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The vast majority of my boating until now has been either on powerboats or small sailing dinghies. I recently realized, that I have never had the need to use my VHF to hail a bridge or the coast guard....
What do you do if your boat doesn't have a name? All the procedures say to state the vessel's name, but my boat doen't have one (yet). Do I just read my off my numbers? Also what if a boat has a name, but isn't officially documented?
The boat currently doesn't have any name. I plan on naming it, but have some hull work to do once I get the boat back home. It seems like a waste of time and money to put on a name just to move the boat, then have to take it off. That being said, getting the boat back home involves 5 locks and a number of bridges, and I plan on having to use the VHF often.
Just say..."bascule bridge this is northbound sailboat approaching requesting an opening" or similar. IF asked for a name, give the name you plan to use. A boat does not have to be named to go through a bridge!
On a small un-named vessel I'll generally use something that seems to fit & is descriptive, "Runabout Whaler" is one I've used or S/V Compac in your case, just for ease in communicating.
Also, nothing says you have to be documented to have a name, tho' I've never felt the need to name a boat that wasn't big enough to document.
If you do not have a name - but the boat has sail numbers - use the sail numbers. Otherwise - use "Unmarked Sailing Vessel - [make, length, color (if non white)]"...(preferred in your case).
The other option is just use "S/V John (or Jane) Doe"..synonymic with "no name"...
the whole purpose of using a name or something to identify a vessel is so that one can be hailed or acknowledged by either party.
When encountering naval vessels you may simply refer to yourself as "target at..give your bearing and range here". They'll understand. (g)
Seriously, it is a good idea to learn VHF protocol and the regulations. There are many threads on it here. It's a great tool and safety aid, properly used.
If you want to know all of the VHF procedures then you may want to read H.O pub 102 to find out all of the correct procedures.
Again I'm sure that listening to the VHF you could slowly gain the skills necessary in using one. Just remember that this is not CB and CB procedures & codes are not used or allowed on the marine bands of VHF.
A part of etiquette and law is you must be off the radio for 2 min's on the hour and 2 min's on the 1/2 hour so that any faint distress calls can be heard.
The 3 minute "quiet" periods apply to watch on 2182 kHz. There is no corresponding silent period on VHF (in the US or by international law at least). There used to be a corresponding quiet period at 15 and 45 minutes past the hour for 500 kHz morse code distress traffic.
Up here, in the great white north, you have to have a Restricted Radio Operators License to legally use a VHF radio. Take a course, pay your money, learn proper rules and protocols. Failure to do so results in a nasty fine.
I would be surprised if the US doesn't have similar legislation.
If a boat is communicating with FOREIGN stations, whether foreign ships or foreign ground stations, an RRO is required, as is a SSL.
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