Optional Equipment

VHF Marine Radio

If you have a VHF (very high frequency) marine radio onboard, you will have an additional method for monitoring the weather and local conditions and hazards, as well as a way to ask for or give assistance. Commonly used channels are shown in this table.

Common VHF Radio Channels
Channel	Purpose
6	Intership safety communications
13	Navigation
16	Distress and safety calls and hailing
22	U.S. Coast Guard and the maritime public
24, 28	Public phone calls
68, 69, 71, 72	Recreational vessel radio and ship to coast
70	Alert channel

Be sure to test your VHF radio regularly. You can conduct a radio check on Channel 9, but the best way to check your radio is to find another boater with a radio and call her requesting a radio check. If your radio is working properly, she can reply by telling you that she reads you loud and clear. This way, you can check the speaker and the microphone, as well as the ability to transmit.

In the event of an emergency, you must be able to respond quickly and communicate your situation to relevant authorities. The following is a short list of proper terminology and procedures to use on your VHF marine radio. If you ever get into real trouble out there on the water, using your radio correctly could save you, your crew, and your boat!

Terms to Use for Emergency Situations
Term	Meaning
Roger	I understand your transmission. (You don't need to agree with it.)
Wilco	I understand your transmission, and I will comply with your request.
Affirmative	Yes. (Do not say "yes" or "OK".)
Negative	No.
Niner	The number nine.
Over	I have completed my statement and am awaiting your reply.
Out	I have completed my communication, and I am returning to the hailing channel.

Mayday Calls

Only use a Mayday call for situations in which "there is immediate risk of loss of property or life." If your vessel is sinking or on fire, or if someone on board is seriously injured or ill, issue a Mayday call.

Say "MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY; this is the vessel    (name or number)    , I repeat this is the vessel   (name or number)    , again the vessel   (name or number)      " (state the name or registration number of your vessel three times). State your call sign (if you have a station license).

Then begin your message:

Say "Mayday, the vessel    (name or number)        ," state your position (preferably latitude and longitude or by geographical reference), the nature of your emergency, a description of your vessel, and the number of people on board your boat. Say again the name or number of your vessel and your call sign. Stay calm and speak slowly.

Then UNKEY the microphone (release the button), and wait for a response.

If you get no response after a minute or so, repeat the entire broadcast. If you still get no response, your radio might not be working. Be prepared to use flares and other distress signals to get help.

While waiting for a response, assign someone to make sure your emergency procedures are followed: put on PFDs, gather emergency supplies, and get your flares and any other signaling devices ready.

STAY CALM. You need to set the example for your passengers.

Hearing a Mayday Call

If you hear a Mayday call, stay off the radio. The U.S. Coast Guard or other enforcement agency will handle it. However, take a minute and write down the information given in the broadcast.

Once a Mayday call is issued, the "code of silence" goes into effect.

Sending a Mayday Relay Call

The only exception to this code of silence is if the Coast Guard specifically asks for help from vessels in the area or if you are required to relay the Mayday broadcast. For example, suppose you are 10 miles offshore and you hear a Mayday call. Two minutes after the Mayday call, the Coast Guard hasn't responded. The original sender repeats the Mayday transmission, and the Coast Guard still doesn't respond. The vessel sending the call either has a weak signal or is too far offshore for the Coast Guard to receive the signal. You are then required to perform a Mayday relay call.

To send a Mayday relay call, repeat the original transmission, except use the term "Mayday Relay" and the name and call sign of your vessel.  Don't hesitate to perform the relay.

You may also relay a Mayday call if you actually see a vessel in trouble (on fire or sinking) or have been asked by the owner or captain of the distressed vessel to perform a Mayday relay.

Standing by to Assist

If the Coast Guard calls for a vessel in the area to assist, or if you are in the area and in a position to assist, head for the distressed vessel. When there's a break in the transmissions, call the Coast Guard with your offer to provide assistance.

Pan-Pan Calls

A Pan-Pan (pronounced pahn-pahn) call is an urgent message indicating that a vessel is in trouble but is not in immediate danger. For example, if the captain becomes incapacitated, or your motor stops working and you are in danger of being swept out of the inlet into high seas, you should send a Pan-Pan call.

When sending a Pan-Pan call, say "Pan-Pan" three times, and then proceed with the information and format as for a Mayday call.

If you hear a Pan-Pan call, proceed as you would for a Mayday call.

Securité Call

A Securité (pronounced see-cure-ah-tay) call is a message indicating a navigational safety concern like a large piece of debris floating in the water or a meteorological warning like a sudden storm with high winds.

GPS Device

A GPS device can tell you the exact coordinates of your boat. If you need to call for help, knowing your exact location will help the rescuers find you quicker.