VHF Radio Procedures

“May Day” signal to be used only in cases of grave and immediate danger.
 

1. Do keep a log of any emergency or distress signals received.

2. No obscene, indecent or profane language.

3. What you overhear cannot be disclosed to unauthorized persons or used for your own benefit.

4. No superfluous, false or deceptive signals.

5. Calls must be identified by use of station call signs/boat name.

6. Limit conversations; say only what is necessary and sign off.

7. Establish contact on Channel 16 and then switch to an agreed upon inter-ship channel.

8. Listen carefully before using any channel to be sure the channel is not busy.

9. If your radio is on, you should monitor Channel 16. From Channel 16 you would hail another boat or shore station.

Example of Proper Radio Use (On Edge calling Panache)

Turn radio to Channel 16

“PANACHE, PANACHE,; ON EDGE, ON EDGE; Over”

“PANACHE, PANACHE,; ON EDGE, ON EDGE; Over”

• Wait for a response and after 1 minute, repeat call

•  The called party should answer as follows:

“ON EDGE, this is PANACHE; switch to Channel 71 Over”

• You should then switch to 71 and respond:

“PANACHE, this is ON EDGE (state reason for call) Over”

• When you are done, say:

“This is ON EDGE switching to 16.”