ADVANSEA FX-400, User Manual

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User manual FX-400 - 9 -
and by other vessels. Use of Channel 16 for calling or hailing must be
limited to initial contact only. Calling should not exceed 30 seconds and
may be repeated 3 times at 2 minute intervals.
Prior to making contact with another vessel, determine which channel will be
used for continued communication after the initial contact. Monitor the
desired channel for traffic and, when clear, switch to Channel 16 to make
initial contact.
Listen for traffic on the Calling Channel (16). If clear, press the Push To Talk
(PTT) button on the microphone. Speak the name of the vessel you are
calling followed by “This is” and the name of your vessel and your call sign.
Release the PTT and listen for a reply. When the other vessel returns your
call, acknowledge the call with “go to”, the number of the new channel and
“over”. Switch to the new channel and listen for traffic. If necessary, wait
for traffic to clear, and then call the other vessel. As communication
proceeds, end each transmission with “over”. When communication with
the other vessel is completed, end the last transmission with your call sign
and the word “out”. It is not necessary to end each transmission with your
call sign, just give your call sign at the beginning and end of each contact.
Remember to switch to Channel 16 when not actively communicating on
another channel.
3.3 Telephone Calls
You may use your FX-400 transceiver to make telephone calls to persons on
shore. To do so requires the services of marine operators who operate on
designated Public Correspondence channels. There are several channels
designated for this type of traffic and to determine the channel being used in
your area, ask someone with local knowledge, contact a Harbor Master or
other marine authority.
Call the marine operator and identify yourself with your vessel’s name.
Normally you contact a marine operator on their working channel rather than
making initial contact on Channel 16. The marine operator will ask for your
intentions and establish a payment method for the call (collect, credit card,
etc.). When arrangements are complete, your radio communication will be
patched into the telephone line. In conversing with a person on the phone it
is important to use normal radio communication procedures. You should
say ”over” and release the PTT button at the end of each transmission.
Both parties cannot speak simultaneously as on normal telephone calls.
Usually there is a fee for marine operator services which is charged in
addition to any other charges associated with the call.
3.4 Prohibited Communication
The following communications are prohibited by regulations and violators are
subject to penalties: