1-1
1.
GETTING STARTED
1.1
Emergency Call (CH16)
CH16 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 transceiver is on and set to
CH16. Then use the following procedure:
1.
Press the microphone’s push-to-talk (PTT) switch and say "
Mayday, Mayday,
Mayday.
This is XXXXX, XXXXX, XXXXX" (your vessel's name).
2.
Then repeat once: "
Mayday
, XXXXX" (your vessel's name).
3.
Report your position in latitude/longitude, or give a true or magnetic 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, piracy, life-
threatening injury, etc.).
5.
State the kind of assistance you 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 dis-
tinguishing marks. The total transmission should not exceed one minute.
9.
End the message by saying "
OVER
". Release the microphone switch and listen.
10. If there is no answer, repeat the above procedure. If there is still no response, try
another channel.
Note:
The FM-4721 has DSC Distress calling, which can send a distress call digitally
to all ships with compatible DSC radios. Refer to chapter 3 “DIGITAL SELECTIVE
CALLING".
1.2
How to Call Another Vessel (CH16 or CH9)
CH16 (or CH9, depending on area) should be used as the calling channel for initial
contact with another vessel. However, its primary purpose is for emergency commu-
nications and should be monitored at all times when not using other channels.
It is monitored by Coast Guard stations in all countries and other vessels.
The use of CH16 should be limited to making initial contact only. Calling should not
exceed one minute, but may be repeated at two-minute intervals.
Prior to making contact with another vessel, refer to the channel charts in the Appen-
dix and select an appropriate channel (working channel) for use after initial contact.
Monitor the proposed channel to ensure you won’t be interrupting other traffic and then
go back to CH16 to make your initial call.
When channel 16 is clear, state the name of the vessel you wish to call and then "
this
is
" followed by the name of your vessel and your vessel callsign. When the other ves-
sel returns your call, immediately request another channel by saying "
go to
", the num-
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