61
Nothing
Comes Close to a Cobra
®
Emergency Messages and
Distress Procedure
Radiotelephone Calls
•
Boaters may make and receive radiotelephone calls to and from any number on the telephone
network by using the services of public coast stations. Calls can be made — for a fee —
between your radio and telephones on land, sea and in the air. See the Appendix for the
public correspondence (marine operator) channels.
If you plan to use these services, consider registering with the operator of the
public coast station that you plan to work through. These services can provide
you with detailed information and procedures to follow.
NOTICE
You may disclose privileged information during a radiotelephone call.
Keep in mind that your transmission is
NOT
private, as it is on a regular
telephone. Both sides of the conversation are being broadcast and can be
heard by anyone who has a radio and tunes to the channel you are using.
VHF Marine Radio Protocols
VHF Marine Radio Protocols
60 English
Radiotelephone Calls
Emergency Messages and Distress Procedure
•
The ability to summon assistance in an emergency is the primary reason to have a VHF
marine radio. The marine environment can be unforgiving and what may initially be a
minor problem can rapidly develop into a situation beyond your control.
The Coast Guard monitors Channel 16, responds to all distress calls,
and coordinates all search and rescue efforts. Depending on the availability
of other capable vessels or commercial assistance operators in your vicinity,
Coast Guard or Coast Guard Auxiliary craft may be dispatched.
In any event, communicate with the Coast Guard as soon as you experience difficulties and
before your situation becomes an emergency. Use the emergency message procedures
only after your situation has become grave or you are faced with a sudden danger
threatening life or property and requiring immediate help. Use Channel 16 to communicate
your emergency message. Make sure you transmit on high power. If you are merely out of
gas, do not send an emergency message. Drop your anchor and call a friend or marina to
bring the fuel you need or to give you a tow.
