RIB.net Radio Channel (Solent - but can work anywhere)

JTURNER · 24 June 2019, 07:48

Hi All, I am guessing this may already exist (particularly for events like Easdale), but I was thinking should we all agree a RIB.net radio channel. ie when out on the water if we all had a dual watch on a particular channel which we agree for all Rib.net communication along with channel 16 then we could all chat to each other (if you want too), meet up when on the water, or perhaps help each other out if required. Clearly this works better in somewhere like the Solent, but open to thoughts and suggestions. Also open to being shot down if this is a crazy idea and doesnt work for some practical reason. Thoughts and Channel suggestions please?

Poly · 24 June 2019, 08:43

There is a RIBnet Group MMSI. That way you don’t need to dual watch anything, or pick a channel which turns out that another group have selected (and the best channels vary around the country). Just remember VHF is not intended for “chat”. If that’s what you want then probably best to use a mobile.

Ribtecer · 24 June 2019, 09:00

I think it's a great idea, we don't need to chat on the VHF, we can do that after we've met up.

Use it just to see who is out, and where they are.

As you say for the Solent, my stomping ground, it would be perfect.

I have recently met Xpertski from this parish, he seems to be a delightful chap and we are planning a meet up at some point in the Solent. And possibly a run across the channel (probably next season). It would be great to meet more Ribnet folk.

Pikey Dave · 24 June 2019, 10:10

Whenever we’ve been out “in company” CH8 seems to be the default working channel.

Poly · 24 June 2019, 18:29

http://www.rib.net/forum/f8/ribnet-group-mmsi-6937.html

ShinyShoe · 24 June 2019, 20:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pikey Dave

Whenever we’ve been out “in company” CH8 seems to be the default working channel.

Is it not also everyone's default? I assume because its the least key presses down from CH16, and technically 6 has some international designation for SAR Ops, although I've never seen it used.

So would you be better using 72 or 77? I think I've heard 72 used more than 77.

BUT - I'm trying to figure out how you use? If you have AIS and your friend has to too, you almost certainly have DSC as well - so use the MMSI Group, or just call them up if they are on the screen. Only snag of the group is your set can only be in one group I think. If you don't have AIS you don't know who is out unless you can see their car in the car park.

In the Solent... you have mobile coverage!

Without knowing someone is out - do you go on CH8 every time you go on the water and make a call "All stations, this is BlackPig calling any rib-netters?" and hope for a reply? That will get on the t*ts of anyone else using 8 as their locally agreed COMs, especially if no-one replies and you are back on an hour later looking for a friend...

lakelandterrier · 24 June 2019, 20:58

Generally when out on a group run, a channel is pre-agreed - CH08 seems to be the usual one. As long as you know the name of at least one other boat on the run - or even the run name, you'll be able to communicate.

I've never had recourse to the Ribnet MMSI - I'm sure it's a wonderful thing but a simple call on an agreed channel has always worked for me.

Ultimately, or in any doubt hail on CH16 then move to a nominated CH.

CH08 is easiest to switch to from CH16.

Can even dual watch on CH16 & agreed working CH.

LT

Poly · 25 June 2019, 06:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by ShinyShoe

BUT - I'm trying to figure out how you use? If you have AIS and your friend has to too, you almost certainly have DSC as well - so use the MMSI Group, or just call them up if they are on the screen. Only snag of the group is your set can only be in one group I think.

.

You should have bought a better radio - mine takes something like 30 group mmsi’s.

I think you, and a few others might be missing a part of the OP’s desire. Whilst he mentions planned trips like Easdale (which always has a preagreed VHF channel), I think he is actually looking for something more like Tinder! He wants to find local people with a like interest without knowing who they are in advance.

scrambler · 25 June 2019, 11:05

Having recently done the VHF course, and therefore being a bit of a swot, can I mention that in the Port of Southampton which includes the Central Solent CH08 is reserved for Port Operations and is not to be used for recreational craft. Just saying.
Surprisingly my VHF examiner didn't know it was a reserved channel either, and he was based in the Hamble.

http://www.southamptonvts.co.uk/admi...ide-LowRes.pdf

Poly · 25 June 2019, 11:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by scrambler

Having recently done the VHF course, and therefore being a bit of a swot, can I mention that in the Port of Southampton which includes the Central Solent CH08 is reserved for Port Operations and is not to be used for recreational craft. Just saying.
Surprisingly my VHF examiner didn't know it was a reserved channel either, and he was based in the Hamble.

http://www.southamptonvts.co.uk/admi...ide-LowRes.pdf

I must be missing where that link says Ch08 is reserved for something?

scrambler · 25 June 2019, 11:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by Poly

I must be missing where that link says Ch08 is reserved for something?

Scroll down

jeffstevens763@g · 25 June 2019, 12:14

The recognised boat to boat channels are 6,
72 and 77.
71,74,10,08 not to be used by recreational craft
copied off the link we use 77 when on sib trips

Poly · 25 June 2019, 12:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeffstevens763@g

The recognised boat to boat channels are 6,
72 and 77.
71,74,10,08 not to be used by recreational craft
copied off the link we use 77 when on sib trips

So it does, I must have missed them as they are written in in a random non-numerical order!

jeffstevens763@g · 25 June 2019, 12:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by Poly

So it does, I must have missed them as they are written in in a random non-numerical order!

i had to get my magnifying glass out to read the screen on the laptop so forgiven

scrambler · 25 June 2019, 13:38

Screenshot attached, hopefully!

Simonh66 · 25 June 2019, 16:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by scrambler

Screenshot attached, hopefully!

Its only in the last year or so that this has come into effect

scrambler · 25 June 2019, 16:52

See the bottom right corner of this image - Issue 2-Apr/2014.
I remember checking when I took the exam last August as I was surprised that the examiner didn't know about it and I thought maybe it was a very recent regulation.

ShinyShoe · 25 June 2019, 18:39

Its a pointless rule! You can't stop my CH 08 VHF transmitting from outside of the area into the area.

However - it does make it far less favourable a channel for Poly to set up his Ribber Tinder Service on....

And no poly I wasn't confused! Since you use the example of Tinder - I will carry on the metaphor. If I am looking to pick up some nice you lass, I join Tinder and hope there is someone on there looking for a [slightly] over weight Ginger Bearded Scotsman. But I don't need to tell the whole of the area as there are filters and more to the point, anyone not looking for any kind of date will not be on Tinder. So I don't bug everyone. My point was if I go on CH 08 and shout up "This is Ribbed4Pleasure shouting out to anyone in the solent wanting to join a TinderRIB" I'm unlikely to make many VHF friends! I *may* find a TinderRIB Mate - but there will be plenty of people dual watching the channel or using it for their cruise etc who will be left wanting to punch me in the face...

If its the Solent you might as well copy all the WAFIs who do exactly the same thing but disguise it as a 'radio check'... "Solent Coastguard this is Ribbed4Pleasure for a radio check" might as well be code for anyone who is interested in some TinderRIBBING go CH8...

willk · 25 June 2019, 18:58

Crikey, things have moved on. I remember when the Salty Solent Seamen had to fly a RIBnet Burgee upside down and hope someone noticed...

GuyC · 25 June 2019, 19:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by Poly

I must be missing where that link says Ch08 is reserved for something?

On the second page under Port Operation Channels, it does say Ch08 is not to be used by recreational craft.

https://www.nci.org.uk/stations/local-vhf-channel-usage suggests it is for the use of tugs in Southampton Port / Docks

That will serve me right for not looking at Page 2!