VHF Quick Reference

[Markst95]

Found this pdf file on proper VHF Radio Protocol. I don't use mine very often so its nice to have a reference.

http://static-sailmagazine.s3.amazonaws ... 111111.pdf

[bottomscraper]

And don't forget Seatow operates a free automated radio check system in many coastal areas. You just go to the appropriate channel and do your radio check as normal. The system will play a little advertising (hey nothing is really free) and then play back a recording of your original transmission. It works great and best of all you don't pollute channel 16 with radio checks that seem contagious this time of season.

Just type your location on the page below and click on the "Automated Radio Checks" it will show a little pin on the map and you can click on the to find the channel. It is Channel 27
here in Casco Bay. Most seem to be on either channel 24,26,27 or 28 but some are on other channels. There are even some on inland lakes and rivers.

https://www.seatow.com/tools-and-educat ... adio-check

[swparis85]

Always say the other boat’s name before
your own. At the end of the conversation,
simply say “Liability out.” Never over and
out, or farewell, or see ya later.

radio fascinates me. I've never sailed on a boat big enough to have electronics. I'd love to know more about how and why these protocols originated.
does anyone know where the 3x repeat of vessel names came from? why not just say it once?
are there anecdotes of radio clowns actually being caught and punished for goofing around on the VHF?

....on a side note, I also like to listen to shortwave, and I'm excited to see that voice of Greece is back up!
http://swling.com/blog/2015/06/shortwav ... nce-again/
I hope I can tune in! I can't say I've ever listened to Greek radio!

[Neil Gordon]

does anyone know where the 3x repeat of vessel names came from? why not just say it once?
are there anecdotes of radio clowns actually being caught and punished for goofing around on the VHF?

I suspect that once just isn't enough, since you're probably not listening all that closely. Twice might be okay... I suspect the military decided 3x was the right number.

As for being caught and punished, not so much for lack of proper protocol... but tying up emergency channels with foolish nonsense, or playing music as some clowns like to do, might actually get you in trouble.

The common protocol errors... naming your vessel first, not naming your vessel at all, adding useless terms like, "Are you out there?," general broadcasts asking for time of day, where the fish are, scores of ball games and the like, etc.

Speaking of protocol errors, skippers that don't know the difference between car horns and boat horns... too many times I get a "beep, beep," i.e., 2 whistles, only to be passed on my starboard side. Someone can get hurt that way!

[bottomscraper]

adding useless terms like, "Are you out there?,

and
"Come in please"
"Are you on this one"
"Hey Joe are you on your boat this weekend?"
"This is Foobar calling the white sailboat ahead of me"
"Thanks for the wake" done on high power so everyone within 20 miles can hear it (except probably the guilty stinkpotter who can't hear a thing over the roar of his engines)

[Sea Hunt Video]

Years ago a good friend owned a small dive boat, 110' (liveaboard type) that he would take divers to the Bahamas, Cay Sal Banks, etc.

We were heading over one morning early and monitoring Ch. 16. Shortly, a high pitched female voice is heard saying:

"Ricky, Ricky when are you gonna be back from fishing? Ricky, both Joey and Sarah have colds. Ricky, can you pick up some medicine when you get back? Ricky, where are you? Ricky, I love you."

She repeated this refrain several times. A few boaters/sailors told her to stop using Ch 16. A few choice words were used to emphasize the point.

For 5 days every member of the crew could be heard saying "Ricky, when you coming home Ricky".

I cut out the article Mark referenced and have it onboard S/V Bali Ha'i for a reference guide. Very helpful.