HOW-TO: USE A HANDHELD VHF

Written by  Daniel Roloff



Loud and Clear

What you need to know about your VHF.
Daniel Roloff
           
Kayak Fishing is a sport where you have lots of options with gear. Most of it is a lot of fun to use on the water, but the most important gear can save your life.  You have heard it before: “PDFs don’t work if you don’t wear them.” Or “Don’t leave the shore without a good safety blade.” On California’s coast you will hear “I will never leave the shore without my VHF.” You can find reviews listing features, and comparing name brands all over the internet. What is less common is discussion, and more important, is how to use VHF if you get into trouble.

            VHF or Very High Frequency radio is how ships, truckers and emergency workers communicate with each other over distance. VHF offers kayakers a way to communicate in a way that is not possible in areas out of cell phone reception. The first time I was handed a small VHF radio, I honestly didn’t realize how valuable it was. I wrapped the safety cord around my life vest so I wouldn’t drop it in the sea, and got ready to break through the surf. That day I forgot my milk crate, so I grabbed a five gallon bucket to use instead. I mistimed my launch and was beat down by the surf, so I popped up and jumped back on the kayak paddling as hard as I could. I was on top of the water, but I was still in the surf zone and heading right towards a rocky out crop. I turned the VHF on, and pleaded for my buddy to paddle over to me, no response. The bucket was half in the water, pulling me with the surf towards the jagged rocks. Lucky for me, my buddy figured there was something wrong and got me back on track. After that incident, I knew I needed to figure out how to use handheld VHF. Without understanding what to do in an emergency, it is a worthless piece of gear.
   
             Being new to VHF I made a mistake thinking I knew what I was doing. I read reports and reviews on radios, and thought I would be OK. We didn’t establish a communication channel before launching. I did not know how to work the controls, and had no idea what to do if we had to call the Coast Guard in case of a more serious emergency. Before setting off on the water learn more about your VHF. Make sure if it is not waterproof you have a case or bag to store it in. If it does not float make sure it is attached to your PDF well. Make sure it has new batteries or a fully charged battery depending on the model. Read the manual, the manufacturers will list the range limits, and how to properly set squelch; for a while I thought VFH radios just had a lot of static.

            According to US Coast Guard Navigation Website, the FCC set VHF-FM channel 9 as a supplementary calling channel for recreational boaters. If you want to talk to someone on the water or on shore do it on 9. FCC regulations require boaters having VHF radios to maintain a watch on either VHF channel 9 or channel 16, whenever the radio is turned on and not communicating with another station. Channel 16 is for International Distresses, Safety and Calling. Channel 68 and 69 are common non-commercial channels used by kayak anglers. The Coast Guard announces storm warnings and other urgent marine information broadcasts on VHF channel 16 and 2182 kHz before making the broadcasts on VHF channel 22A and 2670 kHz respectively. Keep tuned in case of freak storms that tend to creep up out of nowhere, especially when you left the beach without looking at the latest forecast.

Do not call “MAYDAY” on channel 16, unless it is a true emergency, doing so makes you subject to prosecution as a Class D felony, liable for a $5000 fine plus all costs the Coast Guard incurs as a result of the individual's action. Even worse, a hoax call could lead to loss of life. That is something I don’t think anybody would want on their conscience. Also when someone is in danger, all banter, chit-chat, or fishing reports should immediately cease. Time is critical in medical emergencies, because an extra five minutes could mean hypothermia, or even death. If you find yourself capsized and unable to self rescue, or you are having a medical emergency of some kind, broadcast a MAYDAY on channel 16 and give your identifying information of the craft, location, type of distress, any other information that might be useful in rescue efforts. For example a proper distress signal would sound like “Mayday Mayday, medical emergency Yellow fishing kayak, 1 mile southwest of Morro Bay, I am cut and bleeding badly, I can’t paddle back to shore.” This information gives the Coast Guard an idea of where you are, what to prepare for and helps them get to you as fast as possible. Even better than approximate location, broadcasting you current or last known GPS coordinates will improve response time dramatically.

If you are in an isolated area, you might need to relay a distress message. You should only attempt to relay a message if the Coast Guard has not replied to the original relay.  If you are premature the person in danger will lose precious time in response. The Coast Guard is always listening, but due to distance, or physical obstructions like a mountain or island, the station might not be able to get the broadcast. Acknowledge the distress signal, and repeat identifying information of the craft, location, type of distress, any other information that might be useful in rescue efforts. If the call you heard did not give a location be prepared to give you location to help rescue efforts.

By knowing your handheld VHF, understanding what the individual channels are for, and knowing how to send a proper distress signal you significantly increase your ability to have a safe and fun time on the water. When I first was handed that small radio I had no idea how simple, or complex it could be. I got lucky, if my friend’s rods were not in my kayak, the situation might have had another outcome. Making the call for help is something that no angler wants to do, but having knowledge about how to use VHF can save a life maybe your own. 

Read Dan’s blog at www.theimpracticalfishermen.com.

For more information on using VHF radios on the water visit http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/
Category Gear




The activist is not the man who says the river is dirty. The activist is the man who cleans up the river.

Thanks for sharing. This just refreshed my memory, I read the instructions when I bought my VHF and didnt remember much. Hopefully I will never have to make an emergency call.

I believe you are supposed to call out the distress 3 x.
Mayday. Mayday. Mayday.
Good info.
Everyone should learn this.

I thought I might share this with you all. I found this on another fishing form (fishsniffer) from a member that replied to the same thread I made on there website. There's a lot of rules that we all must follow when using these handheld radios. I'm glad to share this with everyone.

It is illegal to use a VHF on land to talk to someone on a boat unless your are commercially engaged as with a drawbridge operator, fuel dock, boat tow service or similar commercial activity that is approved for this use on land of VHF by the FCC.   If you want to talk while on land to someone on a boat legally, you have the choice of CB, FRS, GMRS, Ham, or a cell phone.   Watt output is limited by law for radios which cannot use a separate antenna so as not to damage people from the signal output - good reason to use an earpiece.   Actual output from FRS and GMRS radios is well under 1 Watt which is why their range is very limited and easily distrupted by trees, brush, buildings, hills, etc.

The activist is not the man who says the river is dirty. The activist is the man who cleans up the river.

VHF Radio Usage & Regulations

Many countries regulate communications very strictly; requiring training and licensing for operating any radio including marine VHF. In the past the U.S. required such licensing for everyone operating a radio, but it has since done away with this requirement for recreational boaters.

While I do not advocate governmental "Big Brother Laws" (i.e. let me take care of you since you are obviously too dumb to take care of yourself), if boaters continue to operate their vessels without applying some modicum of common sense, it will eventually happen. Just as a license to operate a boat is now the norm and not the exception, laws requiring the licensing for radio stations and operators for recreational boaters will once again be raised.


Your VHF radio is not a toy, so you may want to keep the children away from it. Improper or misuse of your radio can lead to fines, imprisonment, and recovery of all costs associated with that misuse.

All radio operators and radio stations, licensed or not, are required to be familiar with and adhere to the rules and regulations of the Federal Communications Commission governing the use of their radio.

Here is what the FCC Says:

47 CFR 80.13(c) Station license required.
…"Even though an individual license is not required, a ship station licensed by rule must be operated in accordance with all applicable operating requirements, procedures, and technical specifications found in this part."

What are some of the most common mistakes made that can lead to FCC enforcement action?

Fake or Hoax distress calls
Improper frequency usage
Language (Profanity)
False identification of your station

And speaking of language, the VHF Radio is most definitely not a CB. Nothing says "IDIOT" to the rest of the listening world, like "Hey Good Buddy, Ya Got your Ears On?"

Keep in mind that all radios have a unique electronic signature. There is also the equipment out there to take human “voice prints” of transmissions. Depending on the severity of the violation, the FCC working with the USCG will go to almost any length in an effort to prosecute those that violate the laws when using their radio.

We all know what it is like trying to communicate with another station especially on a nice weekend during boating season. When the major holiday's like Memorial Day or the 4th of July weekend roll around, Good Luck!. To put it mildly, it is frustrating!

People talking over each other.
Carrying on conversations on the hailing and distress frequencies.
Conversations that go on forever not allowing others to use the frequency.
Hoax distress calls.
and the list goes on…

After 10 minutes of listening to this, you are usually asking yourselves just where the FCC is when you need them. Will it ever stop? Probably not. When you have children whether aged 4 or 40, using the radio, it is going to continue.

Proper radio procedure demonstrates professionalism and helps relieve congestion on the already crowded non-commercial frequencies.

The Radio Watch
Another issue that raises a lot of questions is the radio watch. The short answer is if you are underway you have to maintain a listening watch on your radios.

47 CFR 80.310 Watch required by voluntary vessels.
"Voluntary vessels not equipped with DSC must maintain a watch on 156.800 MHz (Channel 16) whenever the vessel is underway and the radio is not being used to communicate.
Noncommercial vessels, such as recreational boats, may alternatively maintain a watch on 156.450 MHz (Channel 9) for call and reply purposes.
Voluntary vessels equipped with VHF–DSC equipment must maintain a watch on either 156.525 MHz (Channel 70) or VHF Channel 16 aurally whenever the vessel is underway and the radio is not being used to communicate..."


COPIED FROM
http://www.offshoreblue.com/communications/vhf-rules.php






The activist is not the man who says the river is dirty. The activist is the man who cleans up the river.

Thanks for sharing, we could all learn and save someone's life otw someday.

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2

Thanks fort the post, it was very helpful. I am new to the sport and I haven't bought a VHF yet. I am shopping around but I don't know enough about them yet. How powerful of a handheld VHF should I buy? Do they all go up to channel 69 or do some stop at 16? Any recommendations on which one to buy? 

Thanks a ton!

I'm thinking about buying - Standard Horizon STD-HX471S Handheld VHF Radio 



http://www.standardhorizon.com/indexvs.cfm?cmd=DisplayProducts&ProdCatID=85&encProdID=71726205E5C6EC181DE69A09BC8877EA&DivisionID=3&isArchived=0

 

BIG FEATURES, COMPACT SIZE
 
Submersible JIS-7 / IPX7 (3.3 feet for 30 minutes)
Selectable 5/2.5/1 Watt transmit power output
FRS transmit/ receive, AM/FM and Aircraft band receive
Full dot matrix display
DSC Distress call with NMEA GPS position input
Programmable channel names
Quick 3-hour charge time
All USA/International and Canadian Marine Channels
Programmable Scan, Priority Scan and Dual Watch
Programmable Scan, Priority Scan and Dual Watch
Optional speaker microphones and headsets available
SOS Strobe light
NOAA Weather channels and Weather Alert
Low battery indicator
Voice Scrambler capable
Supplied with 1500mAh Li-ON battery, 110 VAC and 12 VDC chargers and a cradle
Preset key used to recall up to 10 favorite channels
Key lock
Available in black or silver
Optional alkaline battery tray available
3 Year Waterproof Warranty


 
MULT-BAND Receive
First portable marine transceiver capable of receiving AM, FM and Aeronautical bands.

Imagine being in a small vessel and wanting to listen to music and news broadcasts. With the HX471S, simply press the BAND key to select the FM band and tune to your favorite channel. Want to listen to a ball game on the AM Broadcast band? You CAN with the HX471S. The HX471S even allows you to monitor the AM Aeronautical band. Simply put, the HX471S allows you to monitor a range of frequencies previously unavailable in any Portable Marine VHF!

VALUE PACKAGING

Packaged with a 1500mAh Lithium-Ion battery, the HX471S will deliver 10-12 hours of operation off a single charge. In addition the Lithium-Ion battery never will develop a "memory" inhibiting it's ability to deliver a complete day of service. Attaching either 110VAC or 12VDC cable to the NMEA Charging Cradle allows the Lithium-Ion battery to be rapid charged within 3 hours.

SUBMERSIBLE

Engineered for unparalleled reliablity, the HX471S is designed to exceed submersions of 3 feet for 30 minutes.
3 Year Water Proof Warranty
Because the HX471S is built better, it's backed better. If the STANDARD HORIZON HX471S fails for any reason (including water damage) during normal use in the first three years of ownership, STANDARD HORIZON will repair or replace it free. If it fails any time thereafter in normal use for as the original purchaser owns the radio, STANDARD HORIZON's Lifetime Flat rate Service Program will cover it. The flat rate is determined at the time of orignal purchase.

DIGITAL SELECTIVE CALLING (DSC) DISTRESS CALL

The HX471S is supplied with a NMEA Charging cradle that allows the radio to be connected to any GPS. Connecting the HX471S to a GPS allows your position of your vessel to be stored inside the HX471S. In the event of an emergency, simply grab the HX471S lift the red cover and depress the DISTRESS Key and a DSC Distress call containing your position will be transmitted along with the high intensity Strobe light. ANOTHER INDUSTRY 1st!!!

DISTRESS BEACON

Since the HX471S can be legally used while on water or land, STANDARD HORIZON has included a unique Distress Beacon. The HX471S features a high intensity stobe. Allowing you to visually signal a rescue party 1 mile or more away.

Marine VHF and FRS!

Having a portable radio able to communicate on different bands, the possiblities are endless. Want to communicate with another vessel? You CAN with the HX471S. Want to communicate from you vessel to family or friends from shore? You CAN using the FRS band. Want a submersible radio to take along hiking, skiing, hunting or caravanning? You can have it all with the HX471S!

RUGGED MAGNESIUM DIE-CAST CONSTRUCTION

The HX471S utilizes a high impact, non-corrosive die-cast chassis. This unique case insures the HX471S will withstand the physical abuse a Portable receives from being dropped or banged on a deck of a boat.

I hope this helps.

Thanks fort the post, it was very helpful. I am new to the sport and I haven't bought a VHF yet. I am shopping around but I don't know enough about them yet. How powerful of a handheld VHF should I buy? Do they all go up to channel 69 or do some stop at 16? Any recommendations on which one to buy? 

Thanks a ton!

-Warren

Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.

twitter & instagram @wlshafor

I'm thinking about buying - Standard Horizon STD-HX471S Handheld VHF Radio 

http://www.standardhorizon.com/indexvs.cfm?cmd=DisplayProducts&ProdCatID=85&encProdID=71726205E5C6EC181DE69A09BC8877EA&DivisionID=3&isArchived=0

This was a great little radio but I don't think it's available anymore -- that's an archived link. I think the FCC nixed the FRS band, also.
Be sure to get a floating model and/or leash your radio to your pfd.

Thanks for this post -- good info & reminders about usage & protocol.

I have a slightly older West Marine brand model 250 with VHF, Aviation, FRS, AM/FM .... it's compact & sturdy.  Seems to suit my needs.  Like all good things ... they don't make this model anymore & the new one is 2x the size & 1/2 the features.

Great info. I have a VHF radio also and just always tune it to 69 when OTW. I'm still learning how to use it.

I have a floating Cobra VHF Radio that uses a rechargable battery. One thing I did just realize recently was that after a number of uses out on the Salt, the contacts on the battery for the charger becomes a bit corroded and it doesn't really charge when I think it is. The charger gives me a false "green" light indicating that the radio is fully charged. I turn the radio on as I'm OTW and never once glance at the battery level display. For most of the day I have the with the radio on me thinking that it's fine. Then when I try to make a call over to a buddy who's fishing out of my line site, I realize that the dang radio is already out of juice and is dead. Good thing it was a nice flat day and no emergency calls needed to be made.

After cleaning the contacts on the battery, it charges ok again... but over time, I will need to get a new one. This is only after about 6 months of use. 

Hey stringaling I.had the same thing happen to my cobra battery contacts and it even fell out. One call to cobra and they sent a new battery free. It was still within the warranty and if yours is not they didn't ask for a receit so it should be all good.

Sent from my ADR6300 using Tapatalk 2

Hey stringaling I.had the same thing happen to my cobra battery contacts and it even fell out. One call to cobra and they sent a new battery free. It was still within the warranty and if yours is not they didn't ask for a receit so it should be all good.

Sent from my ADR6300 using Tapatalk 2

Thanks cam3087. I'll give them a call and see what happens. I never really paid attention to my radio and always assumed it was in working condition because it's new. After that happened I always double check that darned thing to make sure.