Using Your VHF Radio

November 11, 2005
By David Bryant

Although a VHF radio on board is only legally required by boats over 65’6” Your VHF can be useful as both a communication tool and as a tool in an emergency. Taking part in a costly radio licensing program is not always possible and is not absolutely necessary for the average boater. This article will introduce key concepts for confusion-free communication and prepare you to make a distress call if you should ever need to.

• In general a VFH radio will have a range of about 10 miles; a handheld VHF typically has a 4 mile range.

Channel 16

Channel 16 is the international calling and distress station. It should be used only for this purpose. Your VHF should be set to stand-by on Channel 16 at all times.

Besides making a distress signal, Channel 16 may be used to Hail/Call/Raise another vessel. Below is an example of how to do this:

Hailing a Vessel:

Imagine your boat is named “SeaNile” and you wish to “hail” the vessel “Sand Dollar”. Announce the name of the vessel you are hailing three times followed by the name of his vessel.

Vessel SeaNile: Sand Dollars, Sand Dollar,, Sand Dollar…This is SeaNile

After this, wait for a reply. If there is no reply you may try again. If still there is no reply, try again later. Don’t block the channel by endlessly hailing the other vessel hoping for a reply.

Vessel Sand Dollar hears your hail makes a response acknowledges he has heard your hail.

Vessel Sand Dollar: Se Nile, this is Sand Dollar, over.

As you may be aware, the word over is to indicate that you are finished speaking.

Vessel SeaNile: Sand Dollar, switch to channel Six-Seven, over.

Here you request the vessel Sand Dollar to switch to another station to continue communication. Notice double digit numbers are announced one number at a time for clarity.

On channel sixty-seven you may commence your conversation on whatever topic you’d like. When you’re done, switch back to Channel 16 on stand-by mode. Note: When a distress call is being made by another boater, now is obviously not the time to be hailing another vessel. Stay off the radio during this time!

Sending a Distress Signal:

Most boaters will never come to this situation, but in the event a distress signal needs to be sent, it’s best to be prepared. Channel 16 is used to make a distress call when "there is immediate risk of loss of property or life" and may also be used in non-emergencies when assistance is still needed (read below). To make a distress signal in a true emergency, do the following:

1. Tune your VFH to Channel 16.
2. Repeat the word ‘Mayday’ three times.
3. Announce the name of your boat three times i.e. “This is SeaNile. This is SeaNile. This is SeaNile”.
4. Describe your boat as best possible, such as size and color. Also announce the number of people on board. I.E. 36 foot white powerboat three passengers on board”.
5. Report the relative location (preferably latitude and longitude or by geographical reference) of your boat.
6. Indicate the nature of your distress/emergency (i.e. sinking, fire, etc.).
7. Describe the type of assistance you require and end by saying “over” and ‘unkeying’ the microphone (releasing your finger from the button).
8. Wait about a minute for a response. If after this time you receive no response, repeat the above. If still you receive no response, you must consider the possibility that your VHF may not be working correctly. At this point, you must consider all other possibilities such as using flares and other distress calls to call for help. Stay calm and set an example for your passengers.

Non-Emergencies

The more likely situation you will encounter as a boater is a non-emergency situation that still requires assistance, i.e. you’ve lost all power and require a tow. In this scenario, simply repeat the above steps but instead of using the word ‘Mayday’ use the word ‘Pan-Pan’.

One word of caution. When another vessel offers to tow you in a non-emergency situation, many times he/she is not offering this assistance purely out of courtesy: they will want some compensation (i.e. money)! Normally it is assumed the distressed boater will simply offer something in return before or after the tow. This amount is usually arbitrary and its best to use your own judgment as to how much you feel is appropriate, although sometimes the assisting vessel may clearly state how much they expect.

At the same time, many boaters still go by the old adage of ‘what goes around comes around’ and will expect absolutely nothing in return for their favor.

Standby to Assist

One of the main reasons you will have your VHF tuned to channel 16 is to be able to offer assistance to another boater. If you are in the near vicinity of the vessel making the distress signal, head for the vessel and when there is a break in the communication between this vessel and the coast guard, call the coast guard and let them know that you will provide assistance.

Keep in mind, this article has been designed to present you with the bare essentials of using your VHF radio. Taking a certified Radio Operators course is always recommended.