Voice Calling; Radiotelephone Calls - Cobra Marine MR HH125 Owner's Manual

Voice Calling

VHF Marine Radio Protocols
Voice Calling
You are required to listen to Channel 16 while standing by. Channel 16 is the
distress and safety channel used for establishing initial contact with another station
and for emergency communication. The Coast Guard also monitors Channel 16 for
safety purposes for everyone on the water.
NOTE
Channel 9 may be used by recreational vessels for general-purpose calling.
This frequency should be used whenever possible to help relieve congestion
on Channel 16. The Coast Guard generally does not make urgent marine
information broadcasts or weather warnings on Channel 9. Boaters are still
asked to "keep watch" on Channel 16 whenever the radio is turned on and
not in use with another station.
To call another vessel or shore installation (e.g, lock or bridge tender):
■ Make sure the radio is On.
■ Make sure you are in standby listening mode on Channel 16. Make sure
Channel 16 is not in use.
■
When the channel is open (quiet), press the Talk button and call a vessel. Hold
the radio or microphone several inches from your face and speak clearly and
distinctly in a normal voice tone. Say "name or station being called," "THIS IS
[your vessel name or call sign]."
■
Once contact is made, you must leave Channel 16 and go to another working
channel. See channel listing in the appendix.
For Example
The vessel Corsair is calling the vessel Vagabond:
Corsair: "Vagabond, this is Corsair. Over."
Vagabond: "Please switch and answer on Channel 68 (or any proper working
channel). Over."
Corsair: "Switching to Channel 68. Over."
30 English
VHF Marine Radio Protocols
■
If the other party does not respond, wait two (2) minutes and repeat. You are
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permitted to attempt contact three (3) times, two (2) minutes apart. If you still
have not made contact, wait 15 minutes before trying again.
■ After communications are completed, each vessel must sign off with its call
sign or vessel name and the word "out" and return to Channel 16.
NOTE
For best sound quality at the station you are calling, hold the microphone on
the front of the radio at least 2 in. (51 mm) from your mouth and slightly off to
one (1) side. Speak in a normal tone of voice.
NOTE
"Over and Out"
The most commonly misused procedure words are "over and out" within the
same transmission. "Over" means you expect a reply. "Out" means you are
finished and do not expect a reply.

Radiotelephone Calls

Boaters may make and receive radiotelephone calls to and from any number on
the telephone network by using the services of public coast stations. For a fee,
calls can be made between your radio and telephones on land, sea and in the air.
See the appendix for the public correspondence (marine operator) channels.
If you plan to use these services, consider registering with the operator of the
public coast station that you plan to work through. These services can provide
you with detailed information and procedures to follow.
NOTICE
You may disclose privileged information during a radiotelephone call.
Keep in mind that your transmission is NOT private, as it is on a regular
telephone. Both sides of the conversation are being broadcast and can be
heard by anyone who has a radio and tunes to the channel you are using.
Voice Calling &
Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra
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