How do you program a VHF marine radio?
To start programming the radio we ensure that the radio is turned on and that all toggle switches are placed in a down. Position. There are 25 groups in the radio. Each group contains 20 channels.
Do you need a certificate to use a marine VHF radio?
Yes. The Radio Operator Certificate is still a requirement for anyone who may be operating the maritime radio equipment, regardless of whether a radio licence is required.
What marine VHF channels can I use?
What channels should you use for regular conversations? Channels 68, 69, 71, 72, and 78A are considered non-commercial channels, and in most areas, 68 and 72 are commonly used by the recreational-boating community. But remember that the VHF is officially for “operational” purposes.
What size boat requires a VHF?
VHF Signals travel line-of-sight with typical ranges of 20 to 30 nautical miles. Recreational boats under 65 feet are not required to have a VHF radio but most sailboats and powerboats carry one aboard because of its simplicity, convenience, reliability, and, above all, it is a vital part of the safety equipment.
What channel should my VHF be on?
Federal Communications Commission regulations require boaters having VHF radios to maintain a watch on either channel 9 or channel 16, whenever the radio is turned on and not communicating with another station. All non-emergency traffic should be communicated on another channel (not channels 9 or 16).
What is the difference between VHF radio and marine radio?
A marine VHF radio is different from other VHF radios used for land or air communications. Marine radios are specifically designed for communications on the waterways. They are installed on all large ships and most seagoing small craft, and with slightly different regulation on rivers and lakes.
How much is a VHF radio licence?
free
VHF radio licences are free, you just need to go to www.ofcom.org.uk and select Marine VHF. You will also need an operator’s licence for at least one person aboard, usually the skipper. This is administered by the RYA who can advise you where to take the relevant course and exam.
Does VHF license expire?
VHF Ship Licences To Be Free and Last Indefinitely.
How far will a marine VHF radio transmit?
Transmission power ranges between 1 and 25 watts, giving a maximum range of up to about 60 nautical miles (111 km) between aerials mounted on tall ships and hills, and 5 nautical miles (9 km; 6 mi) between aerials mounted on small boats at sea level.
How far offshore does VHF work?
15 to 25 miles
If you are planning an offshore voyage, you need to know VHF radios and cellular telephones are limited in range, usually no more than 15 to 25 miles from shore.
How far offshore will VHF work?
Why should you never drop your anchor from the stern of the boat?
Never anchor from the stern as this can cause the boat to swamp. The square stern may be hit by waves, and water will splash into the boat. The motor’s weight will add to this problem. Slowly back the boat away downwind or downcurrent.
Which VHF channel should you avoid using as a working channel?
However, channel 16 on your VHF radio is probably the most important. Channel 16 is designated as the national distress, safety and calling frequency.
How do you call a marina on VHF?
How do I use it?
- Call the vessel, marina or restaurant on Channel 9 in the following manner.
- Name of station being called, spoken three times.
- The words “THIS IS”, spoken once.
- Name of your vessel spoken once.
- The word “OVER”.
- Then you wait for the station being called to answer.
What channel should your marine radio be on?
How far will VHF transmit?
A typical VHF station operates at about 100,000 watts and has a coverage radius range of about 60 miles.
How long does a VHF certificate last?
How long does a VHF licence last? Forever.. ship radio licences last a lifetime, but must be revalidated every 10 years.
Can you do a VHF radio course online?
The exam will always be classroom based but the course can be taken in the classroom or online. To be able to operate the radio and know the procedures required to use the radio.
How much does a VHF radio licence cost?
VHF radio licences are free, you just need to go to www.ofcom.org.uk and select Marine VHF. You will also need an operator’s licence for at least one person aboard, usually the skipper. This is administered by the RYA who can advise you where to take the relevant course and exam.
Can you do a VHF course online?
This RYA VHF Radio course online course can be undertaken at the candidates own pace in the comfort of their own home. The course is web-based and compatible with PC, Mac, iPads and Android tablets.
What channel should my marine radio be on?
Channel 16 is designated as the national distress, safety and calling frequency. All vessels should monitor this channel while underway. When hailing other boats for routine communication, you’ll need to hail them on 16 or 09, and then move to an available working channel, usually 68, 69, 71 or 72.
Can I use a marine VHF radio on land?
Marine VHF radios, whether fixed or handheld, may not be used on land, period. It’s the law. Once a VHF radio goes ashore, it cannot be used for marine band transmission (without a Coast Station License).
How far can a 25 Watt VHF radio reach?
60 nautical miles
For example, a 25-watt marine radio will roughly have a maximum range of 60 nautical miles (111 km) between antennas mounted on tall ships, but that same radio will only have a range of 5 nautical miles (9 km) between antennas mounted on small boats at sea level.
Are marine radios illegal on land?
Marine radios can operate on land, but since they are originally built specifically for ships, it is illegal for anyone to use them on land without a Coast Station license.