Working a VHF Radio

• To use a VHF radio, turn the power on and tune to channel 16. Listen for a moment to ensure that no one else is using the channel. To speak, press the button on the side of the microphone and repeat the name of the boat that you are calling twice, then the name of your boat, and say "over" before releasing the button. If the boat that you are calling hears the call, someone will respond. If you receive no response, wait for two minutes and then try again. VHF etiquette permits you three calls at two minute intervals. If you get no response, you should clear the airwaves for other users. If you do get a response, press the button on your mic and suggest another channel. Channel 16 is reserved for calling and must be kept open for distress calls, so once you have contacted another boat, you must switch to a different channel. Channels that can be used by non-commercial crafts are 68, 69, 71, 72 and 78A. When the other boat agrees to a channel, tune to the new channel, press the button on the mic, state the name of the boat you are calling and then your boat's name again. The other boat should respond, and you can engage in conversation. If the channel is already in use, check the other channels until you find one that is free, tune back to channel 16, call the other boat and state the new channel.
  
  

Distress Calls

• The main reason all boaters should have a VHF radio is in case of emergency. To announce a life-threatening emergency over the VHF, tune to channel 16, press the button on the microphone and state as clearly as possible "Mayday, mayday, mayday," then the name of your ship, your position in latitude and longitude and the problem, such as "We are sinking." Repeat a distress call three times. If you have enough time, you can describe the boat and who is on board. If you do not get a response, continue to send out the call every few minutes on channel 16. Meanwhile, scan the other channels, trying to find a conversation taking place that you can interrupt in order to summon help. If there is no one on the radio, go to channel 22A. This is the Coast Guard channel, and you may be able to get a response. If you do not have a life-threatening emergency, replace "Mayday" with the word "Pan," pronounced "pawn."
  
  

Other Uses

• When not using the device, keep it on channel 16. Any important weather reports or marine advisories will be broadcast over this channel.