BARE COVE SAIL & POWER SQUADRON EVENTS
HINGHAM , MASSACHUSETTS
A Unit of United States  Power Squadrons^®

RADIO RULES TO LIVE BY

For most skippers, a VHF radio is their only way to call for help. For this reason you are urged to review proper radio procedure. When on board your vessel you should make it a point to educate guests, family members, and any others on board in respect of the fundamental rules of Marine Radio and where to “find” the information essential to survival.

In addition, it also would be well to have a “cheat sheet”, which everyone on board knows where it is, and prepared to describe:

1. the vessel - type [sail or power]; color of hull; length; name; home port

2. where to find your position [either loran coordinates or coordinates from GPS] in latitude and   longitude

3. the number of persons on board [in their lifejackets if danger or disability is present] and,

the specific nature of the vessel’s disability

BY THE WAY: Did you file a “float plan” with someone ashore who will be looking for you if you don’t show up where and when you are expected ? NOETA [no expected time of arrival] is not an acceptable entry on a float plan !!!!!

The rules for operation of marine radio relies upon common sense, for the most part, and are fully described in the text “Chapman’s Communications Afloat.” In addition, much valuable information may be gleaned from the FCC Web Site, which has basic radio utilization instruction. [www.fcc.gov/wtb/aviation&marine/fetsht14html]

The “right” frequency [channel] is also of significant importance. Channel 16 is always the first choice for emergency transmissions, as it is the only channel which is constantly monitored by the US Coast Guard and most Harbormasters. From a practical, “back-up” perspective, Channel 9 has been designated as a local and harbor “calling channel” because of the need to clear Channel 16 from the extraneous traffic on Channel 16.

LICENSING: Vessels under 65 feet in length are not required to have an FCC license for on board radio or radar devices. Unlicensed vessels will use the Vessel Name for purposes of identification and not a “call sign”. On the other hand, if you expect to be visiting a foreign port [including Canada] you must have an FCC license for every communicative device on your vessel. The cost is $105 for a 10 year license and, it is recommended for close on-shore vessels as well, as an additional safety measure.

DO:

• monitor Channel 16, whenever your radio is on unless you are transmitting;