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VHF Etiquette

6K views 25 replies 16 participants last post by  sailingdog 
#1 ·
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?
 
#2 ·
BWMD-

Use the existing vessel name if it is painted or marked on the hull...otherwise, use the vessel's new name and get it put on the hull ASAP.
 
#3 ·
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.
 
#5 · (Edited)
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.
 
#8 ·
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.
 
#9 ·
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.
 
#10 ·
SWAY-

You forgot about the part where you tell them you're carrying 2000 lbs. of ANFO. :)
 
#15 ·
Omg... ouch... doh!
 
#11 ·
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.
 
#14 ·
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.

Gerhard
 
#19 ·
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.
 
#22 ·
Bubb-

LOL... you're not quite there yet... :)
 
#26 ·
MLS-

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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