The VHF radio is often overlooked by new boaters as they start to provision their boat. After all, just buying the boat, motor, trailer, and required safety gear has all but exhausted the budget for now. Time to enjoy the boat for a while, then you’ll worry about a new radio, right? Not a good idea! The VHF radio, while not required by law, is still one of the best tools you can have for increasing your safety on the water.

Boaters mistakenly assume that having a cell phone is all they need. Besides the issues of cell phones falling in the water, getting wet, or just being out of range, the problem is, when you need help and there is a boat near by, how can you contact that boater without knowing the captain’s cell number? You can’t. But, if you had a VHF radio, chances are much better that you could find help a whole lot faster. Not only that, but you will have access to the Coast Guard station, their Notice to Mariners, weather broadcasts, security broadcasts, and “Maydays” from other boaters nearby who might need your help.

Let’s discuss a few basics. First, all boaters need to have their radios on, squelch dialed just above the static point, volume adjusted loud enough to be heard over the engines, and tuned to channel 16 - the international hailing and distress channel. This is where we contact one another and this is where we call for help. We make our calls very brief, professional, and succinct on this channel, then we switch to a “working channel” for conversation. Island Explorer this is the Adventurer on 16 Over. He replies, Adventure this is Island Explorer… channel 8? I reply, Adventurer switching to channel 8. And if there is no verbal “traffic” on channel 8, we can carry on a normal conversation, then switch back to 16 when done.

The following are generally considered working channels around the US: 68,69,71,72, and 87A. Locally, 7,8,11,15,17 are also used – and, often as working channels for marinas. There are several channels that have been designated for special use. You may listen, but unless you have good reason, you should not transmit on these channels 06, *09, 13*, 14, 21, 22, 23, 24, 70, 81, 82, 83. Space doesn’t permit a full discussion on these, but you can learn more in our Boating Skills and Seamanship classes or on the internet. Monitor 13 & 16 in the port and lower Savannah River. (*You may communicate with commercial traffic on 13, and bridges on 9 if needed).

Vessels traveling offshore should be equipped with a fixed-base radio and a good antenna to boost the gain, which provides a longer transmitting and receiving range. Handheld radios provide a good backup and are acceptable for smaller, inshore boats, but lack the wattage and gain to transmit and receive over long distances.

Perhaps you have heard the term “Alpha” when some of these channels are mentioned. For example, the Coast Guard will announce that their Notice to Mariners (NTM) briefings will be on channel “22-Alpha”. Internationally, some channels are assigned a different frequency than in the US. On most radios there is a button to toggle between international (Int) and American frequencies. The “A” stands for American, but the military pronounces “A”s as “Alpha”, “B”s – “Bravo”, etc. Your radio should always be set for American frequencies when in the US. Generally, “Int” appears on the display if you have pushed the button for International, but pushed again and there is no code on the radio display – indicating the channels are set to the default (American) frequencies.

There are three types of emergency calls you might make or hear on the radio: Mayday, Pan-Pan, and Sécurité. The first is where there is an immediate peril and risk to human life. Mayday, Mayday, Mayday… this is [vessel name, vessel name, vessel name]Mayday [vessel name] is [location as: lat/lon or__ nm N,S,E, or W from__][nature of distress][type of assistance required][boat description][number on board][other] OVER.

A Pan-Pan is given when there are conditions of emergency or potential emergency. (The Coast Guard also uses this when announcing a NTM broadcast.)

The last (pronounced, Se cur a tay), is used to announce navigation risks. You will often hear larger vessels announcing their entrance or transit along the Savannah River, using a Sécurité broadcast. (This French word is being used less, and the word “Security” used more frequently by boaters.) A typical call might be, Security call – the Midnight Gambler II is entering the Savannah River at Elba Island Cut, Outbound for Sea, standing by 16, 13 for concerned traffic. Midnight Gambler II out.

A quick reminder on radio etiquette. As tempting as it may be to “dress-down” an offending boater over the radio, remember the FCC has strict guidelines and fines for using obscenities over public air-waves. The Coast Guard does have the ability to triangulate and track down offenders and they do prosecute these offences. Another way to get yourself in “hot water” is to allow your children to play with the VHF Radio. They seem to find it amusing to issue calls for “help” over the radio. The Coast Guard fails to find the humor in these calls, since they often force the Guard to launch bogus Search and Rescue Missions. If your child is found to be the culprit, be prepared to pay for the cost of any mobilization of resources on your behalf and/or additional fines.

All of the newer marine radios are now equipped with Digital Selective Calling (DSC). Owners should register their radio to receive their personal Marine Mobile Service Identifier (MMSI) number. By simply pressing the red distress button for three seconds, a Mayday will be sent with your GPS position and information about your vessel. All mariners in the area with DSC radios will be instantly informed of your distress and location. If their radios are properly connected to their chartplotter, your location will be displayed there, as well. In addition, you may call boaters directly on their VHF, using their MMSI number. It is a great tool, that people are not yet using to its full advantage.

If you do hear a MAYDAY, you may be in a better position to offer direct assistance or act as a relay to the nearest Coast Guard Station. If you are near a vessel in distress, it is your responsibility to offer assistance, provided you can do so without putting your vessel or passengers in danger. Offer your assistance and coordinate your efforts with the Coast Guard.

Having a good radio and understanding how to use it is an often overlooked safety tool. Tuning your radio to channel 16 and knowing how to call for assistance could someday save your life! So keep your radios on and be safe!

For information on obtaining free vessel safety checks, safe boating courses, Coast Guard Auxiliary membership or other recreational boating matters, contact Flotilla 10-2 through our website – www.savannahaux.com.