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Bawgy · Post by **Bawgy** » Thu Mar 09, 2006 6:21 am

What channels do you use to communicate with each other while sailing . My Manual was not very clear on this . I purchased a handheld unit and plan on using it this summer on outings with other sailors . I know we will pick a channel for our trip ,But if I was down on the neuse and wanted to hail another ship what channel would be appropriate for casual conversation ?

Timm Miller · Post by **Timm Miller** » Thu Mar 09, 2006 7:05 am

Hailing chanel is 16, then move it to another working channel like 68 or 69

Paul S · Post by **Paul S** » Thu Mar 09, 2006 7:39 am

I have been taught (USCG Aux Seamanship class) Hailing should be done on 9, emergency 16. I generally use 68/69 as working channels

A summary of the channls can be found here:
http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/marcomms/vhf.htm

Information on VHF use:
http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/marcomms/boater.htm

Paul

Randy Smith · Post by **Randy Smith** » Thu Mar 09, 2006 8:24 am

Thanks Paul, that was good information....

Randy

Sloop John B · Post by **Sloop John B** » Thu Mar 09, 2006 4:09 pm

Problem seems to be we toot about listening to 16. If a guy hails you on 9 I'm not sure you would hear it.

In the ICW along the Gulf the channel is 13. Big barges and stuff like to hear from you to at least acknowledge you see them and what your intentions are. These big things probably have several radios tuned to different channels.

I just have my little Atlantis and dimming by the hour cell phone.

argonaut · Post by **argonaut** » Fri Mar 10, 2006 5:32 am

You might hear it if your radio lets you monitor selected channels.
My Standard Horizon handheld lets you program channels you want to monitor.
Standard Horizon HX270S

Terry · Post by **Terry** » Fri Mar 10, 2006 8:19 am

In Canada it is also Hailing 9 Emergency 16.
I started out with one of those little Atlantis hand held units, still have it. I also checked out the Uniden UM525 that was mentioned on another thread and liked it so I bought it.
Here is the very best feature of it.
Like most newer VHF radios it is DSC capable, Digital Selective Calling which is a must have nowadays. It can scan up to 3 channels simultaneously and has an idiot proof Distress button under a little red flap. Now get this, you apply for an MMSI number Maritime Mobile Sevice Identity number and with this number you are registerd with all your personal particulars ie Name, address, phone, Boat name-type-reg# etc and emrgency contact on shore and any other info you care to supply. You can also hook your GPS into this radio so that the radio has a constant source of course, speed and location. Now imagine if you have a fire below or are sinking rapidly and all you have time for is to press that little button under the red flap for 5 seconds, presto your distress signal is sent out digitally to every coast guard station and DSC equipped boat in the area providing your exact location and with the MMSI number the Coast Guard has an instant display of your name, boat, and all particulars you provided on your MMSI application form. This takes the search out of Search & Rescue. No more MAYDAY, MAYDAY,MAYDAY for me.
It has a few other way cool features as well, you just have to read up on DSC technology. Do a google on MMSI & DSC.

Catigale · Post by **Catigale** » Fri Mar 10, 2006 9:35 am

VHF 16 and VHF 9 are both acceptable hailing channels...check local knowledge to find out where most people watch station. ITs 16 on the upper Hudson. BTW, you are technically required to monitor the watch channels if you have a radio on board.

Bridges and commercial traffic will also monitor 13 where I am. The good radios will let you watch all these channels.

On edit - Coast Guard does NOT monitor DSC channels in most places - see thread