to VHF or not VHF ? - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

dorado50 · 01-25-2011, 07:55 AM

Channel 16 is for emergencies only,(for the most part). Its the coast guard channel. Used for reporting hazards on the water, stranded boats,etc. Its like the land #911. Very annoying when montoring 16 and some nitwit calls in for a radio check. Channel 27 is now set up for radio checks only,its supposed to be in full operation now.

Jimmyz123 · 01-25-2011, 08:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dorado50

Channel 16 is for emergencies only,(for the most part). Its the coast guard channel. Used for reporting hazards on the water, stranded boats,etc. Its like the land #911. Very annoying when montoring 16 and some nitwit calls in for a radio check. Channel 27 is now set up for radio checks only,its supposed to be in full operation now.

It would be nice for some of us NOOBS to know this stuff. I ususally put my radio on scan and then when it picks up a channel that has conversations going on I'll try for a radio check. Does anyone know what Channel 88 is used for? I've heard some interesting chatter on that channel from time to time.

old_rookie · 01-25-2011, 08:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dorado50

Channel 16 is for emergencies only,(for the most part). Its the coast guard channel. Used for reporting hazards on the water, stranded boats,etc. Its like the land #911. Very annoying when montoring 16 and some nitwit calls in for a radio check. Channel 27 is now set up for radio checks only,its supposed to be in full operation now.

Somewhere I remember reading or hearing that radio checks were ok on 16. Ok, well, that is my mistake in trying to get a response on a radio check. I'm glad I asked. I know it is for emergencies, so I did wait until there were no transmissions of that type.

I posted a chart of how each channel is used. I'll look it up.... its on page 21
http://www.uniden.com/pdf/MHS350om.pdf

And some research from BoatSafe.com:
The Coast Guard First District (New England, south to northern New Jersey) is now answering radio checks on VHF maritime channel 16, operations permitting. Radio checks will not be answered when CG radio operators are handling distress communications.
The purpose of this policy change is to help reduce hoax MAYDAY calls. Radio checks with the Coast Guard are not permitted in any other location.
You should limit your radio checks to working channels.

JoeBeck · 01-25-2011, 08:27 AM

I always carry a VHF. I have used it to call for help for myself and my wife once and have used it to call for help for other boaters 2 times, those boaters had cell phones and could not get a hold of people who could help them. One call from my radio and help was on its way.

Better safe than not. A phone is good to carry as well but if you need immediate assistance on the water channel 16 will get you help whether from a rescue personnel or a boat that is close by.

I also like the radio to communicate with others I am on the water with.

JoeBeck · 01-25-2011, 08:45 AM

Yeah, I don't think you are supposed to do radio checks on 16 since that channel is for emergencies only. But even when you feel your radio is out of range most likely the coast guard will be able to hear your distress signal. I have an icom m34 and last time out at Catalina by the west end a boater and his family were stuck on shore, for some reason his radio did not work or he did not know how to use it, he could not get a hold of anyone on his phone and to make things worst he had no food on the boat, just beer and a small amount of water. I radioed out on channel 16, I was heard in San Pedro and my message was relayed to harbor patrol in Avalon who could not hear me on channel 9 (the channel they monitor). Help was on the way for the boater and his family quickly. Stupid boater who a kayaker helped out, I gave his family some energy bars too that I also carry on my kayak in case of emergencies

.

If you are a boater in the ocean, don't beach your boat like you are at a lake, tides change, swells come in and out, next thing you know your boat is not in the water anymore and stuck on a beach.

dorado50 · 01-25-2011, 08:57 AM

The United States Power Squadrons,based here in San Diego, offer begining boating classes(seamanship) and advanced courses such as piloting,weather,navigation,etc. All great classes if you want to improve your water and boating skills especially for the safety of others....

01-25-2011, 07:55 AM	#1
dorado50 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: La Jolla Shores Posts: 1,626	Channel 16 is for emergencies only,(for the most part). Its the coast guard channel. Used for reporting hazards on the water, stranded boats,etc. Its like the land #911. Very annoying when montoring 16 and some nitwit calls in for a radio check. Channel 27 is now set up for radio checks only,its supposed to be in full operation now.

01-25-2011, 08:27 AM	#4
JoeBeck Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: San Diego Posts: 370	I always carry a VHF. I have used it to call for help for myself and my wife once and have used it to call for help for other boaters 2 times, those boaters had cell phones and could not get a hold of people who could help them. One call from my radio and help was on its way. Better safe than not. A phone is good to carry as well but if you need immediate assistance on the water channel 16 will get you help whether from a rescue personnel or a boat that is close by. I also like the radio to communicate with others I am on the water with.

01-25-2011, 08:45 AM	#5
JoeBeck Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: San Diego Posts: 370	Yeah, I don't think you are supposed to do radio checks on 16 since that channel is for emergencies only. But even when you feel your radio is out of range most likely the coast guard will be able to hear your distress signal. I have an icom m34 and last time out at Catalina by the west end a boater and his family were stuck on shore, for some reason his radio did not work or he did not know how to use it, he could not get a hold of anyone on his phone and to make things worst he had no food on the boat, just beer and a small amount of water. I radioed out on channel 16, I was heard in San Pedro and my message was relayed to harbor patrol in Avalon who could not hear me on channel 9 (the channel they monitor). Help was on the way for the boater and his family quickly. Stupid boater who a kayaker helped out, I gave his family some energy bars too that I also carry on my kayak in case of emergencies . If you are a boater in the ocean, don't beach your boat like you are at a lake, tides change, swells come in and out, next thing you know your boat is not in the water anymore and stuck on a beach.

01-25-2011, 08:57 AM	#6
dorado50 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: La Jolla Shores Posts: 1,626	The United States Power Squadrons,based here in San Diego, offer begining boating classes(seamanship) and advanced courses such as piloting,weather,navigation,etc. All great classes if you want to improve your water and boating skills especially for the safety of others....