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Radio Communications 101

© Capt. Matt

Although marine VHF radios are currently not a requirement for small recreational boats, this should be high on your list of equipment to carry. You should learn to properly use the radio and, during your passenger orientation, make sure at least one of your guests can also use the radio in case of emergency.

On the water, minor problems can rapidly develop into a situation beyond your control. For this reason, let someone know even when you are experiencing relatively minor difficulties, before your situation turns into an emergency.

Distress Vs Non-Distress

Distress is defined as a situation where you or your boat are threatened by grave danger with lose of life or the vessel being imminent. Running out of fuel, a dead battery or other mechanical problems are not distress situations.

The Coast Guard serves as Search and Rescue (SAR) coordinator for all maritime emergencies and is the appropriate point of contact whenever you are concerned for your safety. If you are in distress the Coast Guard will take immediate steps to help you. Normally Coast Guard rescue boats and/or aircraft will be sent, but assistance from any available source will be arranged to expedite your rescue.

How To Signal For Help

First you need to be familiar with just a few of the many radio channels available to you. Channel 16 is the hailing and emergency channel. This means that this channel is used to hail (call) another boat, marina, the USCG, etc. You should not hold conversation on this channel. In non-emergencies use it only to contact another party and then switch to a "working channel" to carry on your conversation. There are many working channels to choose from. Just pick one, say Channel 68, and use it regularly. Another channel to remember is Channel 22A. This is the USCG's channel. Although you can contact them directly from Channel 16. You can also contact them on 22A.

If you are in distress use "MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY" on the radio. If your situation is not a distress, simply call "Coast Guard." Channel 16 VHF/FM and 2182khz HF/SSB are dedicated distress and calling frequencies and are monitored at all times by the USCG.

Citizen's Band (CB) is not dependable and is not monitored at most Coast Guard stations. If you do not have a radio, attempt to signal a fellow boater who can assist or call the Coast Guard for you. In a distress situation, use flares or any other distress signaling device to catch the attention of another boater.

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