A VHF Radio is one of the most important tools on board a boat. Like any other tool, however, there are right ways and wrong ways to use it. The quickest way to determine the competence of a boater is not by his docking abilities but by the use of his radio.
Although the VHF radio is relatively easy to operate, there are some very important features about the use and operation that all boaters must know. The VHF radio is one of the most valuable pieces of safety equipment you can have onboard. It can be used to deliver a call for assistance, provide the latest weather reports and keep you in touch with other boats and marine facilities on the water.
This program covers the different types of VHF receivers available including the types of transmissions, range, power and specific features. It outlines the U. S. and International requirements and provides information on how to obtain a VHF license, permits and the Maritime Mobile Service Identity or MMSI numbers for DSC Radios.
Included are the different VHF channels and their uses along with the information on how to monitor the radio. It provides specific, step-by-step instructions on how to place both emergency and non-emergency calls including Mayday Calls, Securite Calls and Pan-Pan Calls. It also teaches what you should do when you hear a Mayday Call including Seelonce Mayday , Seelonce Distress and Mayday Relay.
Teaches:
VHF Radio Basics
License, Permit & MMSI
Types of VHF radios
Channels
Monitoring the Radio
Placing Non-emergency Calls
Placing Mayday Calls
If You Hear a Mayday Call
Security Calls
Pan-Pan Calls
Weather Broadcast
Beach House Sailboat
Richardsons' Chartbook: Lake Superior
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Cape Hatteras Light by David Knowlton
