How to Use a Marine VHF

Marine VHF radio is a useful tool for communicating with other boats

Marine VHF radio is the standard means of communication for boaters. These electronic units have the ability to transmit and receive messages with other devices, allowing for easy conversation among ship captains. Marine VHF radios can be owned and operated by anyone, and are important tools for maintaining safety. These radios are the first line of defense for those in dire need of assistance. If a problem arises onboard a boat, other ship operators--and the coast guard--are ready to reply.

Things You'll Need

• A marine VHF radio
• A boat

Instructions

1. Turn the radio on and set it to Channel 9. This is the designated channel for calling other non-commercial vessels. Listen to make sure the channel is clear. Introduce yourself and identify the station you want to reach. Say the name of the station you would like to reach three times. Say the words "This is", followed by the name of your vessel and your boat registration number. Then say the word "Over." Wait for the station being signaled to reply. Their answer will be in the same style as your call. Direct them to turn their radio to a different channel to resume your conversation so you don't tie up the calling channel. Finish with the word "Over."

2. Learn the marine radio alphabet. Communicating on the water via radio requires knowledge of a special alphabet to facilitate understanding. The alphabet is as follows:

   A -- Alpha, B -- Bravo, C -- Charlie, D -- Delta, E -- Echo, F -- Foxtrot, G -- Golf, H -- Hotel, I -- India, J -- Juliet, K -- Kilo, L -- Lima, M -- Mike, N -- November, O -- Oscar, P -- Papa, Q - Quebec, R -- Romeo, S -- Sierra, T -- Tango, U- Uniform, V -- Victor, W -- Whiskey, X -- X-Ray, Y -- Yankee and Z -- Zulu.

3. Learn how to seek assistance. Channel 16 is the designated channel for seeking help. Use the term "May Day" to relate a dire emergency situation. Repeat the term "may day" three times, followed by the name of your vessel three times, and then the registration number of your vessel spoken one time. If you have access to a GPS system, give the specific coordinates of your vessel. If not, use any surroundings to provide an estimated location. Explain the type of distress your vessel is under. Finish with the word "Over." A speedy response will likely follow. If you are experiencing serious difficulties but not a dire emergency, then use the term "Pan Pan" instead of "May Day."

Tips & Warnings

• Do not use channel 16 for any non-emergency situations. The coast guard monitors this channel for serious emergencies only.

References

• Seakayak Chesapeake Bay: How to use a marine VHF radio
• Marine Radio Information for Boaters