There are 2 VHF radios on board: one at the navigation station in the saloon, and one handheld usually at the helm or with the Skipper. This checklist will help you confidently use the radio, especially in safety-critical situations.
Before You Start (Pre-Use Checks)
- Power On — Turn on the VHF radio.
- Display Check — Ensure the display lights up and shows channel numbers (e.g., “16”).
- Volume Check — Turn the volume knob up until you hear static, then back down to a comfortable listening level.
- Squelch Check — Turn the squelch knob up until the static disappears, then turn it just a tiny bit more. Too high and you’ll miss calls; too low and you’ll hear constant static.
- Antenna Connection — Visually check that the antenna cable is securely connected (usually at the back).
- Power Source — Confirm the boat’s battery is charged and the radio is receiving power.
Key Channels
| Channel | Use | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 16 | Hailing & Distress | Always monitor this channel when underway. Never use for conversation. |
| 13 | Bridge-to-Bridge | For communicating with bridges and large vessels in port approaches |
| 67 | Bridge-to-Bridge / VTS | Vessel Traffic Services in some areas |
| 68, 69, 71, 72, 74 | Working Channels | General non-emergency conversations, marinas |
| WX | Weather | Continuous weather forecasts (dedicated button on most radios) |
Making a Call
- Select Channel 16
- Listen First — Make sure the channel is clear before transmitting
- Press PTT (Push-To-Talk) — Press and hold the microphone button
- Identify yourself:
“[Vessel name] x3, this is [Your vessel name] x3”
Example: “Sea Breeze, Sea Breeze, Sea Breeze, this is Melody, Melody, Melody.”
- State Intention: “Do you copy?” or “Request to switch to channel 68.”
- Release PTT
- Switch Channels — Once they respond and agree, both vessels switch to the agreed working channel
- Keep it Brief — Conduct your conversation on the working channel
- End Call: “Melody clear with Sea Breeze on Channel 68.” (Or simply “Clear.”)
Distress Call — MAYDAY
When to use: Only when your vessel or a person is in grave and imminent danger and requires immediate assistance.
- Select Channel 16
- “MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY”
- “This is Melody, Melody, Melody”
- “MAYDAY Melody”
- “My position is…” (latitude/longitude, or bearing/distance from a landmark)
- “Nature of distress…” (sinking, fire, man overboard, medical emergency)
- “Number of persons on board…”
- “Description of vessel…” (e.g., 45-foot white catamaran)
- “Any other relevant information…” (e.g., drifting, no power)
- “Over.”
- Listen for a response. If none, repeat after a short pause.
Urgency Call — PAN-PAN
When to use: Urgent message concerning safety, but not grave and imminent danger (e.g., engine failure, lost steering, non-life-threatening medical emergency).
- Select Channel 16
- “PAN-PAN, PAN-PAN, PAN-PAN”
- “Hello all stations x3, this is Melody…”
- Continue with position, nature of urgency, etc.
Safety Call — SECURITE
When to use: Messages concerning safety of navigation (e.g., hazard to navigation, important weather warning).
- Select Channel 16
- “SECURITE, SECURITE, SECURITE”
- “Hello all stations x3, this is Melody…”
- Continue with position and description.
Tips
- Speak clearly — use a normal speaking voice, don’t shout
- Keep it concise — get to the point quickly
- Know your boat’s name — have it memorised
- Know your position — always know your GPS coordinates or bearing from a known landmark
- Don’t use Channel 16 for radio checks — use a working channel or automated check service