(Supplied by the North Pacific Marine Radio Council and U.S. Coast Guard)

Guidelines for the use of Marine VHF Radio: VHF equipment should be used correctly and in accordance with FCC radio regulations. If you call on Channel 16, before speaking, find a clear working channel to switch to, and prepare remarks to ensure that no time is wasted on a busy channel. When calling, state the name of the ship or coast station you are addressing (twice in heavy traffic conditions or if the connection is weak) followed by the phrase, “this is…” and the ship’s name twice, followed by the call sign. In answering, reply using the ship’s name. If necessary to switch channels, so indicate and wait for acknowledgement before carrying out the change. If you understand a transmission say, “Message received.” The end of a communication is indicated by the word “out.”

Example of proper calling:

    Blue Duck: “Mary Jane, this is Blue Duck, waz1234.”

    Mary Jane: “Blue Duck, Mary Jane.”

    Blue Duck: “Reply 68.”

(USCG website information: www.navcen.uscg.gov/marcomms/boater.htm)

Channel 16:  Used only for distress and urgency traffic, safety calls and contacting other stations. Listen first to ascertain that the channel is clear. Do not transmit if a SEELONCE MAYDAY or SEELONCE DISTRESS is declared. Keep communication short. Do not repeat a call to the same station more than once every two minutes and wait at least fifteen minutes after the third try. Do not call marinas for moorage on 16—use 66A. In US waters pleasure craft are authorized to use Channel 9 as a calling channel.

Channel 13 is designated “bridge to bridge” and is intended for use between the bridges of vessels over 20 meters in length to reduce the chance of accidents. Channel 13 may only be used to transmit information necessary for the safe navigation of vessels. It is the backup channel for the Puget Sound Vessel Traffic Service.

Channel 14 is the Vessel Traffic Service channel in Puget Sound. Channel 5A is used in the US waters of Admiralty Inlet, the Strait of Juan de Fuca and San Juan Islands. These channels are used by vessels required to participate in the PSVTS, but all vessels operating in commercial traffic areas are encouraged to monitor them to become aware of major vessel movements and hazardous conditions. Emergency communication will be accepted from any vessel by the Seattle Traffic watch. Use low power (1 watt).