Standard Horizon GX2400GPS, Owner'S Manual

Page: 11 / 148

9
6.5 CALLING ANOTHER VESSEL (CHANNEL 16 OR 9)
Channel 16 may be used for initial contact (hailing) with another vessel.
However, its most important use is for emergency messages. This channel
must be monitored at all times, except when actually using another channel.
It is monitored by the U.S. and Canadian Coast Guards and by other vessels.
Use of channel 16 for hailing must be limited to initial contact only.
Call-
ing should not exceed 30 seconds, but may be repeated 3 times at 2-minute
intervals. In areas of heavy radio traffic, congestion on channel 16 resulting
from its use as a hailing channel can be reduced significantly in U.S. waters
by using
channel 9
as the initial contact (hailing) channel for non-emergency
communications. Here, also, calling time should not exceed 30 seconds but
may be repeated 3 times at 2-minute intervals.
Prior to contacting with another vessel, refer to the channel charts in this manual,
and select an appropriate channel for communications after initial contact. For
example, Channels 68 and 69 of the U.S. VHF Charts are some of the chan -
nels available to non-commercial (recreational) boaters. Monitor the desired
channel in advance to make sure you will not be interrupting other traffic, and
then go back to either channel 16 or 9 to make initial contact.
When the hailing channel (16 or 9) is clear, press the
PTT switch on the mic and
state the name of the other vessel you wish to call and then “this is” followed by
the name of your vessel and your Station License (Call Sign) then release the
PTT switch on the mic. When the other vessel returns your call, immediately
request another channel by pressing the PTT switch on the mic and saying “ go
to ,” the number of the other channel, say “ over ” and release the PTT switch on
the mic. Then switch to the new channel. When the new channel is not busy,
call the other vessel.
After a transmission, say “
over
,” and release the microphone’s push-to-talk
( PTT ) switch. When all communication with the other vessel is completed, end
the last transmission by stating your Call Sign and the word “
out
.” Note that
it is not necessary to state your Call Sign with each transmission, only at the
beginning and end of the contact.
Remember to return to Channel 16 when not using another channel. Some
radios automatically monitor Channel 16 even when set to other channels or
when scanning.