RNLI Atlantic 85, Manual

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Activity 6 - Communications
59
B Class Atlantic 85 Manual – First Issue, June 2017
Activity 6 - Communications
As with the other crew positions, crew 4 will only be able to
hear transmitted VHF audio when the person transmitting
has their MIC selector switch set to CONFERENCE. If any
crew member selects radio only, the rest of the crew will
not hear the outgoing communications.
Additional features
The helm CCU is fitted with a M/VHF WATCH (Maritime
VHF Watch) selector switch which can be set to either
“M/VHF” or “TX” – the labelling may be slightly different
between units and in some cases the “TX” label may be
missing. In TX mode the radios are independent and it is
only possible to listen to one radio at a time. In M/VHF
mode received audio from either the VHF radio or DF will
be heard regardless of the position of the RADIO selector
switch. This function allows the crew to monitor both the
VHF and DF simultaneously. In order to transmit over the
VHF radio the RADIO selector switch must be set to the
port to which the VHF radio is connected (Radio A in the
normal configuration). Selecting M/VHF mode at the helm
position will also allow the crew member at crew 4 to hear
the received audio from both the VHF and DF.
Crew helmets
Helm and crew are required to wear an RNLI helmet.
The Mark 10 and 11 helmets are currently used by B Class
stations. These helmets form part of the communications
for the Atlantic’s Graytronics intercom system. The
helmet is fitted with a comfort pad in the top, as well as an
inflation liner which helps fit the helmet to you specifically.
Helmets fitted with a microphone include a noise
cancelling cover.
To the side of the console at crew seat 2 is a permanent
fistmic. This allows crew 2 to transmit over the VHF radio
using the fistmic and associated PTT when the RADIO
selector switch is set to RADIO A. Other crew will be only
able to hear VHF transmissions from the fistmic when
the crew 2 MIC selector switch is set to CONFERENCE.
The fistmic does not replace the function of the crew 2
headset in allowing crew at that position to speak over the
intercom.
There is a spare fistmic that can be connected directly to
the Sailor 6215 VHF DSC radio. This can be used if there
is a problem with the usual methods of communication.
The Spare fistmic should be stored in a small waterproof
bag, under Crew 2 seat in the orange box on the back of
the hatch door.
Crew 4
The crew 4 CCU provides only a volume control and
microphone ON switch. With the microphone switched
off no microphone audio will be routed to the intercom
system. They will always be able to hear intercom audio
regardless of the setting of the microphone mute switch.
They will also be able to hear whichever radio is selected
at the helm position.
NOTE
The helmet connector should be either fitted into the
helmet socket, or stowed on the side of the control
box, with “Microphone off” selected.
NOTE
Be professional at all times when communicating
with other crew. On-board conversations can be
accidentally transmitted whilst on conference.