About This Radio; About The Vhf Marine Band; Emergency (Channel 16 Use) - Standard Horizon HX851 Owner's Manual

3 ABOUT THIS RADIO

3.1 ABOUT THE VHF MARINE BAND

The radio frequencies used in the VHF marine band lie between 156
and 158 MHz with NOAA Weather stations available between 161 and
163 MHz. The marine VHF band provides communications over dis-
tances that are essentially "Line of sight" Actual transmission range de-
pends much more on antenna type, gain and height than on the power
output of the transmitter. The expected transmit distance a 25W Fixed
Mount VHF radio can be greater than 15 miles, for a portable radio
transmission the expected distance can be greater than 5 miles in "Line
of sight".
The user of a Marine VHF radio is subject to severe fines if the radio is
used on land. The reasoning for this is you may be near an inland water-
way, or propagation anomalies may cause your transmission to be heard
in a waterway. If this occurs, depending upon the marine VHF channel
on which you are transmitting, you could interfere with a search and
rescue case, or contribute to a collision between passing ships. For
VHF Marine channel assignments refer to page 89 section 14.
3.2 EMERGENCY ( CHANNEL 16 USE )
Channel 16 is known as the Hail and Distress Channel. An emergency may be
defined as a threat to life or property. In such instances, be sure the trans-
ceiver is on and set to CHANNEL 16. Then use the following procedure:
1. Press the PTT (Push-To-Talk) switch on the left side of the transceiver, and
say "Mayday, Mayday, Mayday. This is _____, _____, _____" (your vessel's
name).
2. Then repeat once: "Mayday, _____" (your vessel's name).
3. Now report your position in latitude/longitude, or by giving a true or mag-
netic bearing (state which) to a well-known landmark such as a navigation
aid or geographic feature such as an island or harbor entry.
4. Explain the nature of your distress (sinking, collision, aground, fire, heart
attack, life-threatening injury, etc.).
5. State the kind of assistance your desire (pumps, medical aid, etc.).
6. Report the number of persons aboard and condition of any injured.
7. Estimate the present seaworthiness and condition of your vessel.
8. Give your vessel's description: length, design (power or sail), color and
other distinguishing marks. The total transmission should not exceed one
HX851
WARNING
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