VHF Radio procedures in SoCal waters

VHF Radio Procedures

Right from the Horse’s Radio – words from the FCC

HOW DO I CALL ANOTHER SHIP USING VOICE CALLING?

Make sure your radio is on.

* Select Channel 16 (156.8 MHz) and listen to make sure it is not being used. NOTE: Channel 9 (156.45 MHz) may be used by recreational vessels for general-purpose calling. This frequency should be used whenever possible to relieve congestion on Channel 16.

* When the channel is quiet, press and hold the microphone button, then call the ship you wish to call.

* Speak directly into the microphone in a normal tone of voice — clearly — distinctly.

Say “[name of ship being called] THIS IS [your ship's name and call sign (if applicable)].”

In order to prevent a short key i.e. talking before the radio is ready, I usually start with “Hello.”

“Hello, Bodacious, this is Sancerre, Whiskey Delta Delta five seven five eight.”

* Once contact is made on Channel 16, you must switch to a ship-to-ship channel. The ship-to- ship channels are listed in the chart on VHF Freqs and uses

* After communications are completed, each ship must give its call sign or ship name and switch to Channel 16.

Note from Capt. Dan: You’ll notice that you say the name of the ship you’re calling ONCE. In spite of the Coast Guard’s abuse of this as well as Great White, Little Kitty and Stinky Woman, that’s it. Just ONCE.

Do you want to call me?

Just listen for traffic on #16 and when it is clear, press and hold the mic key say “Hello, Sancerre, this is Bodacious.”

If I’m on the water, I will respond, This is Sancerre, switch six-eight (69, 71, 72).

That’s it.

Three S’s: Short Sweet Switch.

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VHF Radio procedures in SoCal waters

VHF Radio Procedures