Radio etiquette

[eric97217]

What is the property way to call for a bridge to be raised. I live in Portland OR and we have 7 or 8 drawbridges between my marina and downtown and I dont want to look like a fool when I call for one to be raised.

[gaurre3]

identify drawbridge, then your vessel name, direction of your vessel, "requesting an opening"... They monitor Channel 9 in some (possibly all) areas. Listen to what other are saying in your area. just keep it short and sweet. Sometimes it''s customary to let the bridge house know when you are clear as well, if they have an obstructed view.

-Greg

[JohnDrake]

Bridges are hailed on 13.

Respectfully

John

[sadie14]

Bridges in Florida are on Channel 9. Most other states use 13.

This link gives good radio info from the USCG:
http://www.uscgboating.org/safety/aton/bridge.htm

This link gives general information on all VHF channels:
http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/marcomms/vhf.htm

[C_Amos]

Other then the ''guides'' is there a rule of thumb to know if a bridge will be on call or on a schedule?

[gershel]

Hi. Whenever I''m not sure I call the bridge tender.
Marc

[39512]

It goes like this:

State the name of the contact 3 times.
eg. Third St. Bridge, TSB, TSB

Then your identity.
this is sailing vessel x, sailing vessel x, sailing vessel x, channel 9, over.

After you have been contacted, start each transmission by stating the contact once and your identity once:

Third street Bridge, this is sailing vessel x, then your message, then over.

The proper way to close your transmission is by stating: Third Street Bridge, this is sailing vessel x, out. Over and out is not the proper ending.

Regardless, stating the person you are calling 3 times allows the person receiving the transmission the ability to determine the fact that they are being called.

If your transmission is not immediately returned, allow a minute or two before re-transmitting. The person you are trying to contact may be busy with another transmission.