Boating and using VHF boat radio basics. Do we still need marine VHF radios?
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 23 май 2020
- I look at the VHF marine boat radio. Why do we monitor channel 16, and is a VHF boat radio still an essential piece of boating equipment? I admit I was inexperienced and only used it for weather last year. Does it do things my cell phone cant do?
More (and BETTER) information regarding VHF marine radios for boaters can be found here:
www.navcen.uscg.gov/?pageName...
Here's a VHF radio with GPS built in: amzn.to/2Syeysi
As an Amazon Associate I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.
❤️ Subscribe to my RUclips Channel / waynetheboatguy
📷 Follow me on instagram! / waynetheboatguy
☞ Follow me on TikTok! / waynetheboatguy
▶︎▶︎▶︎New Boater Playlists
📌 Boating Education & Tips • Boating Education and ...
📓 Boating Basics • Boating Basics for New...
🆘 Boat Safety • Boat Safety - videos t...
❄️ Boat Winterization • Boat Winterization
▶︎▶︎▶︎Playlists About Boats
🚤 Tiny Boat/Jon Boat Stuff • Tiny Boat - Little Boa...
💰 Boat Shopping • Boat Shopping
🐋 Boston Whaler • Boston Whaler Videos
🛥 Boats, Boat Trips & Boat Accessories • Boats, Boating Trips, ...
⚡️ Electric Boats & Electric Boating • Electric Powered Boats...
🛶 Kayaks & Kayaking • Kayaking & Kayak upgrades
🪦 Curtis Creek Maryland Ship Graveyard • Curtis Creek Maryland ...
🎲 Boating Shorts • Boating Shorts
▶︎▶︎▶︎Boat Engines & Motors Playlists
⛽️ 2 Stroke Outboard Motors • 2 Stroke Outboard Engi...
⚙️ Volvo Penta Maintenance & Repairs • Volvo Penta Maintenanc...
🌎 Newport NT300 electric outboard • Newport NT300 3 hp Ele...
🚽 Evinrude 2 - 2 hp engine • Evinrude 2 - old Evinr...
🔒 Seized Suzuki DF20 • Suzuki DF20 Short Shaf...
🔧 Inboard/Outboard Maintenance • Inboard Outboard (Ster...
▶︎▶︎▶︎ Boat Repairs & Projects Playlists
🛠 Low Cost Boat Repairs & Projects • Low Cost DIY Repair & ...
🔨 Boat Transom Projects • Boat Transom Projects
🧰 Boat Repair & Maintenance • Boat repair, maintenan...
🛞 Boat Trailer Projects • Boat Trailer Repairs &...
Sound effects and additional music is copyright free from iMovie
#VHFradio #marineradio #VHFboatradio 
Развлечения
![How to use a Marine VHF RADIO [Capable Cruising Guides]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Y6yn0Bmr748/mqdefault.jpg)
Wayne I am impressed that you are confident enough to talk with your audience about what you know and don’t know. We were all new boaters once and I learn more and more about boating all the time. Not only am I an avid boater, I am an amateur radio operator. I agree with the other post that suggest you take your radio knowledge to the next level and become a licensed amateur radio technician. It was the best decision of my life to get licensed both for on the water and off the water communication. One of the first things I learned was there are plenty of great people who will teach you all the many aspects of radio communication. I haven’t met or talked with one person who was not willing to lend a helping hand with knowledge or advice. One thing you’ll learn is how to test, diagnosis and repair almost any aspect related to your radio. It’s huge help when your dealing with marine vhf radios and saltwater. Lol!! As far as the different things a marine VHF can do I always suggest reading your owners manual cover to cover and research anything you don’t understand. Read the Rules of Road that pertain to VHF communication that the Coast Guard has published in the Nav Rules. Channel 16 is only for hailing another station, or distress. If you hear others on 16 having an everyday conversation I would not suggest jumping in. The Coast Guard monitors 16 and will come find people who are abusing its purpose. Also, if someone is in distress a quick mayday call may only be their one chance at alerting the Coast Guard and others around them they need help. If you or anyone else is chit chatting on 16 you may hinder their chance. DSC is a great addition to VHF radios, but it needs to be registered and connected to your GPS. It’s very easy to do and there are many online tutorials on how to do it. It all works together with the Coast Guards RESCUE 21 System. Putting your MMSI # into your new VHF should be one of the first things done. It can and has saved lives.
Thank you for watching and sharing your knowledge! I will be doing more VHF related videos in the future. The lack of knowledge and use of VHF by recreational boaters is larger than I thought. I recently purchased another boat that has been running in my local waters for 19 years that has never even had a VHF radio in it!
@@WayneTheBoatGuy I know exactly what your talking about. It’s something the boating education community needs to stress more.
Hi, Here's WP4RPS! 73
@@WayneTheBoatGuy I've been boating 30 years. Literally grew up on the salt water. Never had a radio. No, I'm not supporting this but it was my experience. My father was navigator in USNavy and waterman of all sorts. He passed on much of his knowledge. Technology can give inexperienced boaters a false sense of security. Electronics are all well and good, but you cannot purchase skilled seamanship. Experience on the water is everything. An experienced captain on lesser craft is always better than the opposite. When f**king up is not an option, you tend to think more clearly.
A VHF radio is one of those thing that you don't need it until you need it. I won't go out without one that's for sure.
Great points regarding the benefits of VHF. In terms of safety, they are indispensable for all the reasons you described. One boater recently asked me, "Why do you need a VHF anymore when everyone now has cell phones? The reasons are almost obvious, especially when trying to hail a stranger bearing down on you or if you want to offer another vessel assistance even in a non emergency situation. Racing sailors use them to get instructions from the committee boat, etc, etc. If anyone is wondering, cell phones DO NOT replace VHF radios on a boat! Thank you Wayne.
I noticed when you heard a weak signal you turned the squelch up (clockwise) You need to turn it down (anticlockwise) to hear the weak signals. It's imperitive you get that right, in an emergency you would lose your contact doing what you did there.
Great point!
@@WayneTheBoatGuy Not only that check your antenna. The radios working on VHF and its transmitting straight line . The range of a transmitter and receiver is proportional to the Hight of antenna position and the power , also consider any obstacles like trees, buildings , ships etc.... The hand held radio have only 5 watts and the radio installed permanently fixed may get 25 watts . Also the antenna is important to radio communication. The channel 16 that cost guard transmitting is powerful and antenna located in high position also. if a 25 watt transmitter at 60 miles from shore need the antenna in a mast, usually big ships get a range about 200 miles because the position of the antenna.
I find it hilarious to listen to the ship-to-shore radio operator for telephone and hear guys call their wife to tell the wife what a great time they're having out in the ocean on a boat drinking with their buddies, but usually the wife gets irritated sometimes the person they're calling is in the shower. I've heard somebody answer the phone that wasn't supposed to be there like Sancho.
I operated my boat in the chesapeake for years without a radio. The summer I finally installed one I took on water at Hart Miller and needed assistance to pump out and get back to dock. Saved me big time.
I have had one on my fishing boat for years. You DO NOT need one if you spend your time on small inland lakes where you can hail another boat, or drift/float to shore if you break down. You DO need it if you fish remote lakes (like I do in NW Ontario), or large lakes (tens or hundreds of thousands of acres). Most remote areas have no cell service so a radio is amazingly useful. You may never use it....but if a day comes that you do need it, you'll thank heaven you have it.
Many VHF rigs will allow you to monitor any channel you wish and when there is traffic on 16 the unit will switch itself to 156.800 AKA ch 16.
I just acquired a sail boat. A radio is top of the list. These things are priceless and well worth $200.
Hi Wayne! I'm the one with the NTM 1961 Dorsett Catalina from r/boating. I'm so glad to have found your channel. In Chicagoland, we also need the VHF to communicate with the lock operators on the river. And I fully agree with everyone who expressed that you don't need it until you need it. Seems like an imperative insurance item. Stay safe out there!
Thanks Wayne for your informative boating videos. I will pilot a boat for the first time this summer. Your videos are preparing me. They are very thorough.
You're so welcome!! Good luck, and take it slow!
Hello if you notice on your radio display in the top left it reads 25 W or 25 watts or 1 W or 1 watt. Channel 16 is 25 watts channel 13 is 1 watt. 25 watts is more power output and 1 watt is lower power output hence the shorter range. I enjoyed your video.
thank you!
Your videos are fantastic Wayne, I am starting my sophmore year and can't wait to float again here in Northern Ohio - been great to get refreshed on these topics.
Thank you!!
I do alot of traveling on my boat and just to give you some info channel 13 is used to request a bridge opening so we can can pass through . Also down around Florida they use channel 9 . Just a little info. Stay safe. 🇺🇲
Yeah I have heard that in some other areas it's channel 9 fir bridges. The big ships in the Chesapeake use 13 as they travel the bay
Good video! A boater should always have a VHF radio when going out in the sea. Something our cell phones don't work when even just out 6 or 7 miles off the shore. I know when I was out fishing of the coast in Southern California, we were not getting any signal on our cell phones plus why limit ourselves to just one cell phone. Always have a good, reliable radio on boat.
Good video! Thank you,
Thank you - I couldn't imagine being out of sight of land and not having a VHF!
Cell signal is a funny thing. I called a buddy once when I was 15 miles offshore from Ponce Inlet. Other areas though like Cape Canaveral I get signal at about 5-6 miles.
If you have the latest Iphone, it has the SOS feature that sends a distress signal to satellites.
New boater, but have read and watched RUclips extensively. One thing ch 16 should never be used for “chit chat”, always switch to an alternate. Gale force twins have a phenomenal video on RUclips about using the radio. Appreciate the videos
Yeah I have the Gale Force Twins free sticker which outlines the procedures for Pan Pan and Distress calls on my big boat I have now.
Plus he broke the law by transmitting on land.
Good video Wayne. I think the VHF would always work best with line of site. Thats why they are ideal for water because theres very little in the way. I have just registered my MMIE with the UK authorities and yes it works with GPS but they also take all your details and next of kin. So if you are in trouble your family and loved ones can be informed straight away. Its also free in UK and takes 10 minutes to fill the online form in.
Three things:
I believe Channel 13 on VHF marine radios is just like any other channel as far as radio power and range. The 'short range' comment probably refers to the idea that the channel should only be used bridge to bridge between large boats that are within sight of one another i.e. 'short range' in order to facilitate their movements around one another and not tie up the channel. Because of their antenna height above the water a large commercial carrier using the same radio you are using can have a range of 30 miles or more to another such ship, so they are asked to only use that channel when 2 boats are quite close to one another, in order to keep the channel from becoming too busy.
Second, the last time (several years ago) that I read the FCC VHF maritime radio regulations it was clearly illegal for anyone (other than n FCC approved and licensed shore-side commercial station involved in local marine-related business, (like a marina, or ferryboat company,) to transmit on any of these frequencies when not out on the water. That prohibition even included boats at float dockside in order to avoid boaters at large marinas from making the channels unusable for boaters outside the harbor.
Third, I suspect your radio (or antenna,) if properly installed has a 'ground' wire attached to a plate of some sort that would be under water when the boat is afloat. That plate in the water improves both the radio reception and transmission performance, and thus hurts performance if the craft is not in the water. While the radio's antenna system can be optimized for use on both land and sea, due to the regulations the installer of the radio probably assumed that it would only be used in the water and likely did not optimize the antenna system for use on shore.
BTW, when you are 2 or 3 miles away from shore and you run out of gas or your engine dies for some reason a good working marine-band radio is a real lifesaver, (I know,) especially if you are out in a bay around large, commercial shipping. Besides, if there's an off-shore breeze or current you will soon find yourself far from shore for far too long without a good little radio on channel 16. As a sailor, I figure the radio is worth about the same as my life is.
Nice job. Thank you
Thanks for watching!
The answer is don’t rely on mobile phones. A radio transmission can be received by multiple people whereas your phone will only call one person
Good point!
Yes, a phone call will be dependent on one cell tower working and satellite is dependent on a few satellites working, whereas radio relies only on both sides working. I will admit that satellites failing and cell towers failing is extremely rare, but it is still good to have a backup communication form.
Here I’ll make this simple. Yes you need a vhf. Especially in commercial channels.
Channel 16 is the international distress, safety, and calling channel.
Very helpful information, im looking into getting one for my boat, apparently a marine radio is required on Lake Michigan...
They're good to have if you're out there and have any problems.
This is a very humble, welcoming video. You did great and you earned my subscription. Thanks!
What about running an amplifier for farther reach? And what are antenna options?
If I am trying to hail another boat, I'm expecting you to have your radio on. If you don't, I'll switch over to the PA and hope you hear that. Leaving the radio on is easy. Remember for non-commercial use there's also channel 9 which is the recreational calling channel. Most useful for areas where 16 is just too busy. Coast Guard monitors 16, so remember that. Also, regardless of the calling channel, if you need to talk to another recreational boat you should ask them to switch over to a working channel. Non-commercial boaters can use 68, 69, 71, 72, and 78A. Ask the other boater to switch and answer on a working channel to stay off 16. Use your radio to talk to bridges, locks, marinas, gas docks, and so on. It's handy. Good video otherwise.
Yeah I’ve been surprised this season with lack of chatter on 16 even on busy weekend days. I hear radio checks occasionally but otherwise not much.
So helpful
Wayne, thank you very much for the all information in the video. I have a question.. and hope you could help me if you can... Is it possible to change a channel frequency? I mean using a Uniden Solara 385... Thank you very much!
I'm not sure what you mean. I believe each channel has a set frequency so that every radio tuned to channel 16 or 67 is transmitting and receiving the same frequency as other radios tuned to that channel.
Channel 16 is not for general chitchat!!!! You shouldn’t be joining in with there conversation but telling them to move channels. When there is an emergency and someone is trying to get help they can’t get through because idiots are chatting about what they had for dinner the night before!
All these VHF and most others UHF, 27mhz and more have the ability to scan channels. You can choose what channel you want to listen to as well as chat on as long as your not on CH16 chatting. You set the channels you choose in the memory and the scan will just keep going round and round. If someone talks on one of these channels it will stop on that channel so you can listen to it. With the channels you choose CH16 is automatically part of that scan to so if someone is calling for help the radio will stop scanning and stay on CH16 for you to hear.
I have a GME GX600 unit. It’s just a stock standard VHF radio with no thrills to it but what it has is DUAL WATCH mod. What that does is when out fishing with mates who are in other boats we choose the channel we want to general chat on say CH73 and save that channel in the DUAL WATCH mod then what happens is the radio stays on CH73 but in the background of the radio brain it’s also listening to CH16. While your listening to your mate BS’ing about the big fish he just lost if there’s a emergency call it will cut him out and go to CH16.
I’m in Australia and are channels are slightly different to yours but CH16 is the emergence channel here too.
Next time your at the boat ramp and there’s other boaties there just as to do a radio check there and then. Or at your local marine shop where they sell boats one of them will have a radio in it so just ask kindly if old mate can help check your radio for you. 👍🇦🇺
Very well said! It seems that around here unfortunately, many recreational boaters don't even have a VHF radio, or if they do, they don't even turn it on.
The serious fishing people do seem to use them properly - I hear their conversations on the appropriate channels. I mentioned "joining in on the conversation" (on channel 16) only as a last choice option if you're concerned that your mic isn't working.
Would you please make a video of what you should do (showing every step) as soon as you get on a boat? I've seen some videos mentioning turn on the batteries. Do you actually need to turn on batteries? I plan to rent a pontoon this summer.
Good idea thanks! As far as turning on the batteries, It's only necessary if they have been switched off. Some people always switch off their batteries to prevent any draining of the batteries while the boat sits. A quick check is by turning the key to the accessory position - if nothing beeps or lights up, the batteries are off.
Thanks
I think its important to bring up antenna and wiring when talking about VHF. you could go out and buy the baddest $1500 top of the line trancever at the boat shop, but if your running your signal through the crappy included antenna they give you in the box, you might be getting 5 watts max output. There was a good anecdote i heard on a sailing channel, where the boat with a quality antenna set up was able to act as a relay for a boat 100 miles away trying to communicate with a marina that it was actually very close to, but could not directly contact because of how bad the installation was on the boat or at the marina. typical VHF has a range of around 25 miles. But if you install it right, you can get messages out far and wide. great asset to have in an emergency.
Technically as a liscensed vhf operator and ham radio operator. Using a vhf marine radio from land is frowned upon. But i don’t understand why. Usually the non commercial radios that are mounted on recreational boats get only up to 10 miles range. Sailboats with a mast mounted antenna can get anywhere from 10-25 miles in range. It’s all bout that antenna
I think the 'use on land' issues might have come along during the 1970s when kids liked to play with radios. I'm sure some played with VHF radios too - fake distress calls etc.
Channel 16 is primarily a haling channel to call another boater to meet on another channel such as ch 26-68, etc and not used for conversation.
Thanks for the vid(:
Please guys keep channel 16 clear, it is used for emergency situations. Monitoring C16 is a good idea, as you may be in a position to help.
From what I remember when taking my marine VHF license, a marine VHF radio is for communication relating to ships business NOT general chit chat on ANY channel and surely if you request a radio check and you don't get a reply the most likely reason is that something is wrong with either transmitter or receiver?
I’m not sure how much the rules vary by country, but around here fishermen use some of the higher channels to chat, 16 for emergencies or to initiate a conversation (which then moves to another channel) and 13 is used by commercial ships in the bay.
Our rules, laws, and practices seem to be much less regulated.
linked my icom vhf output nema and it drops a waypoint when i get a distress call and a route to get there have yes to c it work
I boat around in Maryland to is great
I would love to see a button overview video!
Good idea!
VHF channel 16 in my area is used by pissed off people on sailboats to scream, “slow down capt’n, you’re responsible for your wake.” It’s good listening entertainment when the fishing is slow.
Nailed it!
Good information, keep up the videos sir.
Thank you so much. More to come!
Usually u try to find out wats ur local lifeguard or port authorities channel.. my port right of the boat launch they display their channel for local radio checks or distress
Yeah we're not so fortunate around here - I have been reading that Channel 9 might be a good option which I plan to test this season!
to answer you thought about channel 13 vs 16 is 1 watt vs 25 watt
I literally just got my boat licence yesterday. I am Canadian. In Canada a separate VHF marine operator's licence is required for use of the radio. Google tells me that this is not the case in the US. I'm not sure how I feel about this.I am impressed however, that there are some of you taking the time out to do research and properly learn about the radio. Is the radio covered at all in your boat operators course? Do you know the difference between pan pan and mayday?
For those of who go boating infrequently, many usually forget that Pan Pan calls are for non-life threatening situations. I had a sticker on my big boat that was a distress call reminder "how to".
How should i connect uv-5R to VHF?
BF -888s easy To connect with vhf
I wondered if there is a siren alert like other weather radios. I have been on Table Rock Lake in SW Mo and weather can turn UgLy in moments.
I don't think any model marine VHF radios have weather sirens - but that would certainly be helpful!
@@WayneTheBoatGuy Bad memory due to having a good memory - Aug 1976 on Table Rock Lake on a sunny Saturday afternoon found a teenaged me & another two teen girls. All we 3 had just scuba dived along cliffs & we were aboad one's family cabin cruiser.
A HARD STORM front meant for SE Ks (Pittsburg) l suppose veared over & hit us fast. Never be high & wine buzzed & in a terrible storm moving across a lake in a old school rubber wet suit.
Enabling Your Radio’s DSC Emergency Features
Rescue 21 only works if you set up your radio correctly. You need to take two actions to get the safety benefits of DSC:
Obtain and register your MMSI number (sort of like your boat’s state registration number)
Connect your VHF radio to a GPS receiver.
Having the additional GPS receiver - that's the trick.
They have radios with built-in GPS receivers for a while now, no additional receivers necessary.
antenna would help and the work in most parts of florida 25 watts plz
The mmsi number is required to use the distress button and is issued by your country’s Maritime authorities
Generally you are required to have a radio operators licence. At least here in Australia , you need the licence or a number will not be issued!
A linked gps is required to be able to transmit your coordinates
We are not required to have a radio operators license and - I guess it shows! We are also not required to have a VHF radio if we're just a recreational boater.
@@WayneTheBoatGuy Wayne getting mmsi number in the US is easy. An mmsi has information about you and your boat and when the distress button is pressed it transmits that data over channel 16. Connecting the GPS over nmea 0183 will transmit your coordinates when the distress button is pressed. Emergencies happen fast take the extra steps and set it up right.
My VHF Radio sometimes defaults back to channel 16 every time I switch ignition off and on and then sometimes it will stay on the channel I operate on. I have Uniden 535.
Hmm - I wonder if it has to do with a voltage drop when starting.
I HAVE 2 VHF RADIOS MMSI GPS 1 low gain phase 3 3 ft and phase 3 8ft i am in south Florida 27 auto radio system check ch 9 bridge openings 72 fishing boats great info if your fishing call Rock & Reel in south Florida
Also in case of emergency you can always use *16 ( star 16 ) on your Cell directly Coast Guard
I did not know that - pretty cool tip!
This way you may talk to them without interference,and still if any Mayday alert needs to be called out to mariner’s 🚤🚤🚤 .Hopefully if in cell range they can triangulate your position GPS the phone’s area
I want to take VHF radio in my house with license. Now
You know, VHF has 16 channels. So why so many programs on uv-5R? I fixed all the channels from the shop.With Bf-88s and nib a few. I will connect so many channels to the key. Many problems. And suggest + know VHF free. So how to connect with Uv-5R BF88ss. What to do with so many programs? Which will be easier? For my Home use?
Programme is hard than channel adjust plzzzz help me
Chanel 13 is commonly used for bridges and locks on the ICW.
Yeah when I'm in the bay I hear the large ship when they switch from 16 to 13 as they approach the Chesapeake Bay Bridge
This might be random but does anyone know if you can get a marine radio and have it on land just to listen. Cause it would be pretty cool to have on and listen from my room
Technically, I don't think we're supposed to use one on land. I think partially because if I'm in my boat making a distress call and you feel compelled to respond because nobody else responds, there's almost nothing you can do. Also, because VHF radios work point-to-point and not from a tower, you might only hear 1/2 the conversation and be trying to respond which would tie up the channel for someone who might be close by in a boat who can help. So listening in might not cause any harm, but the desire to transmit could. At least that's my thoughts!
We use these radios every day in The Woods Logging !
Our Loaders, skitters, Trucks, office all have these radios! Also other logging outfits near by use these we all use different channels different Logging outfit different channel!
Thanks Wayne. You will not get any response as you are not transmitting. You need to input your assigned MMSI number to enable the radio to transmit. I believe you can hit the distress button without having a licence or MMSI. You will not however be able to shout MAYDAY or call PAN-PAN as you cannot transmit voice.
I have transmitted on this and my portable one without an MMSI
Oi boa noite, o meu não funciona mais os botões de comando, poderia me ajudar? Obrigado
Lamento, não tenho experiência em consertar estes
Cool hat, where'd you get it?
it was a gift!
I live in Manitoba Canada. Nobody uses marine radio on our many small lakes. You would be unlikely to get help on a marine radio. Marine radio is used only on the large lakes such as lake Winnipeg.
I can see that. People who primarily boat on our river on weekends in the summer within sight of land don't usually bother either.
En si, cuantos canales en total trae está radio?
Esta es una radio antigua. Los nuevos tienen más
You said you don't understand how 13 was shorter range than 16 but look at the display. When you are on 13 your radio is transmitting at only 1 watt. Channel 16 and others transmit at 25 watts on your radio. You would be using 13 when you are in very close proximity to another boat you want to communicate with so transmitting with too much power would cause too much confusion as you call the white sailboat, for example.
Couple of quick points... First, no one should be chit chatting on 16. It's for hailing and emergency only. If you need to talk to someone, as soon as they answer you, switch to another channel. 68 and 69 are for general coms.
And second, you don't need a radio check. Like almost never. That went out with tubes in the 60s. Solid state radios just don't break. It's possible to have a bad connection to a mic or an antenna, but not very common. A handheld is a very good thing to have in an emergency. So, if have both, tune them both to 68 or something and you can comm check yourself.
Now that I have a few more years of boating under my belt, I still hear people asking for a radio check. I usually hear at least one every weekend I am on the water during the summer. Weekdays, not so much.
@@WayneTheBoatGuy Oh, believe me, I know. Drives me nuts. Just trying to spread the good word. I'm glad you correctly pointed out that you shouldn't be asking for radio checks on 16
I would NEVER own a boat without one. I fish only northern MN/WI lakes as well as Canadian shield lakes. Regardless....I always have one. It's just too easy to get in a bind just when you have no cell service.
Nice! I do feel much safer out there with mine!
Channel 16 is not for convos at all. Used primarily by coastguard to relay important messages or to call somebody then switch immediately to a different channel.
😮
We removed the Marine handhelds from the boat, its useless there. Do we use the handheld for family trips or let the kids play with them.
Fror the boat we can use the mobile phone, works much better. Marine radio are so 1985 and sh*tty in real day use.
I swear that weather channel is the same voice on my trucker radio
LOL - maybe he's the "Siri" of vehicular travel!
he missed the most important feature channel 68 Annapolis water taxi LOL
When I've gone to Annapolis I have always had someone show up before I had a chance to hail them!
Radio check loud and clear over
You do not chit chat on 16.
That's the coast guard channel.
You will get the speech from the coast guard station saying it is for distress calls only.
I hear radio check all the time and then the speech
Now that I've spent much more time on the water, it seems to vary by area and the boaters on the water. Around me, many days I hear people hailing another vessel and then they switch channels and it's all 'correct'. Other days it's lots of random stuff like radio checks and other requests. I have yet to hear the Coast Guard come on with anything other than an announcement about an emergency situation.
Coast guard Mobile doesn't allow any small talk.
Where is your antenna?
It was mounted on the port side. I think it was a 6 ft antenna.
License?
Some places require some kind of certificate or license, but none are required where I live.
In Florida marine radios are used not only in boats but also hunting.
We're told never stay on 16 because it's part of the coast guard
Makes sense! Although from what I read technically... they're not to be used on land, but you sound like you're doing it smart!!
Let me know your VHF radio tips and experiences!
You will not be shot down in the flames of hell for asking for a radio check on 16. Actually, its encouraged to do so. Especially if the bouneback channels are giving you zero feedback.
also channel 12 will be your local operations. Ask there too.
You really should have 2 vhf radios as you should always monitor ch 13 and 16 if you only have one radio monitor ch 13 as this is the channel you use to make passing arrangements hail other vessels and get bridges and locks opened just make calls short and don’t chat on 13 hail them and go to a working channel calls need to be quick especially in a busy harbor ch 13 calls need to be to the point example (on the “vessel name” the “your vessel name” they answer “vessel name standing by” you say see you on two they answer two whistles agreed that’s it no chit chat be quik anything else say go to 10 or whatever commercial working channel is free in your area and then you can talk but don’t jam up ch 13 it’s critical for us to safely navigate large vessels you should absolutely call any commercial traffic that you have any doubts as to there intentions believe me we would rather talk to you than be questioning your intentions don’t call someone who is 1/4 mile away when the closest point of approach is 500ft but when there’s an actual question as to each other’s intentions use you radio that’s why you have it don’t be afraid to make a security call if your entering a busy pier it lets everyone know your intentions and your name so we can avoid mass confusion atleast moniter ch 13 and you will hear the commercial traffics intentions you will learn the names of the vessels operating in you harbor and where they are going just listening to ch 13 will let you know what’s going on we always use ch13 because it’s 1 watt and short range don’t call vessels on 16 as it travels for miles and will usually get the annoyed response go to ch13 as we all have at least 2 radios and monitor both but 16 but is not bridge to bridge which means from your vessels bridge to another vessels bridge
So many recreational boats around here don't even have one VHF radio - let alone two!
A local fishing charter in my area named his vessel "Knott Sure"
Better to have it and not need it , then need it and not have it. . .
GSM mobiles dont work at open sea.and batteries quickly finish. They are not resistant to sea Water and humidity .in case of emergency you will call help on telegramm or watsapp :))??
If you can barely hear Annapolis base then your to far to try any radio check. Your radio doesn't put out the power that Annapolis does and their antenna is much higher than yours. Learn about vhf signal propagation. It will help you understand your radio immensely. Better yet get a ham tech license and you'll learn a ton about your radio. Good luck and best wishes.
I have heard of people upgrading their antennas on hand-held VHF units to increase the range.
As I dig deeper, I find more interesting things about VHF radios in my area. For example I often hear about boaters who have their mic locked on and I also hear about many who do not turn on or have a VHF radio at all. I have heard useful information just by having mine on Channel 16 several times while out in the bay.
ppl who think cell phone can sawe them is flat erfers .. period
In an area like where I am, a cell phone works quite well because many (or possibly all) areas of the central and upper bay have cell coverage and people are always within sight of land - but I do like having options and a VHF gives you that for sure. On the ocean, I wouldn't go out without a good VHF with DSC and more.
Thank you Wayne, Wayne The Boat Guy"you bring up some good points such as yes, you need to have and use a VHF radio and know how to use it, which is much, much more than just press to talk, dont press to listen. Your RUclips delivery is pretty good. You have a confident lively manner that people will listen to. However I was surprised that you have only one year experience boating. C'mon, Wayne, you're not an expert. If you want to make boating videos I suggest you have a genuine expert review them before posting. Maybe collaborate in the first place and read off a teleprompter he/she writes.
This is sailing vessel Whatsername, over.
Thanks for watching and your thoughts! I have never said I was an expert and my take on things is as a new boater who, like many others, hasn't had the fortune of being around other boaters who could help show me the ropes. Many times I have had to struggle to figure out stuff because when I would ask other boat owners questions like; "what do I need to know about a VHF radio?" They literally told me answers from, "I don't have one on my boat" to "I just put it on 16 because you're supposed to , but I usually forget to do that". I literally started making my videos to share what I am learning with others in my situation and solicit help from more knowledgable people like you!
First of All... IT is illegal to use that radio while you're on Land... Obviously that's something you missed over the winter😂😂😂😂... Just sayin'...
You are not talking with much knowledge. I have been sailing since the 70 ties, You have to take a vhf certificate. In my country its a demand ....
for you to even consider not having one is stupid.
🤦🏻♂️🤦🏻♂️🤦🏻♂️ so many problems with these comments
It IS amazing the different information and experiences people have with regards to VHF radios.
If you can't use a VHG radio or any radio you shouldn't have a boat.
You’re new you say. So why wound you make a video.