movement such as course, speed and destination.
Nature of distress (sinking, fire etc.).
Kind of assistance desired.
The number of persons onboard.
Any other information which might facilitate rescue, such as length or tonnage of the vessel, number of persons needing medical attention, color hull, cabin, masks, etc.
The word “OVER”

Other Safety Calls

PAN: Boaters make this call when there is an urgent problem but it’s not life-threatening. You may hear this if a boater has lost engine power or is having navigational issues. The Coast Guard may follow up, but the boater is not necessarily requesting immediate help. As with Mayday, repeat PAN three times as in “PAN, PAN, PAN”.

SECURITY: (pronounced SAY-CURE-IT-TAY): A safety call, letting boaters in the area know about the movement of a large ship or other events. There is no danger, this is just for awareness. For example, in my local area, ferries will make a securite call when they’re going through a narrow pass between local islands or perhaps a navigational aid is drifting. Again, say it three times “SECURITY, SECURITY, SECURITY”.

Other Common VHF Terms

A handful of useful VHF terms that are commonly used to keep conversations direct and brief, especially if you’re using channel 16 .

THIS IS… The main way to identify yourself, using the name of your boat. You use this after identifying the party you are calling (more on that in a moment).

OVER: Used when you’ve finished speaking and are expecting a reply.

ROGER: A quick way to say you understand what someone else is saying. “Roger” comes from the morse code days when “R” indicated “received”, and is sometimes understood as “Received Order Given, Expect Results.”

WILCO: “Wilco” means simply “will comply”. It’s often used with Roger as in “Roger Wilco” (message received, will comply).

REPLY: “Reply” is used to change channels, for example changing to a non-emergency or non-commercial channel if using channel 16. Usage is simply Reply + Channel#, as in “Reply 68” (i.e., reply on channel 68).

OUT: Used when you’ve finished speaking and a reply is not necessary.

*Pro tip: you should never use the phrase “over and out,” since the two words mean two opposite things!

SAY AGAIN: Used when you need the speaker to repeat a portion or all of their previous transmission. This term is often used with:

ALL BEFORE…: Everything before whichever word you understood first.

ALL AFTER…: Everything after the word you last understood.

There are a couple of other rules to remember when it comes to lingo. You’ll want to learn the NATO phonetic alphabet . This is the standard way to clearly communicate single letters. When communicating numbers, you’ll want to communicate each number individually. For example, for the number 112, you would say, “One-one-two.”

“Heave to” with a little VHF language humor…

When using a VHF radio, three times is the charm

Whenever you use your radio to speak to another vessel, you should be addressing a particular party. Channel 16 not a broadcasting tool (unless you’re in distress, of course), and if you use channel 16 you must, must be brief!

There is a calling procedure that helps everyone listening to be clear on who is speaking, who is being addressed, and who needs to respond. Standard practice is to speak the name of the vessel (or marina) you’re addressing three times, then say “this is,” then the name of your boat. For example:

Lady Grey, Lady Grey, Lady Grey, This is Time Out Over

You would then wait for the other boat to respond. When responding to a message, you don’t need to say the vessel’s name three times again. So, for example, if the other vessel was to respond, they would say something like:

Time Out This is Lady Grey Over

IF using channel 16, then you should respond and move the conversation to another channel, especially if it’s not an emergency. Remember that the emergency and commercial channels, like channel 16, are not for casual conversation.

Time Out This is Lady Grey Reply 68 (or whichever other non-commercial channel you want to use) Over

Knowing VHF etiquette helps keep everyone safe and helps you have good, helpful communication with other vessels. I can tell you from experience, there is nothing more embarrassing than being told off by the coast guard because you’re misusing your radio. When you’re out on the water, these simple rules will help you listen carefully and speak confidently!

Learn all about using VHF marine radios in our Bareboat Charter Clinic course – including DSC (Digital Selective Calling), effective distances, phonetic alphabet, and more!

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VHF Marine Radio Etiquette

10 basic rules of radio etiquette when using your yacht’s vhf radio.

If you’re new to the boating community , familiarizing yourself with some simple radio etiquette will help you feel more confident when out on the water. Van Isle Marina has you covered with our handy beginner’s guide to VHF radio etiquette.

But before we get to the etiquette, there are 2 main housekeeping rules:

1. Never Leave Shore without a VHF-FM Radio Onboard

Motorboat operators, and especially yacht operators, should never leave the shore, dock, or marina without a VHF-FM radio on board their vessel. VHF stands for Very High Frequency, and when you’re out at sea, a VHF radio is your primary way to send and receive distress calls to and from the Coast Guard and other boaters.

Why Your Cellphone Won’t Cut It – VHF radios are still the preferred communication method for boaters, despite everyone having a smartphone these days. They are more reliable than cell phones out on the open sea because they can withstand rough weather, are wired to your boat’s battery so they are always charged, and consistently provide more reception than cellphones. They are of large benefit to boaters because they can reach a larger audience than a cellphone, and you don’t have to memorize any phone numbers to communicate with other boats.

2. Take a VHF Course & Get Certified

It’s better for all boaters if every operator of a VHF marine radio is trained up on how to use one. That’s why, as required by the Radio Communications Act, all VHF marine radio operators must carry a Restricted Operator

Certificate (Maritime). Get your certificate, often referred to by its abbreviation – ROC(M) – through the Canadian Power & Sail Squadrons (CPS), which handles training and testing for Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada.

Find a VHF marine radio course in your area. The training course will prepare you for a short exam and go more in-depth on the etiquette mentioned here, as well as show you how to use the device.

Note that an ROC(M) is required to operate a radio, this includes the act of turning it on.

>> Read our complete boating safety checklist .

Now, let’s move on to radio etiquette.

10 Basic Rules to Marine Radio Etiquette

1. keep chatter to a minimum on open channels..

On a VHF radio, channel 16 is an open channel, where all conversations are essentially public and overheard by other boats. You’re not on a private phone call when you’re speaking over a VHF radio. Keep side conversations about dinner plans on general-use channels like 68 or 72. Or better yet, use your cell phones for these types of plans.

2. Be aware of the working channels for your area and keep the right ones clear.

For example, a local water taxi company might use a specific channel to run their business, so try and keep it clear, simply out of courtesy. This will happen naturally if you abide by rule #1 regarding keeping chatter to a minimum in general. Commercial craft and drawbridge operators will also have their own dedicated channels they prefer, so keep them clear as well.

Channel 16 is for International Distress, Safety and Calling, which includes maydays and other warning calls, so it’s also definitely one to keep clear.

3. To indicate you’re done speaking and awaiting a response, say “over”.

The word over is used to signify that your sentence is over and that you are now waiting for a reply. Of all the radio etiquette out there, this might be the one rule you already knew about, as it’s featured on TV and the movies constantly. However, it’s easy to forget to say it after awhile, so make it a habit right from the start.

4. When you are finished with the conversation, do not say “over and out.”

Contrary to popular belief, “OVER” and “OUT” are never used at the same time, since their meanings are mutually exclusive.

5. When you’re first calling on another boat, repeat the name of the boat you’re calling three times.

…Then repeat the name of your boat three times as well. For good measure, also mention the channel you’re using, and remember to conclude with “over”. For example, this would be a proper way to contact a vessel named Annabelle: “Annabelle, Annabelle, Annabelle, this is Christine, Christine, Christine, channel 1-6, over.” It may seem wordy, but it’s proper VHF radio etiquette.

6. When responding to another boat who has called you, state their name, then your name.

The other boater will know right away that you received their message and are now responding. Saying their name back right away grabs their attention immediately. There is no need to state their name and then your name three times each. Once is fine when you’re responding to a call.

For example, to respond to Christine, the response would simply be, “Christine, this is Annabelle. Over.”

7. Learn and use the NATO phonetic alphabet.

When you’re having to communicate single letters, use the NATO phonetic alphabet so that the person receiving your message is absolutely clear on each letter you’re speaking. This means familiarizing yourself with the “Alpha”, “Bravo,” “Charlie,” “Delta,” names that refer to letters. It’s a universal language when out on the water.

8. Read numbers as single digits.

Another universal standard for VHF radio use is reading out single digits instead of longer more complex numbers. So, it’s clearer and easier to understand “one-six” to refer to channel sixteen, and “six-eight” referring to channel sixty-eight. This especially helps when there is a language barrier amongst boaters.

9. Know about the types of calls you’ll hear

There are three main types of calls you’re likely to overhear on your VHF radio: Safety, urgency, and distress calls. Knowing the severity of each one of these calls and how they affect you is important. Likewise, when making these types of calls, using the right call at the right time is more than just proper etiquette – it’s proper efficiency!

Safety calls, as recognized by the spoken phrase Securité (a French word, pronounced “securitay”) are meant to alert all nearby boaters to something. This is an informational call or message, and nothing more. For example, a commercial ship leaving a dock might broadcast on channel 16 the fact that they are on the move. Other times, the Coast Guard will broadcast securité messages too, such as missing navigation marks, upcoming storms, or debris in the area. There is no true danger, but something to be mindful of.
Urgency calls, as recognized by the spoken phrase pan-pan (pronounced pahn-pahn) are meant to alert all nearby boaters when there is an emergency onboard a vessel, but it is not a life or death situation. Pan-pan calls are not a call for help, although they do signify that something significant has happened on board, which may lead to an all-out mayday call. The Coast Guard and other nearby boats are made aware of the situation but do not provide immediate rescue.
Distress calls, as recognized by the spoken phrase mayday are broadcast when there is a catastrophic event, such as a sinking vessel, a fire on board, or someone on board requiring immediate medical assistance. The proper etiquette here is to not abuse the use of a mayday call. Use it as a last resort only! If you hear a mayday call and are close enough to respond, you must do so.

10. Watch your language

While we’re on the topic of etiquette, we thought it would be worth it to mention avoiding foul language. Remember, your conversations on VHF radio are heard by other boaters, so it’s best to be respectful and watch your language. Keep it clean out there!

The above guide to radio etiquette covers the basics and is a good place to start if you haven’t spent much time operating a vessel before. However, there is still much to learn when it comes to the use of your radio and yacht’s navigational system. (See housekeeping rule #2 above about taking a course and getting certified).

Van Isle Marina’s yachting experts will be happy to provide you with more radio tips for any of the boats you’re interested in at our marina. Contact us to learn more about touring our marina and our new and used boats .

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VHF radios: A comprehensive guide to marine communication and safety

VHF radios: A comprehensive guide to marine communication and safety

In the vast expanse of the open sea, clear and effective communication is crucial for the safety and smooth operation of marine activities. VHF (Very High Frequency) radios have become the backbone of marine communication, providing reliable means of transmitting information, coordinating with other vessels, and seeking assistance during emergencies. This comprehensive guide will delve into the significance of VHF radios in marine communication and safety, covering their functionality, advantages, regulations, and usage.

What are VHF radios?

VHF radios are sophisticated communication devices widely used in the maritime industry for ship-to-ship and ship-to-shore communication. They operate on frequencies between 156.000 MHz to 174.000 MHz, offering an effective line of communication over a considerable range in open water. VHF radios are preferred for marine use due to their ability to penetrate fog and transmit signals over the horizon, making them indispensable tools for seafarers.

The advantages of VHF radios

VHF radios offer numerous advantages that make them an essential component of marine safety. They provide clear and real-time communication, enabling swift response in critical situations. Additionally, they are relatively easy to use, allowing both seasoned sailors and novices to communicate effectively at sea. VHF radios also come equipped with important features like channel scanning, which helps mariners stay informed of important transmissions even while monitoring other frequencies.

Marine radio channels and frequencies

Understanding the diverse array of VHF marine radio channels and their specific uses is vital for effective communication. Each channel is designated for specific purposes, such as emergency communication, weather updates, port operations, and bridge-to-bridge communications. Knowing the appropriate channel to use in different situations is essential to ensure efficient and clear communication.

Read our top notch articles on topics such as sailing, sailing tips and destinations in our Magazine .

Channel 16: The emergency channel

Of all the VHF marine radio channels, Channel 16 holds the utmost importance as the international distress and calling frequency. In emergency situations, mariners can transmit distress signals on this channel, alerting other vessels and coastal stations to their predicament. Channel 16 is continuously monitored by authorities, ensuring swift responses to distress calls and enhancing marine safety.

Marine band radio: Regulations and usage

Using VHF marine band radios comes with specific regulations and guidelines that mariners must adhere to. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) governs the use of marine radios and enforces rules to prevent interference and misuse. Understanding and complying with these regulations is essential for maintaining clear and orderly communication on the water.

VHF marine radio channels: A detailed guide

A comprehensive overview of various VHF marine radio channels and their purposes is vital for all mariners. From routine communication to weather updates, vessel-to-vessel coordination, and harbor operations, each channel serves a distinct function that contributes to the safety and efficiency of maritime activities.

Sailing boat.

Ship-to-shore communication: Using VHF radios effectively

Mastering ship-to-shore communication protocols and techniques is essential for effective coordination with coastal stations, port authorities, and other shore-based facilities. Learning how to communicate concisely and clearly over VHF radios ensures smooth operations and enhances maritime safety.

VHF radios vs. other communication devices

Comparing VHF radios with handheld marine radios and other communication devices provides insight into the advantages and limitations of each option. While VHF radios offer broader communication capabilities, handheld marine radios provide portability and convenience. Understanding these differences enables mariners to choose the most suitable communication tool for their specific needs.

Marine radio handheld: Portable communication solutions

Handheld marine radios are compact and portable communication solutions, particularly useful for small vessels and recreational boaters. Exploring the benefits and applications of handheld marine radios helps mariners make informed decisions about including them in their onboard communication equipment.

The importance of marine radios on boats

VHF radios play a pivotal role on various types of boats, from leisure crafts to commercial vessels. Understanding the necessity of marine radios for communication, navigation, and safety empowers mariners to equip their boats with the right communication tools.

Choosing the right VHF radio for your boat

Selecting the ideal VHF radio for a boat involves considering factors such as range, power output, and additional features. Evaluating the specific needs of the vessel and the intended usage of the radio assists mariners in making the best choice for seamless communication on the water.

Emergency situations and VHF radios

During emergencies, VHF radios become lifelines for mariners in distress. Understanding how to use VHF radios effectively during critical situations can make a significant difference in obtaining timely assistance and ensuring the safety of all onboard.

Proper use and maintenance of VHF radios

Regular maintenance and proper usage of VHF radios are essential for their reliable performance. Keeping the radios in optimal condition and following best practices for operation enhances communication efficiency and extends the lifespan of these critical devices.

So what are you waiting for? Take a look at our range of charter boats and head to some of our favourite sailing destinations .

FAQs about marine communication

Are VHF radios difficult to operate?

VHF radios are designed for ease of use, and most models come with user-friendly interfaces, making them relatively simple to operate even for beginners.

Radio Protocol and Etiquette

Obscene or objectionable language, transmission of music, and subversive transmissions are forbidden. There are individuals monitoring the airwaves and the Coast Guard can locate the origins of signals. The consequences can be severe. Children should be taught proper radio use and should never be left unattended near a radio.

To hail another vessel, simply call the name of the vessel two or three times, followed by your own vessel’s name and station ID if applicable. Wait for a response then immediately switch to a working channel. For example, depress the microphone key and say “Seascape, Seascape, Seascape, this is Espresso WDA9048 on channel 16, over.” You must release the key to hear a response. The term “over” let’s the listeners know you are releasing the key. The response might be, “Espresso, this is Seascape. Switch channel 68, over.” Espresso would answer, “Espresso switching 68.” Both vessels switch their radios to 68, hail each other and converse normally. At the end of the conversation, “Espresso returning to stand by channel 16,” or “Seascape out.” The term “out” signifies that you are terminating the conversation. Never say "over and out." Those are conflicting terms.

All ships should maintain watch on channel 16 (156.800 MHz) when within the service area of a VHF maritime coast station and while at sea. Ships with digital selective calling-equipped VHF marine radios should also keep watch on channel 70. After February 1, 2005 ships over 300 tons and passenger ships will no longer be required to monitor channel 16 but will be required under international law to monitor channel 70 for DSCSS signals.

Vessels not required to carry a marine radio (e.g. recreational vessels less than 20m length), but which voluntarily carry a radio, must maintain a watch on channel 16 whenever the radio is operating and not being used to communicate. Such vessels may alternatively maintain a watch on VHF channel 9 (156.450 MHz), the boater calling channel. Note however that urgent marine information broadcasts, such as storm warnings, are announced on channel 9 only in First CG District waters (northern New Jersey , New York and New England ). Only Channel 16 is used as the international hailing and distress frequency.

U.S. vessels required to carry a VHF marine radio, such as commercial fishing vessels, must maintain a watch on channel 16 (156.800 MHZ) while underway whenever the radio is not being used for exchanging communications. Every power-driven vessel of 20m length or greater, every vessel of 100 tons and upward carrying one or more passengers for hire, every towing vessel of 26 ft length or greater, and every dredge and floating plant near a channel or fairway, must maintain a watch on both VHF channels 13 (156.650 MHz) and 16 (156.800 MHz) while the vessel is underway.

Basics for radio etiquette and protocol include:

Example: " Vectis, Vectis, Vectis , this is Aleria on channel 16 over." " Aleria this is Vectis ." " Vectis , switch to channel 71." " Vectis switching 71." You meet on channel 71 where you can converse normally.
The reason to state the channel you are on is that very often people monitor two (dual) or more frequencies and may have forgotten to switch back to 16 after a previous transmission.
Conduct radio checks on channel 9. This is a hailing frequency for non-commercial and non-emergency traffic.
Hail commercial vessels on channel 13 if you need to verify their intentions. It’s better to discuss a course of action with the captain of a tanker than to create a hazardous situation. Channel 13 is also the channel bridge tenders listen to. If you need to know when the next bridge opening would be, this is the channel on which to hail the bridge operator.
Working channels for recreational boaters are 67, 68, 69, 71, 72, and 78a. These are also the channels used by many yacht clubs and marinas for their working channels. Use care not to “step on” or interfere with transmission involving yacht races and other events. Note that channel 70 is now authorized only for Digital Selective Calling, an emergency automated distress system mandated by international treaty; channel 70 may no longer be used for voice communication.

One additional rule to mind is that VHF radio is for use only on the water. Shore use is permitted only with a special land based radio permit which is what yacht clubs and marinas have which allows them to talk from the dock house to vessels on the water. If you go ashore with your handheld and you call someone aboard your vessel, you are in violation of the law. For that use, FRS two-way radios that now have suitable range for contact within several miles’ radius are widely available and great for staying in touch with your shore crew. They are also quite useful for communicating from above decks to below and bow to stern while anchoring. Some radios are now even available with VHF and FRS frequencies built in. Visit http://www.navcen.uscg.gov for up to date information about designated marine frequencies.

Please also keep in mind that the Mayday call is only for situations in which life or property is in immediate danger . It is not for calling for help if you've run out of fuel, unless you are in imminent danger (eg, in a channel without an anchor and without alternative propulsion about to go up on rocks). When you call mayday, you are setting the search and rescue operations into immediate action. If you run out of fuel, run aground, or have an engine problem that is not an immediate threat, hail your towing service or the local coast guard for referral to the local towing service. You may also consider issuing a securite warning to other vessels. If you perceive danger but it's either not identifyable or not imminent, you may issue a pan pan which gets everyone to listen up for further updates. So the sequence of radio distress calls is as follows:

Least threatening: Securite, securite, securite (you are towing someone and have restricted maneuverability and you want all others to avoid you or to let you know if there's a potential issue)

Moderately threatening: Pan pan, pan pan, pan pan (you have grounded and believe you may be taking on water slowly or are a hazard to navigation)

Immediate danger and distress: Mayday, mayday, mayday (your ship is going down, you've lost someone overboard, your vessel is being smashed on rocks, etc)

Note: On HAM radio frequencies, Break, Break, Break is the equivalent of Mayday, mayday, mayday. Never use the term "Break" three times unless there is immediate threat to life or property.

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Yachting Monthly

Digital edition

How and when to make a VHF radio check – and when not to

Andy Du Port
December 3, 2021

A VHF radio check will tell you if your radio is working properly or not, but you shouldn't do every time you go out, or even with the Coastguard, says Andy Du Port

It is best to do VHF radio checks with another yacht on a pre-arranged working channel. Credit: Andrew Sydenham

Andy Du Port is a Yachtmaster Offshore, a former RN navigating officer and author of the Reeds VHF Handbook

Modern VHF radios are extremely reliable, and there really is no need to make a ‘radio check’ every time you turn it on, writes Andy Du Port .

It seems that only yachts – sail and power – make this a regular habit.

You hardly ever hear a merchant ship or fishing boat conducting a radio check, so why do some yacht skippers do so ad nauseam?

If your radio is receiving, there is probably nothing wrong with the aerial run, and if it worked last time you used it, there is absolutely no reason to believe it will not work now.

If your radio isn’t transmitting clearly, check its connections behind the radio and at the foot of the mast

In fact, if a fault develops it will undoubtedly strike without warning, and the fact that it worked during a radio check is not any guarantee that it will transmit next time, even if it has not been turned off in the meantime.

There are a few good reasons to make a radio check. For example, for a new installation, if you have had work done on the wiring, or if you suspect a fault.

Continues below…

Reeds VHF Handbook: Book review

Julia Jones, Yachting Monthly's literary reviewer discusses Reeds VHF Handbook by Andy du Port

DSC VHF emergency checklist

Download your DSC VHF emergency checklist here...

A skipper using the Vesper Cortex VHF, AIS and Monitoring

Tested: Vesper Cortex VHF radio, AIS and remote monitoring

Promising to revolutionise how sailors communicate on board, the Vesper Cortex integrates VHF radio, Class B AIS, remote vessel monitoring…

Another yacht on a pre-arranged working channel;
Your local National Coastwatch Institution (NCI) station on Channel 65;
A marina or harbour office, probably on Channel 80 in the UK;
Your own handheld radio (but this will not confirm the power output);
The Coastguard on a working channel. Solent CG, for example, may be called on Channel 67.

If the response is anything other than ‘loud and clear’ (or equivalent), you may have a problem with your radio. Don’t ignore it.

If you are in comfortable range of the station being called, either try again, call someone else or have your system checked out.

That said, normal use of your radio should give you confidence that it works when required, rendering regular checks unnecessary – and giving the rest of us some peace!

Format for a radio check

‘Shoreham NCI this is yacht Voyager . Radio check. Over’

The NCI will respond:

‘Voyager, you are loud and clear. Over’

You end the call:

‘This is Voyager, thank you. Out’

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How to Use a VHF Radio

A VHF radio is a critical piece of safety equipment that should be on board every powerboat , and knowing how to use it could save the life of you and your passengers, so read the owner’s manual for your radio to become familiar with its functions. That same VHF marine radio can be used to communicate with other boats, with draw bridges and locks, and with marina operators.

Basics Steps for Using a VHF Radio

Turn on the VHF unit and adjust the squelch by turning the knob until the static stops.
Tune to channel 16, the channel monitored by the U.S. Coast Guard.
Perform a radio check to ensure your unit is functioning properly—do not use channel 16 this.
Use an "open channel" to performance the check (channels 68, 69, 71, 72 and 78A).
Turn radio to one-watt power setting, and key the microphone.
Call "radio check" three times, followed by your boat name and location.
Wait for a reply confirming someone has heard your transmission.
For general communications, always use channel 16.

Start by turning on the VHF unit and adjusting the squelch. Turn the squelch knob until you hear static, and then turn the knob back just until the static stops. Tune the radio to channel 16, which is the channel the Coast Guard constantly monitors. Keep your unit set to channel 16 so you can hear emergency calls or transmissions from the Coast Guard.

You’ll want to confirm that your radio is functioning by performing a radio check. Do not use channel 16 for a radio check. Instead, use one of the “open channels” (68, 69, 71, 72 and 78A) which are designated for conversation. Turn the radio to its one-watt power setting, key the microphone and call “radio check” three times followed by your boat name and location; so for example “radio check radio check radio check this is Big Daddy in North Harbor Marina.” Then wait for a reply confirming that someone has heard your transmission. Sea Tow operates a network of automated radio-check stations in many parts of the country as a public service (check at Sea Tow to find the correct frequency in your area).

For general communication, start by hailing the other party on channel 16; for example to reach your buddy on Some Fun you’d call their boat name twice, followed by your boat name and “over” so it would so like this:

“Some Fun Some Fun. Big Daddy. Over.”
Then Some Fun should respond “Big Daddy this is Some Fun. Over.”
You’ll reply with an open channel to switch to, for example “69.” Then both parties will switch to channel 69 to exchange information.
After your initial transmission on channel 16, wait at least two minutes before hailing the other party again. If you still don’t get a reply wait 15 minutes and try again. The point is not to pollute channel 16 with unnecessary transmission.
If the other party is close by, switch your radio to 1 watt (low power) so that your transmission does not travel so far. This lets distant boaters also use the channel.

The open VHF frequencies are intended for operational messaging, so it’s OK to share weather info, but not to talk sports. End each transmission with “over” and when you are done with the conversation say your boat name and out, “Big Daddy out,” which let’s everyone know you are done using that channel.

Using a VHF Radio in an Emergency

Tune the radio the channel 16 and full power.
If lives are in danger transmit “Mayday Mayday Mayday” and your vessel name.
Wait for the Coast Guard to respond and be ready to reply with your location, ideally with latitude and longitude from GPS.
If your situation is bad but not life-threatening, use the call “pan-pan.”

Types of VHF Marine Radios

A VHF marine radio may be hand-held or fixed-mount.

A fixed-mount VHF unit is permanently installed on the boat and powered by the boat’s electrical system.
The hand-held version is portable and is battery-powered, so it will still function if the boat’s battery is dead or the electrical system fails, and can be used if you are forced to abandon ship.

Many hand-held units are also waterproof and will float. For this reason a hand-held unit is a great back-up to a more-powerful fixed-mount VHF.

Digital Selective Calling

Digital Selective Calling (DSC) is a feature on all fixed-mount radios that with the push of one button sends a signal with your location to the Coast Guard. However, for DSC to work the radio must either have its own internal GPS receiver or be linked to another GPS on the boat, such as a chart plotter. Many boat owners are not aware that the radio needs to be linked to GPS, so make sure you handle this task right away.

Read Next: Boat Safety Checklist & Safety Equipment

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Radio Refresh – Guide to using a VHF Marine Radio

A VHF marine radio is an important communication tool for anyone heading out on the water, including those participating in a yacht race.

Why use a VHF Marine Radio for Communication?

As well as a way to receive race and marine broadcasts, a VHF marine radio provides a way to communicate emergencies or distress while out at sea. If you are outside of mobile reception this is particularly important, but even with mobile (or satellite phone) technology, a marine radio provides a critical advantage; a way to communicate with ALL vessels in the area.

If you’re in trouble or trying to let others know about a hazard, this is much better than a one-to-one conversation over a phone line.

Carrying a VHF marine radio is also a requirement for most race yachts. Race management will generally use this as a way to communicate with the fleet, and as described above, it is an important safety tool.

Marine Radio Operator Qualification

Skippers and crew operating a marine radio are required to have a valid marine radio operator qualification. In Australia this is a marine radio operator certificate of proficiency and in New Zealand it’s a marine VHF operator’s qualification .

Maintaining your VHF Marine Radio Skills

If you don’t use a VFH marine radio on a regular basis, it’s easy to forget the standard etiquette and protocols.

Remember, using a VHF marine radio is not like talking on a mobile phone. There are certain standards you need to follow to ensure this open and important communication tool can be used by all.

To help with this, we’ve compiled this 2 page VFH Marine Radio Cheat Sheet that you can download and keep on-board. It covers some of the basic protocols, a place to record you yacht’s information and the phonetic alphabet.

Other Resources

There are also lots of articles online that you might find helpful to brush-up on your marine radio skills.

Here are a few:

ACMA (Australia) – VHF Marine Radio Overview and downloadable Key Message for Recreational Boaters ;
Maritime New Zealand – Maritime Radio Overview & Resources ;
Boat U.S. Foundation – The Basics of Marine Radio Use;
West Marine – Do-It-Yourself; Making a Mayday Call on Your VHF Radio .

Tips to Sound Like a Pro on Your VHF Radio

“Calling any vessel … calling any vessel on Channel 16 for a radio check. Can anyone out there hear me?” “Hey, Charlie, this is Harry; is that you?” “Sure is, Harry.” Blah, blah, blah. Then both parties proceed to blah, blah, blah at length about how the blah, blah, blah was that day. These two gabbing boat buddies have committed several sins in their radio communications. Maybe we’ve committed one or two trespasses ourselves. So we’re carving them on a tablet now. Boat forth and sin no more.

Sin the First: Making a “general” radio call

“Calling any vessel” on your radio is not only incorrect procedure, but it can also get you a citation and possible fine from the FCC. You must always call a specific vessel or shore station. Whatever you do, never call the Coast Guard for a radio check. The Coast Guard is in the business of saving lives and property, not providing a service to check your radio.

Tip: To Test your radio on the air, monitor one of the ship-to-ship channels and listen for radio traffic. After two parties conclude a conversation, call one of them by name and request a radio check. You’ll see that most captains will gladly reply out of courtesy. Sea Tow also provides automated radio checks on VHF channel 28. Simply key your mike and speak, and the system will play back your message so you can check clarity of the message.

Sin the Second: Not identifying yourself

FCC regulations require that each party identify himself by either radio call sign or boat name at the beginning and at the end of a radio communication. That said, a pleasure craft is required to have a radio station license and call sign only if the boat is 65 feet or more, is engaged in transporting six or more paying passengers, has a single sideband radio aboard or visits a foreign port including Canada, Mexico or the Bahamas.

Tip: If you don’t fit the above criteria, ID yourself by using your boat name.

Sin the Third: Misuse of VHF Channel 16

Channel 16 is reserved primarily for emergency and boating safety communications. Using Channel 16 as a “calling channel” or channel to hold conversations is strictly prohibited. every channel has a purpose. Just because your radio might have more than 50 channels, it doesn’t mean you are allowed to use them all.

Tip: Unless you’ve prearranged to call others on a specific ship-to-ship channel (such as 68, 69, 71, 72 or 78A), use Channel 9 as your calling channel to contact another station. Then, mutually arrange to switch to a ship-to-ship channel that isn’t in use.

Sin the Fourth: Failure to keep communications brief

Unlike while on your cell phone, you’re sharing a few VHF channels with thousands of other boating radio users. Aimless, long-winded chitchatting ties up the frequency you are on and forces others who might need to get a message through to stand by and wait until you’re finished. Keep your on-air conversations short.

Tip: If you want to sound like a pro on the radio, learn to use certain words. Pro words (see below) are a sort of verbal shorthand developed to abbreviate communications and make what you’re saying crystal clear.

VHF Vocabulary: In Laymen’s Terms

Over – I’ve completed my message and am asking the other party to reply.

Out – I’ve finished my message and expect no further reply.

Affirmative/Negative – Yes/no. (When speaking on a radio, the words yes and no can be easily misunderstood.)

Roger – I received and understood your message.

Wilco – OK. I not only understood your last transmission, but I’ll also comply. (This is a contraction of the two words will comply.)

Figures – I’m about to say numbers. (For example, if you wanted to tell a boat with a deep draft approaching your location that it’s entering shallow waters of only 15 feet, you might say, “My depth here is figures one-five feet.”)

I Spell – I’m going to use the phonetic alphabet to spell out something that might be difficult to understand. “I’m anchored at Bogg Harbor. I spell, Bravo, Oscar, Gulf, Gulf.” A complete listing of the phonetic alphabet is normally found in your radio’s owner’s manual. Post a copy of the list next to your radio.

Reposted in part from www.boatingmag.com FOUR VHF SINS By Ken Englert May 24, 2016

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Which VHF Marine Radio Channels To Use [& When?]

Each channel on your marine radio has a designated function, with some set aside for distress calls, non-commercial communication, or port operations.

For instance, knowing that channel 16 is the international distress frequency is the first part to memorize.

16, along with others like channels 9 for hailing other boats and 22A for maritime safety information, are monitored continuously and are your go-to frequencies for assistance and vital information.

It’s crucial to understand how to operate your VHF radio properly and know the purposes of each channel to ensure effective and appropriate usage.

With so many channels available for communication on a marine VHF radio, it may be confusing to decipher which channel is used for specific instances.

The sheer number of channels at your disposal may be overwhelming. However, as a holder of a GMDSS radio license, I will break everything down for you in a logical order.

VHF Channel Overview

The protocol of talking over VHF radio is strict and for a good reason. For some people at sea, these channels are the fine line between a life-threatening and fatal situation.

Familiarize yourself with the most important channels, even if you are not the one primarily responsible for radio operations.

The channels discussed below are the ones used for U.S. marine VHF radios. While some channels may be the same internationally, the American channels differ somewhat.

Primary Channels

Channel 16 is the most important VHF marine radio channel. It serves as the international distress, safety, and calling channel. You should always monitor Channel 16 when your radio is not in use.

Frequency: VHF Channel 16: Transmit- 156.800 | Receive – 156.800

Channel 13 is primarily used for navigational purposes by commercial, military, and larger recreational vessels, particularly for bridge-to-bridge communications.

Non-Commercial Channels

These channels are where communication would continue after making contact on channel 09. Non-urgent matters, requests, and other information is relayed here.

Frequency: VHF Channel 09: Transmit- 156.450 | Receive- 156.450

Working channels are not permitted for casual conversation, and messages need to be brief, to the point and follow marine VHF radio protocol for purposes like marina docking, communicating with locks, and bridge operations.

Commercial Channels

Specific channels are set aside for commercial use, where businesses operating at sea handle logistic or operational communications. For detailed commercial channel information, you can refer to U.S. VHF Channel Information .

The Differences Between Commercial And Non-Commercial Or Recreational Vessels

Commercial vessels are used to generate income (large-scale fishers, container ships, cruise liners, tankers, etc.). They have stricter health and safety requirements for the boat and crew.

Recreational vessels are privately owned vessels used purely for pleasure activities and do not generate any form of income for the owner/operator.

Weather Channels

NOAA Weather Radio frequencies , like WX1 , WX2 , WX3 , WX4 , WX5 , WX6 , and WX7 , provide continuous weather information. They are critical for mariners to stay informed about weather conditions.

DSC and Emergency Channels

Digital Selective Calling (DSC) uses Channel 70 to send distress signals and safety announcements. This channel is strictly for DSC calls only and not for voice communication. It’s crucial that you do not use Channel 70 for regular communication as it could interfere with distress signals.

📢 Important: You need to register your marine VHF radio to unlock these added safety features.

Marine Channel Usage

Specific channels are allocated for different types of communications, such as port operations, intership coordination, and boater calling.

Intership Channels

Restricted channels.

These channels are reserved for the U.S. Coast Guard. It is illegal to use these channels and may result in a fine

Port Operations Channels

This includes moving to an anchorage spot outside the port, leaving a shipping lane, entering a shipping lane, moving from one section of the port to another as well as entering or leaving the port.

Frequency And Range On VHF Marine Radios

Frequency refers to the number of complete oscillations that pass a specific point per second. For example, you could tune a VHF radio to “listen” for a specific frequency to send and receive messages at that particular frequency.

Frequency Allocations

The VHF maritime spectrum is a range of frequencies allocated for marine communication, covering primarily the 156 to 174 MHz bands.

Duplex channels allow for communication on two separate frequencies: one for transmitting and one for receiving.

These channels are essential, especially in high-seas navigation and for vessels operating in U.S. territorial waters, enabling uninterrupted two-way communication.

International frequencies are standardized to aid in cross-border communication, ensuring that vessels from different nations can interact and understand each other when it comes to safety, navigation, and operational efficiency.

Transmission and Receiving

The range of a marine VHF involves many variables, so the answer here is not as specific. The primary factor is the line of site. The antenna on the radios has to be able to “see” one another.

If you want to increase your range, you can adjust the height of the antenna or move it to a higher location. Changing your radio frequency not to monitor weaker signals is another option.

Your marine VHF radio transmitter power is a critical factor, as it partly determines the distance over which you can communicate.

Generally, the allowed transmitter power for marine VHF radios can range from 1 Watt up to 25 Watts, with higher-powered transmissions used for longer-range or emergency communication.

Communication Best Practices

Effective communication on VHF marine radios is crucial for safety and coordination on the water. Knowing the proper etiquette and how to maintain clear communication helps ensure that messages are understood and acted upon promptly.

Etiquette and Procedures

For initial contact and non-emergency communication, use the pleasure-boat hailing channel 09.

Your communication should start with the call sign of the person or station you’re addressing, followed by your vessel’s name.

For instance, say the station name three times, followed by “this is,” and then your vessel’s name.

Maintaining Clear Communication

To ensure your message is effectively conveyed, speak in a clear, unhurried manner.

If you need to relay important information about your position or situation, use the standard NATO phonetic alphabet and digit pronunciation to avoid misunderstandings. Keep your messages concise to avoid occupying the channel for more than necessary.

Regularly monitor the essential channels, such as channel 16 for safety and emergencies and channel 13 for navigational purposes like requesting bridge openings.

Always remember that a VHF marine radio is a tool for public discourse among boaters and authorities, so maintaining professionalism during communication is essential.

Additional Safety Features Built Into A VHF Radio

Your VHF radio is your lifeline. In more modern times, and with technological advances, additional features have been added to marine VHF radios to ensure your safety further while at sea. Maritime Mobile Safety Identity (MMSI)

This is a nine-digit number issued to Americans with a registered VHF radio by the National Telecommunications Administration (NTIA).

This number is a way of identifying your vessel. The International Telecommunications Union regulates it in Geneva.

This number will also be used for Digital Selective Calling (DSC), Automatic Identification Systems (AIS), and any other equipment used to identify a ship or Coast Guard station uniquely.

DSC is a feature found on newer VHF radios .

What It Does:

Stores all your vessels information in the device
Information includes the vessel’s name and location if the ship is equipped with GPS.
Can transmit the nature of your emergency

To operate a DSC, you must have a short-range radio license. DSC forms part of the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) and works on channel 70.

The DSC system works from your VHF radio, so the range will be the same. However, all VHF radios with DSC have a red button because of the following reasons:

When the button is pushed, the system will relay your position and identity through channel 70.
The message is repeated every 3-4 minutes until the radio receives another ship’s “accept” message.
You should report your mayday call on VHF channel 16 after you have engaged your DSC button.

Frequently Asked

How do you communicate with the coast guard via vhf radio.

Coast guard should only be contacted when you are in an emergency situation.

Channel number: 16, 1022

Depending on how urgently you need help, you could contact the Coast Guard directly by calling –

“Coast Guard, Coast Guard, Coast Guard”

and relaying your message.

You can use standard emergency radio etiquette (mentioned above). If you need urgent help from anyone nearby, you can use the mayday call:

“Mayday, Mayday, Mayday”

With either of these options, you need to communicate your location, situation, and what help you require. It is also essential to communicate the number of people onboard the vessel.

Are The Same Channel Frequencies Used Globally?

The USA has different channels than the rest of the world. In the USA, parts of the radio spectrum have been sold to other industries (like railways).

Most VHF radios give you the option to switch between international frequencies (“Int”) and USA frequencies (“USA”)

Which Channel Should My Marine Radio Be On?

You should constantly monitor the emergency channel (16); however, your radio should be on the appropriate channel for your needs.

If you have multiple radios on your vessel, you should have one constantly on channel 16 and the other on the working channel for your region or the type of operation/communication needed.

Which Channel Should I Use For A Radio Check?

Channel 09 can be used for a radio check , but it should be kept brief and follow protocol, and the line should be freed up once your check has been confirmed.

Do I Need A Licence To Operate A VHF Radio?

For recreational activities (not in the USA), some countries do require you to have a license regardless of your activities.

Are There Different Types Of VHF Channels?

Yes, there are two types. Simplex and Duplex. Simplex VHF channels are radio channels that transmit and receive messages using the same frequency.

You can either transmit or receive a message. They cannot happen simultaneously.

Duplex VHF channels are radio channels where you can transmit and receive messages simultaneously (like a phone call).

Even though both parties are on the same channel, their transmitting and receiving frequencies will differ slightly.

Written by:

I’m the founder and chief editor here at Sailing Savvy. I spent a decade working as a professional mariner and currently, I mix those experiences with digital publishing. Welcome, and I hope that we can be the hub you need for safe passage.

Marine radio for sailors : How to radio correctly

Andreas Fritsch

· 25.07.2023

Marine radio for sailors: How to radio correctly

Radio on board charter yachts is not every skipper's cup of tea: once a year, the newly acquired, unfamiliar yacht goes on a cruise, and many people already have enough to do with the sailing and harbour manoeuvres as well as the technical equipment. The crew needs to be properly instructed and the cruise planning also needs to be kept in mind.

Radio communication is not always given the priority it should be. What's more, the radio licence training, usually the "Short Range Certificate" (SRC), is often anything but practical. The skipper may have obtained the licence at some point, but a lot of theory and emergency routines are crammed into the training, usually only "radioed" on a simulator.

Radio: The most important functions

Has radio had its day? Many crews want to do everything on their mobile phones

In some cases, licence holders set sail who have never made a single radio call in real life. And then there's the inevitable: The equipment on board is completely different to that used in training, you don't need the radio at all in everyday charter life, as is very often the case on the Baltic Sea or in Greece, for example, and then everything is forgotten. Call routines, working channels, English terms - what was that again?

Most read articles

The Association of German Yacht Charter Companies (VDC) has been observing the same trend for years. Katharina Falck says: "We often notice on site, for example in areas such as Mallorca, that more and more crews are trying to use their mobile phones for all communication." This includes conversations with marinas or petrol stations or even calls to the charter company.

The most important processes and terms relating to sparking are therefore available free of charge(!) as a PDF.

to download

Routine: The radio on board should be used regularly

Although this often works, it has many disadvantages. For example, if you ask for a berth in a harbour and call the landline number, you sometimes only reach the office, which may not even be manned. By radio, on the other hand, you are more likely to get through directly to the marineros' handsets, who know exactly how many places are free, when and where, and who can also tell you if and when they are on site to help with mooring, for example. Particularly in the low season, the staff are not out and about on the jetties around the clock.

Radio vs smartphone: What speaks against the mobile phone

Radio is therefore very important in the everyday life of a charter crew and is often superior to the mobile phone network in many respects. Reason enough for a skipper to get to grips with it. Be it by obtaining a radio licence in the first place or by reactivating what you have learnt by integrating it into everyday charter life. After all, routine is only established if the radio is used regularly on board, whether for listening or speaking.

The only problem is that training often does not teach what is important in different areas later on. For example, the not insignificant question of what radio is usually used for in individual countries. In this respect alone, there are sometimes considerable differences across Europe.

Correct radioing: Observe differences in territory

On the Baltic Sea, for example, many sailors don't need to make a single radio call for years. If you call at a harbour, you simply look for the nearest box with a green guest berth sign and moor there yourself. In many places, harbour masters only come to collect money in the evening or morning anyway, especially in Denmark or Sweden. If they still exist at all: It is not uncommon for only students to collect the mooring fees, or you have to pay the fee at a machine.

5 good reasons why you still shouldn't do without radio

The situation is often different in the Mediterranean. The almost year-round utilisation of the harbours and not least the comparatively low pay of the marineros means that there is usually more staff on the jetties than in harbours on the North Sea or Baltic Sea. Marineros indicate the berth, take the stern lines and then lift the mooring line for the crew so that it is easier to catch with the boat hook. The staff can also help with power and water connections or take the ship's details for the harbour office.

In some areas, it is therefore good manners to register before calling at the harbour; you ask for a berth by radio. The marinero will then usually ask about the size and draught of the boat and explain which place you should head for. In some countries, such as Turkey, the marinero will even meet you on the rib and guide the crew to a free berth. If the skipper fails the mooring manoeuvre, the helpers are also on hand: if necessary, they push the yacht in the right direction with their rubber boats.

Radio etiquette vs. fast communication

This type of registration is common in many marinas in Spain, Italy, France and Turkey. In Croatia, too, this makes sense in the large commercial marinas, even if you don't always get a reliable response in the high season because the crowds are once again too great.

In other countries, on the other hand, you can wait a long time for an answer or a marina service: In Greece, sailors are only helped in a few private marinas. The same applies to Denmark and Sweden. The relevant information can be found in marina guides. Or you can simply ask the basic staff of the local charter company at the beginning of the trip.

The radio routine also proves to be different from what is taught during training. While it makes sense, for example, to repeat a ship's name three times, state the call sign or acknowledge each spoken part with "over" in an emergency at sea or during other relevant conversations, this is not usual for everyday radio conversations. Anyone who listens to radio conversations quickly realises: shorter calls, no "over", no "out". Once contact has been established, the two parties speak relatively informally and the conversation is not formally ended.

Radioing correctly: skilful use of the radio must be practised

In such conventional communication, therefore, very little attention is paid to radio etiquette, whereas in other cases it is appropriate - which is why the skipper and crew should be familiar with it. For example, it is a widespread bad habit to hold endless conversations with banal content on channel 16, which is used exclusively as a call and emergency channel. Switching to the working channels is therefore strongly recommended.

In any case, if you call a marina, a petrol station operator or a bridge keeper, you can ideally do so directly via their call channel. This is easier in some countries, such as Croatia, where all ACI marinas use VHF channel 17. Elsewhere, you first have to find the channel of the person you want to call. A look in the area guide usually helps. Good charter fleet operators also provide their customers with lists of the radio working channels of the most important marinas. Sometimes the call channel is also displayed on large signs on the pier when entering the harbour.

Skilful use of the radio is also important. It is annoying for everyone involved when a crew in the vicinity of a marina transmits at a full 25 watts, so that the ears of unwilling listeners almost fall off the loudspeaker. The fact that the transmission power can be limited to 1 watt in such cases should be obvious.

Marine radio for sailors: The 10 best tips for radio beginners

The skipper should also familiarise the crew with the use of the radio. This means that a fellow sailor can also make a call while the skipper is making a manoeuvre, for example. Setting the noise suppression and how the dual watch works are further points that everyone should be familiar with.

Radio: the most important functions

Maritime radio for sailors: Radioing correctly

- be sure your batteries are charged and your bilge pump is set to auto

- remove all canvas and anything that will catch wind, and remove or secure your boom

PLEASE DO NOT GO OUT TO CHECK ON YOUR BOAT AFTER THE STORM HAS BEGUN OR DURING THE STORM.

Your safety is more important than your boat.

Please continue monitoring weather resources. We will update as we learn more.

Hurricane Lee Update-Sunday 9/10

Friday, september 08, 2023 16:03 | anonymous member (administrator).

POTENTIAL SEVERE WEATHER NEXT WEEK

Good afternoon, boaters,

As Hurricane Lee develops, please monitor weather forecasts and begin making plans for how you wish to secure your boats and belongings. We will be monitoring US Coast Guard information and recommendations, and we'll communicate with you as we know more.

Kevin J Battle Harbor Master Port of Portland

207-772-8121 - Office

New Law Requiring Use of Engine Cut-off Switches

Wednesday, march 10, 2021 17:48 | anonymous member (administrator).

From the US Coast Guard:

Please note the new federal law related to cut off switches effective April 1st.

Who is effected:

Owners of boats less than 26 feet in length that generate more than 115lbs of static thrust (~ 2-3hp) and were built beginning in January 2020. If the boat was built in January 2020 or later, or an ECOS was installed at some point in the boat's life, the Engine Cut-Off Switch systems must be maintained in working condition for the life of the boat.

The Engine Cut-Off Switch Link doesn’t need to be attached when the vessel is idling, performing docking maneuvers or just going slow. The Engine Cut-Off Switch Link must be attached whenever the boat is operating on plane or greater than displacement speed

More details here:

https://uscgboating.org/recreational-boaters/Engine-Cut-Off-Switch-FAQ.php

Automated External Defibrillator (AED)

Monday, november 21, 2016 10:15 | anonymous member (administrator).

CYC recently purchased a portable Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and has installed it on the interior west wall of the Clubhouse near the sliding door.

What is an AED?

AED’s are used to treat sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), a condition in which the heart suddenly stops beating effectively. The device automatically diagnoses the life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias of ventricular fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia in a person and is able to treat them through defibrillation , the application of an electrical shock which stops the arrhythmia, allowing the heart to reestablish an effective rhythm.

Does CYC need this . . . why not wait until an emergency responder arrives?

SCA is a leading cause of death in adults . . . and children! Time is of the essence! Treatment delays beyond 4 to 5 minutes decreases survival chances significantly . For each minute defibrillation is delayed, the chance of survival is reduced approximately 10%. The average response time for first responders after a 911 call is 8 – 12 minutes. The prompt use of an AED with CPR techniques saves lives . . . nearly 70% of victims of the most common cause of SCA can survive when treated early with CPR and shock from a defibrillator.

The device is very simple to operate!

While training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and the use of an automated defibrillator is desirable, studies have shown that the lack of training should not restrain an attempt in emergencies. The Club has purchased a device designed for those who have never used an AED. It guides the responder through every step. Simply pull a handle to activate the AED and voice instructions guide you through the entire process – from correctly placing each pad on the person to performing CPR. It even guides you on the frequency and depth of chest compressions, as well as breaths. Special sensors in the pads provide feedback so the instructions are specific to the situation.

The AED assesses the person’s heart rhythm. If a shock is advised, it directs you to press a flashing button. If it determines that a shock is not called for, it won’t deliver a shock even if you press the button.

VHF Radio protocol

Wednesday, december 30, 2015 12:30 | anonymous member (administrator), from the december issue of boat us enews, vhf radio protocol.

By Lenny Rudow

Here's how to use your VHF radio the right way so you can be understood, and get what you need.

Know Thy Channel

Do regular radio checks, but do them on a recreational communications channel, not on 16, 9, 22 or any other restricted channel. Something the authorities find quite aggravating is when a recreational boater calls on an emergency channel requesting a "radio check." Hailing "TowBoatUS" on 68 is an easy way to conduct a check.

Remember that everyone can hear you. It's very easy to offend a large number of people on the VHF, and there are often small children listening.

Emergency Signaling

Listen to make sure that the channel is clear before transmitting.

If you know for a fact that you haven't activated DSC, check out the article " Setting Up A VHF Radio With Digital Selective Calling ", which tells you how to integrate your VHF and GPS. Then visit the MMSI Registration page (free for members) to get an MMSI number and register your radio.

BoatUS electronics editor Lenny Rudow is a fishing expert and the senior editor for www.Boats.com .

Got Stuff to sell?

Sunday, october 25, 2015 11:53 | anonymous member (administrator).

A Classified Ad page is now available on the club website. Go to the members section and choose Classified Ads. The section allows members to post an ad...

Guide to Using VHF Marine Radio

What is a VHF marine radio?

When you’re out boating it’s likely you’ll need to communicate with others around you (for instance to relay information or to raise an alarm), and the way you do this onboard is via your marine VHF radio. This is one of the most important pieces of safety equipment you will carry on board and it is strongly advised to make sure you have a working one before heading out on the water .

Marine VHF radio is a global system of two way radio transmission on boats and other water vessels. It uses FM channels in the very high frequency (VHF) radio band in in the frequency range between 156 and 174 MHz. This frequency has been designated by the International Telecommunication Union as the official VHF maritime mobile band. Transmitter power is limited to 25 watts, giving VHF radio a max range of about 62 miles (100 kilometres).

In some countries additional channels are used for local marine radio. Whether your boat is in the Caribbean , Adriatic , Baltic , North Sea or the Mediterranean , knowing how to use your VHF radio is crucial.

Different vhf radio channels

The VHF radio band is divided up into different channels, many of which have a specific designated purpose. Channel 16 is perhaps the most well known (and important!) as it’s the international distress, safety and calling channel. All boats equipped with VHF radios are required to maintain a listening watch so messages of distress are likely to be heard. Because most boats are listening, Channel 16 is also used to initially hail other parties. Once contact has been established the conversation is switched to a “working channel” to free 16 up again. The US Navigation Centre of Excellence provides a full list of international VHF marine radio channels and frequencies while this Wikipedia provides has a great overview of the different regional and country breakdowns for each VHF channel and frequency .

When you broadcast on a VHF channel every other vessel listening on that channel (within your radio’s range) will hear your message. Under normal circumstances you’ll be calling just one other party (a friends boat, or a marina) so no-one else will be interested in what you have to say. Therefore always keep communication short and to the point to avoid clogging up the channel and irritating other people!

How to use a VHF radio on a boat?

The importance of etiquette.

Transmit with identification: calls should start with saying the name of the boat you’re calling and the name of your own boat, three times.
When you’re finished say “over”; not “over and out” (however many times you’ve heard it in a movie!). “Out” means you’re done and not expecting any further communication.
Use the NATO phonetic alphabet when speaking letters
Read radio numbers single digits for clarity (six, eight, not sixty eight).
Speed: Talk a little slower than you would in a normal conversation.
Volume: There’s no need to shout, talk at the same level as you would on the phone.

Different types of VHF communication

Non emergency ship-to-ship or ship-to-shore communication.

These are routine calls to other boats and to shore stations. Conversations could be about reserving a berth for the night, arranging fuel or finding out when your friends boat is expected in the anchorage.

Safety Call - Securite

VHF radios can also be used to relay important safety information or to alert other vessels of something unusual in the area (floating debris or an unlit buoy are pretty common). Usually Securite calls originate from the coastguard but there maybe a time when you need to do one yourself.

Emergency Communication (Mayday, Pan-pan)

There are two types of emergency call. A Mayday is used when there’s imminent threat to life or vessel. For example when someone has gone overboard, is unconscious or seriously ill. For the boat this could mean it is sinking or on fire. A Pan-pan

VHF Radio FAQs

Are marine vhf radios required on boats.

VHF radios are not required on recreational boats which are under 65.5 feet in length. However, it is strongly advised to carry one as it is the easiest means of communication between you and other boats, including the coast guard or emergency services.

How to install a vhf radio in a boat?

This video gives a great overview of how to install a VHF

Do I need a vhf marine radio licence?

Most countries require you to have a license to operate a VHF radio. One of the main reasons is to help keep on-air conversations following specific protocols, which helps shape the communication and keep everything understandable. In some countries, like the U.S., laws allow recreational users to use VHF radios without requiring a license. Despite the lack of licensing in some countries, all users must adhere to the established communication protocols.

How to test a vhf marine radio?

In order to check if your VHF radio is working properly you should use an open channel (not channel 16) to test performance. Repeat the words "radio check" followed by your boat name and location three times and wait for some one to respond confirming that they have heard you.

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What is the range of a vhf marine radio?

There are a few factors which affect how far a marine vhf radio will transmit. A handheld VHR normally transmits a power of six watts while a fixed radio will do around 25 watts. However, VHF range is impacted more by antenna height and antenna gain than transit power. So you can significantly increase your range by connecting an external antenna and/or by mounting it to the highest possible point on the boat.

VHF radio is used mainly for short range communication, generally 5-10 miles (8-16km). For longer range communication a satellite telephone or an MF/HF marine radiotelephone is more suitable.

What is a good vhf marine radio?

First of all the answer depends on whether you want a handheld or mounted radio. Generally speaking Icom IC , Standard Horizon and Raymarine all make high quality VHF radios and you won't go wrong with any of them.

Why is the height of a vhf radio antenna important?

As mentioned above VHF range is impacted more by antenna height and antenna gain than transit power. So the height of your radio antenna has a major impact on your range of communication. For this reason it is recommended to mount your antenna it to the highest possible point on the boat.

Vhf marine radio protocol cheat sheet

We find this simple cheat sheet from MySailTeam to be straightforward and easy to understand.

A (great!) online tutorial

The US Coast Guard and the Boat U.S. Foundation have put together a great (half hour) online tutorial called “Can You Hear Me?” which summarises the use of VHF and DSC radios. You can find it here. Good to know: the download only works for PC’s.

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Obsidian’s Spy RPG Alpha Protocol Revived 5 Years After Delisting

Turn up the radio..

Obsidian’s secret agent RPG Alpha Protocol is back from the dead courtesy of GOG five years after it was delisted.

Alpha Protocol, first released in 2010, was pulled from Steam in 2019 due to the expiry of music rights. At the time publisher Sega, which still owns the Alpha Protocol IP, failed to go into further detail, but the delisting was said to have to do with scenes such as a boss fight that includes Turn Up The Radio by Autograph.

Alpha Protocol Screenshots

Now, five years later, GOG has worked to bring Alpha Protocol back with all its original music. It said Alpha Protocol is available DRM-free and includes a number of additional features, such as the freshly licensed soundtrack. Here’s the list:

● A licensed soundtrack

● Achievements support

● Full controller support (Dualsense, DualShock 4, Nintendo Switch Pro, Xbox Series,

or Xbox One controller)

● Localization support

● Compatibility with modern operating systems

● Cloud saves support

Obsidian developed Alpha Protocol at the same time as the much-loved Fallout: New Vegas , and both games ended up coming out within a handful of months of each other. You play Michael Thorton, a covert agent who travels around the globe executing black ops operations to uncover a conspiracy that threatens the world. Alpha Protocol stood out for its dialogue system, advanced quest system, and modern day setting. However, poor sales killed the prospect of a sequel, with Sega admitting it hadn’t met expectations.

Wesley is the UK News Editor for IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at [email protected] or confidentially at [email protected].

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IMAGES

Guide to Onboard Yacht Radio Etiquette as Crew
Discover our products for NMEA interface
Finding the best VHF marine radio for yachts
Cheat sheet for Marine Radio
The very very basics of radio protocol to get right for clear
How to register and use your VHF marine radio

COMMENTS

Guide to Onboard Yacht Radio Etiquette as Crew
Knowing how best to use it will serve you and your crewmembers well and ensure peak guest experience. Proper radio etiquette can be broken down into two parts: Ensuring proper radio function and maintenance and the communication being delivered and received. Ensuring Proper Radio Function: You and your trusty radio may often find yourselves in ...
How To Use A VHF Radio On A Boat: Basic Communications
The captain of the ship has ultimate control of the ship's radio. Radio communication protocol is to first state the safety phrase 3x (if there is an urgent situation) and then state the name of the vessel and location before continuing with your message. ... marinas and yacht clubs. Radio checks are a way of knowing your radio is sending and ...
VHF Radio Protocol
When you press the DSC "panic button" on the VHF, the radio will automatically transmit your vessel information and exact location. And since it's digitally processed and uses narrow receiver bandwidth, it also boosts range over normal voice communications. If you know for a fact that you haven't activated DSC, check out the article "Setting Up ...
How To Talk On A Marine VHF Radio [Radio Etiquette]
2️⃣ Do a radio check, but not on emergency channels. "open channels" such as 68, 69, and 72 can be used for radio checks. 3️⃣ Repeat "radio check" three times, followed by the name and location of your vessel. 4️⃣ Await confirmation from another station that your call has been heard and that your VHF radio is in working order.
Know Your VHF Radio Etiquette
Proper calls on the VHF Radio start with repeating the name of the boat you're calling and the name of your own boat a full three times. It's long, and sometimes annoying, but it's correct. "Arcturus, Arcturus, Arcturus, this is Sojourner, Sojourner, Sojourner, channel 1-6, over.". I like to repeat the channel as well, as many ...
VHF RADIO BASICS: RULES AND GOOD MANNERS
The rules we must respect are few. The first one is also the most ignored: while the ship is sailing, Vhf must be on and tuned on channel 16. This is an important rule for our own and other people's safety. Channel 16 is in fact an emergency channel which must be used to send help messages and it must be always open.
SAILING BASICS: HOW TO USE A VHF RADIO
Below is the generally accepted procedure for a Channel 16 Mayday: If you have a VHF marine radio, tune it to channel 16. Unless you know you are outside VHF range of shore and ships, call on channel 16 first. A Mayday distress signal is first spoken three times, "MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY". The words "THIS IS", spoken once.
The Basics of Marine Radio Use
The Basics of Marine Radio Use. To use your VHF, turn it on and pick a channel, set the squelch to the point where you don't hear any white noise, and begin talking. Things to remember when you are on the radio: Monitor channel 16 when you are not actively in conversation with someone else. While not required for recreational boaters, it is an ...
VHF Marine Radio Etiquette
10 Basic Rules to Marine Radio Etiquette. 1. Keep chatter to a minimum on open channels. On a VHF radio, channel 16 is an open channel, where all conversations are essentially public and overheard by other boats. You're not on a private phone call when you're speaking over a VHF radio. Keep side conversations about dinner plans on general ...
VHF radios: A guide to marine communication & safety
VHF radios are sophisticated communication devices widely used in the maritime industry for ship-to-ship and ship-to-shore communication. They operate on frequencies between 156.000 MHz to 174.000 MHz, offering an effective line of communication over a considerable range in open water. VHF radios are preferred for marine use due to their ...
Radio Protocol and Etiquette
Basics for radio etiquette and protocol include: Always monitor channel 16 while underway. Reserve calling on channel 16 for hailing and distress only. ... Shore use is permitted only with a special land based radio permit which is what yacht clubs and marinas have which allows them to talk from the dock house to vessels on the water. If you go ...
How and when to make a VHF radio check
If your radio isn't transmitting clearly, check its connections behind the radio and at the foot of the mast. In fact, if a fault develops it will undoubtedly strike without warning, and the fact that it worked during a radio check is not any guarantee that it will transmit next time, even if it has not been turned off in the meantime. There ...
VHF Radio Protocol
Radio checks are a way of knowing your radio is sending and receiving properly. Again identify yourself, "radio test, radio test, radio test, M/V Albacore ch 68.". The proper response being, "M/V Albacore, loud and clear, (your location) Nantucket Harbor.". Better yet, use the new automated radio check system on ch. 28.
How to Use a VHF Radio
Basics Steps for Using a VHF Radio. Turn on the VHF unit and adjust the squelch by turning the knob until the static stops. Tune to channel 16, the channel monitored by the U.S. Coast Guard. Perform a radio check to ensure your unit is functioning properly—do not use channel 16 this. Use an "open channel" to performance the check (channels 68 ...
PDF The Guide to Vhf Channels and Their Uses
VHF radio is the preferred method for calling for help on the water because it broadcasts signals that nearby radios can receive. This means that author-ities like the Coast Guard and other vessels in your vicinity might hear your call and provide assistance promptly. The USCG VHF network can pinpoint the source of a transmission, improv-ing ...
BASIC MARINE COMMUNICATIONS
The new "BASIC MARINE COMMUNICATIONS" video covers the evolution of boat-to-boat and boat-to-shore communications. Viewers will learn about VHF-DSC marine ra...
Radio Refresh
Maintaining your VHF Marine Radio Skills. If you don't use a VFH marine radio on a regular basis, it's easy to forget the standard etiquette and protocols. Remember, using a VHF marine radio is not like talking on a mobile phone. There are certain standards you need to follow to ensure this open and important communication tool can be used ...
Tips to Sound Like a Pro on Your VHF Radio
Tip: To Test your radio on the air, monitor one of the ship-to-ship channels and listen for radio traffic. After two parties conclude a conversation, call one of them by name and request a radio check. You'll see that most captains will gladly reply out of courtesy. Sea Tow also provides automated radio checks on VHF channel 28.
Which VHF Marine Radio Channels To Use [& When?]
Primary Channels. Channel 16 is the most important VHF marine radio channel. It serves as the international distress, safety, and calling channel. You should always monitor Channel 16 when your radio is not in use. Frequency: VHF Channel 16: Transmit- 156.800 | Receive - 156.800.
Marine radio for sailors: How to radio correctly
The fact that the transmission power can be limited to 1 watt in such cases should be obvious. Marine radio for sailors: The 10 best tips for radio beginners. The skipper should also familiarise the crew with the use of the radio. This means that a fellow sailor can also make a call while the skipper is making a manoeuvre, for example.
Centerboard Yacht Club
Rule No. 1: Respect the channel designations, especially those of the "big three." Channel 16 is reserved for distress and safety calls and for contact calls to other vessels or shore stations. Channel 13 is used for vessel bridge-to-bridge communications and is heavily trafficked by commercial ships for intership navigation.
A guide to using a Marine VHF Radio from savvy navvy
Transmitter power is limited to 25 watts, giving VHF radio a max range of about 62 miles (100 kilometres). In some countries additional channels are used for local marine radio. Whether your boat is in the Caribbean, Adriatic, Baltic, North Sea or the Mediterranean, knowing how to use your VHF radio is crucial. ‍ Different vhf radio channels
Traditions and Protocols
Traditions and Protocols. Doing things well in a consistent and proper fashion is a way of showing pride in yourself, your club, and your boating hobby as well as showing respect to your fellow yachtsmen around the Chesapeake Bay. Also, traditions and protocols allow us to run events smoothly, effectively mark special occasions, and provide ...
Obsidian's Spy RPG Alpha Protocol Revived 5 Years After Delisting
Obsidian's secret agent RPG Alpha Protocol is back from the dead courtesy of GOG five years after it was delisted.. Alpha Protocol, first released in 2010, was pulled from Steam in 2019 due to ...

VHF Radio Protocol

Here's how to use your VHF radio the right way so you can be understood, and get what you need.

Know Thy Channel

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Proper calls on the VHF Radio start with repeating the name of the boat you’re calling and the name of your own boat a full three times.

When you’re done speaking into the mic, say “over.”

Use the NATO phonetic alphabet when speaking letters .

K now the working channels for the area you’re in .

The serious ones: securité, pan-pan and mayday calls:

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VHF Marine Radio Etiquette

1. Never Leave Shore without a VHF-FM Radio Onboard

2. Take a VHF Course & Get Certified

10 Basic Rules to Marine Radio Etiquette

2. Be aware of the working channels for your area and keep the right ones clear.

3. To indicate you’re done speaking and awaiting a response, say “over”.

4. When you are finished with the conversation, do not say “over and out.”

5. When you’re first calling on another boat, repeat the name of the boat you’re calling three times.

6. When responding to another boat who has called you, state their name, then your name.

7. Learn and use the NATO phonetic alphabet.

8. Read numbers as single digits.

9. Know about the types of calls you’ll hear

10. Watch your language

Blog Headlines

Media and Galleries

What are VHF radios?

The advantages of VHF radios

Marine radio channels and frequencies

Channel 16: The emergency channel

Marine band radio: Regulations and usage

VHF marine radio channels: A detailed guide

Ship-to-shore communication: Using VHF radios effectively

VHF radios vs. other communication devices

Marine radio handheld: Portable communication solutions

The importance of marine radios on boats

Choosing the right VHF radio for your boat

Emergency situations and VHF radios

Proper use and maintenance of VHF radios

FAQs about marine communication

Radio Protocol and Etiquette

Basics for radio etiquette and protocol include:

Yachting Monthly

Reeds VHF Handbook: Book review

DSC VHF emergency checklist

Tested: Vesper Cortex VHF radio, AIS and remote monitoring

Enjoyed reading How and when to make a VHF radio check – and when not to?