VHF Channels

jetski · 02 June 2009, 18:05

Can anyone give me a pointer to VHF channels, There must be a few common channels used for specific reason - a quick reference idiot guide would be good!

Mollers · 02 June 2009, 18:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by jetski

Can anyone give me a pointer to VHF channels, There must be a few common channels used for specific reason - a quick reference idiot guide would be good!

You shouldn't use it until you've completed the users course and obtained a license. Then you have all the 'pointers'.

jyasaki · 02 June 2009, 18:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mollers

You shouldn't use it until you've completed the users course and obtained a license. Then you have all the 'pointers'.

True in the UK (I guess). Not true in the USA. No license needed for recreational boats running a VHF. You are expected to follow normal protocols, though.

The Users Manual for your VHF should have a list of channels and uses, doesn't it? Most I've seen here do.

jky

SeaSkills · 02 June 2009, 19:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by jyasaki

True in the UK

Absolutely

Quote:

Not true in the USA.

However, Shrewsbury remains in the UK, so you do need to get on a course and earn your SRC licence

jetski · 02 June 2009, 20:36

Fantastic, cheers I will look for an appropiate course and get booked on

DJL · 02 June 2009, 21:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by jetski

Fantastic, cheers I will look for an appropiate course and get booked on

http://www.ryatraining.org/leisure/s...Pages/SRC.aspx

Jono Garton · 02 June 2009, 21:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by jetski

Fantastic, cheers I will look for an appropiate course and get booked on

Give Tristan a call at Professional Powerboat Training in Pwllheli on 0845 6126850 for a great deal.

Jono

Chris · 02 June 2009, 22:29

I did my course via Ocean Training which is a correspondance course so you do it in your own time and then have an audio exam on the phone.

A really great way to do this course

chewy · 02 June 2009, 22:56

SRC VHF course is easy going and quite enjoyable, just don't over and out anyone!

Hightower · 02 June 2009, 23:02

I did my training with GAFIRS at lee-on-Solent. They are an indipendant Inshore lifeboat/rescue service. The tuition is supplied on a voluntary basis and the moneys they collect go towards the running of the Service.

I'm sure that this format can be found all round the country and you'll be getting a DSC VHF licence at a competitive price and rest assured that you are helping a voluntary Rescue Service at the same time.

Find what area of the Coast you want too get trained in and do a search.

In the mean time have a look at their website HERE

chewy · 03 June 2009, 07:25

Its only a list but it may help:

http://www.ukseakayakguidebook.co.uk...f_channels.htm

Basically Ch16 is a calling and distress channel. Its used to call other boats and the CG. Transmission should be no longer than a minute ideally.

Ch67 is what the CG usually transfer you to to pass information, ie your passage plan etc.

Where I am the fisherman use ch10, 13 and 69 although its not the place to pick up good radio procedure. The CG don't seem bothered about the radio procedure as if they didn't use these channel they'd only use a different one.

jetski · 03 June 2009, 08:30

Chewy

chewy · 03 June 2009, 08:32

No worries mate.

Forgot to say ch70 is for DSC.

PeterM · 03 June 2009, 09:23

Will I get slated for saying even if you dont have the right bits of paper - if in doubt take a radio with you as in emergency / distress you are better off calling a Mayday/ Pan on ch16 than not calling & getting into who knows how much trouble.

Buy a 'how to use a marine VHF book' for a few quid & learn the basics, take the thing with you, have it turned on , but dont use it unless you NEED to until you have done course etc.

I had to tow someone in yesterday night who had called 999 on his mobile from his 1 day old boat when it stopped working - the CG was keen to have a 'chat' with him when I got back in with him !

Infact if an 'emergency' I 'think' you are exmpt from needed the SRC ? Anyone advise ?

chewy · 03 June 2009, 09:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blackroady

Infact if an 'emergency' I 'think' you are exmpt from needed the SRC ? Anyone advise ?

Yep your right on the above.

Also like you said your better off having one and shouting I'm sinking off where ever than just sinking and not having one!

jetski · 03 June 2009, 13:56

Guys thanks, You have given me the information I require, I have every intention of doing the course ASAP BUT I have a radio on my newly aquired rib do not intend to use it until after the course but should the need have arisen I would have not known what channel to attempt to use or listen to - merley a case of 'Belts & Braces' the thing is sat there anyway.

jyasaki · 03 June 2009, 16:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blackroady

Infact if an 'emergency' I 'think' you are exmpt from needed the SRC ? Anyone advise ?

Doesn't matter. Being illegal and prosecuted is still better than being dead.

jky

DJL · 03 June 2009, 17:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by jetski

I have a radio on my newly aquired rib

Jetski - do you have a ships radio license? If not you need to get one from Ofcom - http://www.ofcom.org.uk/licensing/olc/

Also, if you have a DSC VHF you won't be able to make use of it until you have an MMSI number issued as part of the ships license.

Jono Garton · 03 June 2009, 19:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by chewy

Its only a list but it may help:

http://www.ukseakayakguidebook.co.uk...f_channels.htm

This list is wrong and very misleading.

Only 6,8,72,77 should be used for inter ship working channels.

13 is Bridge to Bridge

15 & 17 On Board Com's

Jono

DJL · 03 June 2009, 19:53

A better link (although old):

http://www.ofcom.org.uk/static/archi...a264/ra264.htm