VHF radio has its own label that must be respected

When you start browsing and receive access to these channels and devices, it is essential to act with respect to some rules of use and follow best practices. Let’s examine some common mistakes to avoid when using VHF radio frequencies on board a sailboat during a cruise.

01. Don’t listen to the speaker before speaking

Of all the standard VHF radio practices, this is the one to keep in mind. In fact, VHF channels follow a certain etiquette and it is necessary to pay attention to what you say and do. When joining a channel, take time to pause and listen to ongoing conversations before taking action. Avoid interrupting people or talking over them and wait until there is a gap in the conversation before intervening.

02. Talk without identifying yourself on the VHF radio

There’s a reason your boat has a name. When you start talking, be sure to introduce yourself with your name or vessel callsign. A vessel’s call sign is a special combination of letters and numbers used to locate it and communicate with it by radio. Regulatory groups assign callsigns to vessels to facilitate radio conversations.

03. Making messages that are too long

When speaking on the VHF radio while on a boat, messages should be short and clear. Make sure conversations are concise and avoid off-topic or overly long discussions. If you’re trying to communicate with a friend, set up another channel to talk on. However, make sure that it is not intended for emergencies or rescue requests. Keep in mind that all boats use the same channels, so your messages should be short (less than 3 minutes) and reserved for important purposes. To reach your friend you can use the name of his vessel and the call sign. If you don’t know the vessel’s name, avoid mentioning his personal name. Call him on his cell phone instead. Always keep channel 16 open for emergencies. And be aware that if you abuse the canals, the Coast Guard will probably tell you to stop.​

04. Using the wrong channel

The national emergency, safety and call frequency is channel 16. Therefore ships and yachts should tune to this channel for essential safety updates and emergency assistance. Channel 16 is monitored by commercial radio operators for Coast Guard dangers, updates of the so-called “Navaids”, i.e. navigation aids, weather warnings and messages to boats. For all these reasons, channel 16 must never be used for conversations that do not concern security or emergencies.

For communications from boat to boat it is best to use channels 6, 8, 72 or 77. It should also be remembered that the Harbor Offices use channel 9.

05. Press the transmit button when not speaking

It is not uncommon to accidentally hold down the transmit button after finishing talking on the VHF. In this way, however, a terrible noise is produced through the air channels. To avoid damage to your radio and to protect the ears of other boaters, be sure to press the transmit button only when you are talking.

06. Don’t say “over” when you’ve finished speaking

By saying “over” at the end of your speech you let others know that you have finished speaking and are waiting for a response. Communication is key when using VHF radio for boats, and if you don’t necessarily require a response, you can say “out.”

If you need to contact another vessel:

• Say his name 3 times and mention your vessel once.
• If you do not receive a response, wait 2 minutes before trying again.
• Do not call the same vessel more than 3 times and wait at least 15 minutes after the third failed attempt to contact the person.

07. Let inexperienced children use the radio

If the child sailing on board knows marine radio protocols and takes them seriously, he or she should have no problem using the radio. However, it is not a toy and children should not treat it as such. It is also good to avoid using bad language. Furthermore, making emergency calls as a joke is illegal and severely punishable.

08. Use the VHF without the appropriate license

Only those in possession of an RTF operating license which is issued by the Ministry of Communications can use the VHF: the radio installed on board a vessel is to all intents and purposes a “station” which, as such, has its own callsign. International composed of two letters “IY” or “IZ”, followed by a number that varies from unit to unit. Therefore, in order to use the VHF, at least one member of the crew must be in possession of the operator’s certificate, known as the “license”, also issued by the Ministry of Communications.

10. Using “radio jargon” from movies

Films and television programs often exaggerate VHF radio conversations. Therefore, repeating language and phrases that you have only heard once is unwise. Instead, make sure you learn the correct nautical communication jargon before you set off.

09. Do not check radio devices before leaving

Cruising sailors should regularly check onboard radios to ensure they are functioning properly. Radios wear out due to constant use and exposure to harsh conditions. Therefore, before abandoning the moorings of the checklist, it is essential to check that the transceiver, microphone, speaker and power supply are free of problems.

In conclusion

As long as you stick to marine VHF radio best practices and avoid the mistakes mentioned in this guide, you should be ready to use your radio with ease to safely and fully enjoy your sailing cruise.

Source: blog.marenauta.com