48 BASIC POWERBOATING. SAFETY & RESCUE FOR SAILING INSTRUCTORS MARINE VHF RADIO


The Marine VHF radiotelephone system is a line of sight, very high frequency system designed to: E provide monitored distress and safety frequencies E provide information on the navigation and movement of vessels


E allow communication between private vessels and local federal agencies


E provide a communications link for vessels and stations engaged in commerce


E provide telephone services for vessels afloat E meet the communication needs of the recreational boater


Squelch


As a line of sight system, the ranges of Marine VHF are limited by the horizon. Average ship-to-ship ranges are about 10-15 miles. Shore stations generally have higher antennas. Communication with these can be extended to 20-30 miles. Power output, particularly at the low setting, can limit these ranges.


Each channel is authorized for a specific purpose. For example, there are only four channels authorized for routine communication between recreational vessels. The channels of greatest interest to the recreational boater are as follows: E Channels 1, 2, 3, 4 - Weather


Provide continuous local marine weather conditions and forecasts, including storm warnings and watches.


E Channel 16 - Distress, Safety, and Calling All stations must monitor this channel (or channel 9) when operating, except when communicating on another channel. Calls to another vessel or station are initiated on this channel and then, except in an emergency, transferred to a working frequency. Routine radio checks are prohibited on this frequency.


Most hand-held VHF radios do not have DSC with GPS capability, but this one does. Note display of the latitude/ longitude position.


E Channel 9 - Secondary Calling Channel The Coast Guard does not monitor, it but will transmit emergency broadcasts and announce marine information broadcasts. Channel 9 should be used as the general purpose-calling channel. Vessels monitoring Channel 9 are exempt from the requirement to monitor Channel 16.


E Channel 6 - lntership Safety Channel It is used for search and rescue communications, and intership safety purposes. It is a required channel for all VHF - equipped vessels and must be used for safety purposes only.


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