The pitfalls of VHF radio and how to avoid them

The pitfalls of VHF radio and how to avoid them

When I started sailing yachts in the late 1960s, very few had radios; ASN and AIS were unknown; some had radar, but you had to hide your face in a light-proof hood to see anything; The GPS was 10 years away; we still used black and white charts with depths in fathoms and heights in feet; and the only electronic navigation aid was a hand-held direction finder which, if used with care, could fine-tune your position within 5 miles.

It was quite common to contact a merchant ship in the middle of the Channel by flashing light and obtain a position by Morse code.

How things have changed.

Now we can read precise latitude and longitude at any time of the day or night, or we can just glance at the electronic chart which will show not only our own vessel’s position but also, via AIS , positions, headings, speeds and CPA (nearest approach points) of everyone within a radius of approximately 10 miles.

We can use radar to navigate the shipping lanes safely in thick fog, and we can call for help with the push of a button.

All of this makes life afloat so much easier and much safer.

Some say it removes the need for mental agility and spatial awareness, and knowing that emergency help is just a radio call makes us skimp on preparedness and self-reliance.

Yes, but as long as we recognize that the electronics of a small ship are vulnerable to water and accidental damage, and are ready and able to get back to “basics” in the short term, the benefits far outweigh. on the downsides.

Of all the electronic kits on board, a VHF radio should be at the top of the “must have” list, especially if it is DSC compatible (all new kits are), and new regulations also require them to have a Integrated GPS and an external GPS. antenna port.

Not only is this a much-needed safety aid, it can also be used to get weather forecasts, monitor vessel movements, or simply set up a berth in a marina.

However, excessive dependence on the radio can lead to laziness, and neglect of certain rules and procedures could disrupt traffic safety and therefore endanger lives.

One thing we all need to recognize is that a VHF radio is not a telephone.

On a phone, you are free to chat for as long as you want and, within reason, say what you want.

It is an individual device; a radio is not. As soon as you transmit, everyone within a radius of about 20 miles can hear you, and you will block the channel in use until you “hang up”.

Configure your VHF radio

All VHF radios share many common features and nomenclatures.

Even the layout of the controls can be very similar, but it is essential to break the habit of a lifetime and read the instructions.

You might be surprised at what your radio can do for you. Some high-end packages include touch screens, AIS transceivers, connectivity with smartphones, Wi-Fi and more.

Even relatively basic radios now have built-in GPS and AIS receivers, so it is possible to navigate and avoid collisions using the radio alone.

Be aware, however, that not everyone is equipped with AIS, and you cannot rely solely on AIS to avoid collisions.

In my opinion, the best place for the radio is at the chart table or wherever your other electronics are.

This means that you can use it in conjunction with AIS, chartplotter, radar, and a paper chart.

If your VHF radio is under decks, a remote control or portable radio near the helm will prevent you from having to rush below to use it.

Continue below …

Otherwise, a loudspeaker in the cockpit will at least allow you to monitor other radio traffic.

Before using the VHF radio, there are a few very simple steps to follow before transmitting: make sure it is turned on; select the channel you want to use; adjust the squelch (receiver sensitivity); and adjust the volume to a comfortable level.

Always listen for a few seconds before speaking to avoid interrupting other transmissions.

Then, holding the microphone a few inches from your mouth and slightly to the side, speak slowly and clearly so that you are heard and understood the first time.

Radio channels

It’s a good idea to research the right channels and maybe have a list of the most common ones near the radio.

It is not uncommon to hear yachts mistakenly calling marinas on Channel 16.

When you call someone on channel 16, be prepared to switch to a ship-to-ship channel for your conversation.

In fact, the called vessel must designate the working channel but, if not, be ready to do it yourself, after listening on this channel to verify that it is free.

Commonly used channels

There are many other VHF channels, primarily used for public correspondence, port operations, or vessel traffic services (VTS), and it is often helpful to listen to local port / port channels and / or VTS to do this. an idea of ​​the navigation movements in the area, but do not pass on them unless absolutely necessary.

A list of these can be found at various places online (for example, www.yachtingmonthly.com/vhfchannels), or viewed by port in an almanac.

Distress, Urgency and Call:	16
Ship to ship:	6, 8, 72 and 77
If all are busy, you can also use:	9, 10, 15, 17, 69 or 73
MSI Broadcasts by MCA (Find Them):	10, 62, 63 or 64
Safety of small craft (also some CGs):	67
Bridge to bridge (for navigation safety):	13
NCI (National Coastal Surveillance Institution):	65
British marinas (generally):	80 or M1
Race control, etc:	M2

* Note that M1 and M2 are ‘private’ channels for yacht clubs and marinas which can only be used in the UK. Radios purchased outside the UK may not have these channels.

Dual watch, triple watch and scan

You should always monitor channel 16 in case you could help in a distress situation, for weather and other safety information.

To listen to another channel at the same time, you will need to use your radio’s dual watch function.

Some ports require all ships to monitor a particular channel.

Most radios can also monitor three channels (tri-watch) or scan all the others (or selected) channels.

In the East Solent I have typically configured the scan feature to monitor 16, 12 (Southampton VTS) and 11 (QHM Portsmouth).

Offshore, only channel 16 is adequate, but it may also be useful to monitor channel 13 (bridge to bridge).

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