VHF Radio Legal Useage Questions

Hi All;  I've been trying to decipher the rules for using our VHF radios for emergency and general chat.  I understand the protocol and correct "language" and channels, and how to properly make Mayday and Pan-Pan calls, and how to chat.

What I don't quite get is the rules involving land and marine use.  I had been thinking that land use with a marine radio was a no-no, but I think I'm mistaken.  Is is just that Mayday and Pan Pan calls can only be done from a vessel on the water?

I really need to know because one of my new duties for State Parks at Van Damme and Russian Gulch may be beach/boating safety patrol, from shore, and if I see a boater or diver in trouble, can I legally make an emergency VHF call? I'll very likely be carrying a cell phone too, and can just call 911, but cell reception is still spotty around here, so I may need the radio too.

Any clarification about this would be most appreciated.  Thanks, -Matt

Matt:

I suggest contacting the responders (CG....FD....)and asking what they prefer for emergency communications.  Land use is permitted in some cases, like if I am on the beach next to my kayak, talking to another yakker on the water.  Also,land based Port operations communication is legal to berthed vessels or vessels underway. 

Being a state or federal employee in performance of duties, especially if it is a marine emergency is probbably OK, but you better check 1st and be very sure.  Fines can be hefty, though the usage would probably be given a pass by any judge if the clear perception of emergency could be demonstrated.

Allen

ps let us know what you find out, OK?

  Thanks Allen!  Good idea.  I'll just ask our friendly neighborhood local Coast Guard and Fire Departments, i. e., first responders about correct VHF usage.  Sometimes in this internet day and age I forget that a few simple local phone calls are a lot easier (and more personal and fun) and more accurate than doing research on the internet...

I'll post what I find out on this thread...may take a few days.  -Matt 

I wondered the same thing as I wrote in the GSII thread about us contacting one another on VHF at the Cove.  I think it's the spirit of the usage that should rule the day.  There's a wonderful woman with a huge antenna who sits up in her house and helps with communications at the Cove on her VHF.  If the letter of the law is that she is breaking it then I think there's a problem with the law.

I'll be curious to know what you find, Matt.  I'm not interested in breaking the rules...

Eric

The issue I think stems from 'pirates' guiding a ship onto the rocks with marine radio.

unlikely, but in the hands of the wrong people, some damage could be done.

John

When it comes to saving someones life there are no laws IMO.
There is a certain protocol that will facilitate the rescue. Obviously it is best to learn whatever it is for the region you are in. If you are familiar with it then follow it. If not then do whatever is in your power for a favorable outcome. I am certainly not going to ponder whether or not I am breaking the law if someone is in trouble.

Critique:  the VHF only has about a 5 mile range or less, Matt!  You won't be pulling us up on the river from the Cove (20-30 miles).  But I like your spirit.   

It'll be more like this: 

"Hello hello hello. This is hobiesport.  Is anyone from NCKA out there?  Over."

"Matt, is that you?  This is Eric - I'm about 20 feet behind you!..."

(end of transmission)   

The place is small!   

   Allen: I can see the point in the SC Harbor going shore to ship for berthing, etc., but what is a mild peeve is the calls I have to listen to where someone in the harbor office is calling to find out where another harbor worker is, or to find out where a delivery person should put a package, or to arrange lunch schedules, etc. - all on channel 9, which I thought was supposed to just be used to establish contact and agree on another channel to move to. I'll bet most of those workers are not on vessels.   If they'd agree on another chitchat channel, I could de-tag that one and still listen for folks who might be calling me on 9, or brush up on my Portugese or whatever language it is that the commercials Johnny and his buddy speak (not on 9 or 16).

  If someone is in imminent and immediate peril of loss of life or great bodily harm (tested by the reasonable- person -in -the -same- circumstances standard), I'm going to use anything available to help them, so long as it doesn't significantly endanger others - then later look up the case law which I'll wager justifies what might otherwise be a violation of law.

I don't think you have to worry much about getting a fine or anything. There's not a black van cruising around monitoring radio traffic, looking for someone to issue citation.

I think you would have to work pretty hard to get a citation.

Just my 2 cents.

CHEERS!

Tom:

You are correct.

According to the CG, 14 is the channel designated for Port Operations, and 9 is for calling.

Here is the CG chart:

http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/marcomms/vhf.htm

16 is also designated for calling as well as emargencies, and is monitored by CG at all times.

My suggestion is to dlete 9 form your scan list, and use 16 for calling if you ahve to.

Of course, we kayakers can call on 69, and I also scan "regular" channels for the area I am in, 68, 72, 19, 22, depending on where I am, and what the boaters in that area commonly use.

On my Mystic, 69 somehow picks up our local sherriff's dispatcher, so I cn listen to an episode of "COPS" when I am out fishing.  Sunday mornings are particularly interesting.  I think it is still Saturday night for a lot of people.  domestic disturbances, stolen cars, warrantsearches, etc.  Fun.

I hate the lunch break and "is that gate open" chat also.

Allen