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Recommendations For
Marine Communication
Introduction
CAUTIONS
AVOID using or storing the radio at temperatures below -4°F (-20°C) or above
140°F (60°C) .
NEVER connect the transceiver to DC power greater than 16 volts or to
any DC source with reversed polarity . Doing so will damage the transceiver .
DO NOT cut the power cables attached to the transceiver . Improper reconnection
with reversed polarity will damage the transceiver .
POSITION your radio, external speakers, and cables at least three feet (0 . 9 m) away
from your vessel's magnetic navigation compass . CHECK your compass before and
after installation to be sure that it has not introduced any deviation .
DO NOT attempt to service any internal parts yourself . Have any
necessary service performed by a qualified technician .
DO NOT drop the transceiver or microphone . Doing so may crack the
case or damage a waterproof seal . Once these items have been dropped,
the original waterproofing cannot be guaranteed .
DO NOT use chemicals or solvents such as mineral spirits and alcohol
to clean your radio . They may damage the case surfaces .
Changes or modifications to your radio MAY VOID its compliance with FCC
(Federal Communications Commission) rules and make it illegal to use .
Recommendations For Marine Communication
The frequencies your radio uses are set aside to enhance safety afloat and for
vessel navigation and operational messages over a range suitable for nearshore voyages .
If the 25 watt maximum output of your radio isn't sufficient for the distances you travel
from the coast, consider installing more powerful radio equipment such as HF single side
band or satellite radio for your vessel .
The U .S . Coast Guard does not endorse cellular telephones as substitutes for
marine radios . They generally cannot communicate with rescue vessels and,
if you make a distress call on a mobile telephone, only the party you call will
be able to hear you . Additionally, cellular telephones may have limited coverage
over water and can be hard to locate . If you don't know where you are, the
Coast Guard will have difficulty finding you if you're using a cellular telephone .
However, mobile telephones can have a place on board where mobile coverage
is available — to allow social conversations and keep the marine frequencies uncluttered
and available for their intended uses .
English
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VHF Marine Radio Protocols
Sea Tow Automated Radio Check (ARC) System
Please try the Sea Tow Automated Radio Check service . Areas where the safety check service
is available include the East Coast, Gulf of Mexico, Southern California, and select inland
locations including the Great Lakes . The first and only boating safety program of its kind,
the Sea Tow Automated Radio Check service is fully automated and allows 24 hour a day
automated responses to radio check calls .
Conducting a radio check through the Sea Tow Automated Radio Check service couldn't be
simpler . All boaters need to do is tune their VHF radio to Channel 24, 25, 26, 27, 28 or 84
(channel varies by location), then key the mic and ask for a radio check . The system responds
to each radio check with an automated reply including the location, and also replays the
boater's original radio transmission, allowing them to assess the strength of the signal and
confirm the VHF radio is in good working order .
To find the Sea Tow Automated Radio Check service channel in an area boaters, radio owners
should visit www .seatow .com/arc . The web page allows you to search for the local channel and
has an instructional video on how to use the service step by step .
FCC LICENSING INFORMATION
CobraMarine VHF radios comply with the FCC (Federal Communication Commission)
requirements that regulate the Maritime Radio Service .
This CobraMarine radio incorporates a VHF FM transceiver designed for use in the frequency
range of 156 .025 to 163 .275 MHz . It requires 13 .8 volts DC and has a switchable RF output
power of 1 or 25 watts .
The transceiver is capable of Class-D (Digital Selective Calling) operation in accordance with CFR
Part 47, Section 80,225 .
The radio operates on all currently allocated marine channels and is switchable for use
according to U .S .A ., International or Canadian regulations . It features instant access to
emergency Channel 16 by pressing one key .
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Station License
An FCC ship station license is no longer required for any vessel traveling in U .S .A . waters which
uses a VHF marine radio, RADAR, or EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon), and
which is not required to carry radio equipment . However, any vessel required to carry a marine
radio on an international voyage, carrying a HF single side band radiotelephone, or carrying a
marine satellite terminal must obtain a station license .
FCC license forms and applications for ship and land stations can be downloaded through the Internet
at www . f cc . g ov/forms . Forms can also be obtained by calling the FCC at 888-225-5322 .
International Station License
If your vessel will be entering the sovereign waters of a country other than the U .S .A . or
Canada, you should contact that country's communications regulatory authority for licensing
information .
Radio Call Sign
Currently, the FCC does not require recreational boaters to have a license . The United States
Coast Guard recommends that the boat's registration number and state of registry (e .g ., IL 1234 AB)
be used as a call sign and be clearly visible on the vessel .
FCC Licensing Information
Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra
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