Thank you for purchasing a CobraMarine™VHF radio.
Properly used, this Cobra
®
product will give you
many years of reliable service.
™
How your CobraMarine
VHF radio works
This radio is a battery powered portable transceiver for use afloat. It gives you
2-way vessel-to-vessel and vessel-to-shore station communications, primarily
for safety and secondarily for navigation and operational purposes. With it, you
can call for help, get information from other boaters, talk to lock or bridge tenders,
and make radiotelephone calls to anywhere in the world through a marine operator.
Besides 2-way communications, the radio can provide quick access to receive
all ten (10) NOAA (National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration)
weather channels and alert you to weather emergencies with a tone on a
weather channel you can select for your area.
Customer Assistance
Customer assistance
Should you encounter any problems with this product, or not understand
its many features, please refer to this owner’s manual. If you require further
assistance after reading this manual, Cobra
customer assistance ser
vices:
®
Electronics offers the following
For assistance in the U.S.A.
Automated help desk English only.
24 hours a day, 7 days a week 773-889-3087 (phone).
Customer assistance operators English and Spanish.
8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. CT Mon. through Fri. (except holidays) 773-889-3087 (phone).
Questions English and Spanish.
Faxes can be received at 773-622-2269 (fax).
Technical assistance English only.
www.cobra.com (on-line: Frequently Asked Questions).
English and Spanish. productinfo
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Warranty
Assistance
Warranty
CustomerAssistance
Warranty
Introduction
Important Safety Information
Introduction
Important Safety Information
Important Safety Information
Before assembling and using your CobraMarine™VHF radio,
please read these general precautions and warnings.
Warning and caution statements
To make the most of this radio, it must be assembled and used properly.
Please read the assembly and operating instructions carefully before assembling
and using it. Special attention must be paid to the
WARNING and CAUTION
statements in this manual.
WARNING
Statements identify conditions that could result in personal injury or loss of life.
CAUTION
Statements identify conditions that could cause damage to the radio
or other equipment.
Safety training information
This CobraMarine™radio is designed for and classified as “Occupational Use Only.”
It must only be used in the course of employment by individuals aware of both the
hazards and the ways to minimize those hazards. This radio is
use in an uncontrolled environment by the “General Population.”
This radio has been tested and complies with the FCC RF exposure limits for
“Occupational Use Only.” This CobraMarine
™
VHF radio also complies with the
following guidelines and standards regarding RF energy and electromagnetic
energy levels as well as evaluation of those levels for human exposure:
■
FCC OET Bulletin 65 Edition 97-01 Supplement C, Evaluating Compliance with
FCC Guidelines for Human Exposure to Radio Frequency Electromagnetic Fields.
■
American National Standards Institute (C95.1-1992), IEEE Standard for Safety
Levels with Respect to Human Exposure to Radio Frequency Electromagnetic
Fields, 3 kHz to 300 GHz.
■
American National Standards Institute (C95.3-1992), IEEE Recommended
Practice for the Measurement of Potentially Hazardous Electromagnetic
Fields — RF and Microwave.
NOT intended for
•
The following WARNINGS and CAUTIONS will make you aware of RF exposure
hazards and how to assure you operate the radio within the FCC RF exposure
limits established for it.
WARNING
Your CobraMarine™radio generates electromagnetic RF (radio frequency)
energy when it is transmitting. To ensure that you and those around you are
not exposed to excessive amounts of that energy (beyond FCC allowable
limits for occupational use):
ALWAYS hold the radio, especially the antenna, at least two (2) inches
[five (5) cm] away from you when you are transmitting.
NEVER allow the antenna to touch any part of your body when transmitting.
KEEP the radio and antenna at least as far from bystanders as from yourself.
DO NOT operate the radio without the supplied antenna or a Cobra®authorized
replacement attachment. In addition to the RF energy exposure hazard, doing
so may damage the radio.
DO NOT transmit more than 50% of the time the radio is in use — 50%
duty cycle. The radio is transmitting when the Talk button is pressed and
the Transmit icon shows on the LCD screen.
ALWAYS use only Cobra®authorized accessories (antennas, batteries,
belt clips, etc.).
DO NOT operate the radio where RF energy generated during transmission
may cause electromagnetic interference or incompatibility with other devices
or systems. This includes aircraft, blasting sites, and hospitals.
TURN OFF the radio in explosive atmospheres and where signs are posted
prohibiting radio transmissions.
Failure to observe any of these warnings may cause you to exceed
FCC RF exposure limits or create other dangerous conditions.
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CustomerAssistance
Introduction
Important Safety Information
Introduction
Recommendations for
Marine Communication
CAUTION
Your radio is waterproof only when the antenna and batteries
are properly installed.
AVOID using or storing the radio at temperatures below -4˚F (-20˚C)
or above 140˚F (60˚C).
KEEP your radio at least three (3) feet (0.9 m) away from your
vessel’s magnetic navigation compass.
DO NOT attempt to service any internal parts yourself. Have any
necessary service performed by a qualified technician.
This radio is supplied with six (6) NiMH (Nickel-Metal Hydride)
rechargeable batteries.
■
Use only the Cobra®charger to recharge NiMH batteries in the radio.
■
Do not short circuit the battery pack.
■
When replacing the batteries, dispose of the old batteries
properly. NiMH batteries may explode if disposed of in a fire.
Changes or modifications to your radio MAY VOID its compliance with
FCC rules and make it illegal to use.
Recommendations for Marine Communication
The frequencies your radio uses are set aside to enhance safety afloat and for vessel
navigation and operational messages over a range suitable for nearshore voyages. If the
five (5) watt maximum output of your radio isn’t sufficient for the distances you travel
from the coast, consider installing a CobraMarine
™
fixed mount radio with up to 25 watts
of output power. (Visit www.cobra.com or your local dealer for model availability.)
If you will be going far offshore, you should consider adding even more powerful
radio equipment such as HF single side band or satellite radio for your vessel.
The U.S. Coast Guard does not endorse cellular telephones as substitutes for marine
radios. They generally cannot communicate with rescue vessels and, if you make a
distress call on a cellular telephone, only the party you call will be able to hear you.
Additionally, cellular telephones may have limited coverage over water and can be
hard to locate. If you don’t know where you are, the Coast Guard will have difficulty
finding you if you’re using a cellular telephone.
However, cellular telephones can have a place on board where cellular coverage
is available — to allow social conversations and keep the marine frequencies
uncluttered and available for their intended uses.
VHF Marine Radio Protocols
FCC LICENSING INFORMATION
CobraMarine™VHF radios comply with the FCC (Federal Communication
Commission) requirements that regulate the Maritime Radio Service.
The radio operates on all currently allocated marine channels and is switchable for
use according to U.S.A., International, or Canadian regulations. It features instant
access to emergency Channel 16 and calling Channel 9 as well as NOAA (National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) All Hazards Radio with Alert that can be
accessed by pressing one (1) key.
Station license
An FCC ship station license is no longer required for any vessel traveling in U.S.A.
waters which uses a VHF marine radio, RADAR, or EPIRB (Emergency Position
Indicating Radio Beacon), and which is not required to carry radio equipment.
However, any vessel required to carry a marine radio on an international voyage,
carrying a HF single side band radiotelephone, or carrying a marine satellite
terminal must obtain a station license.
FCC license forms and applications for ship and land stations can be downloaded
through the Internet at www.fcc.gov/forms. Forms can also be obtained by calling
the FCC at 888-225-5322.
•
•
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VHF Marine Radio Protocols
Assistance
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FCC Licensing Information
VHF Marine Radio Protocols
VHF Marine Radio
Procedures
International station license
If your vessel will be entering the sovereign waters of a country other than the
U.S.A. or Canada, you should contact that country’s communications regulatory
authority for licensing information.
Radio call sign
Currently, the FCC does not require recreational boaters to have a license.
The United States Coast Guard recommends that the boat’s registration
number and state of registry (e.g., Illinois 1234 AB) be used as a call sign
and be clearly visible on the vessel.
Canadian ship station license
This portable VHF radiotelephone is suitable ONLY for voluntary carriage onboard
Canadian ships NOT subject to the Ship Station (Radio) Regulations, 1999. You may
need a license if your vessel is operated in Canadian waters. Please contact the
nearest field office or write: Industry of Canada, Radio Regulatory Branch,
Attn: DOSP, 300 Slater Street, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1A 0C8.
User responsibility and operating locations
All users are responsible for observing domestic and foreign government regulations
and are subject to severe penalties for violations. The VHF frequencies on your radio
are reserved for marine use and require a special license to operate from land,
including when your boat is on its trailer.
NOTE
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is
subject to the following two (2) conditions: (1) This device may not cause
harmful interference, and (2) This device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
FCC Warnings: Replacement or substitution of transistors, regular diodes,
or other parts of a unique nature, with parts other than those recommended
by Cobra
FCC Rules, or violation of type acceptance requirements of part 2 of the rules.
English
6
®
may cause a violation of the technical regulations of part 80 of the
VHF Marine Radio Procedures
Maintain your watch
Whenever your boat is underway, the radio must be turned On and
be tuned to Channel 16 except when being used for messages.
Power
Try one (1) watt first if the station being called is within a few miles.
If there is no answer, switch to a higher power. This will conserve your
battery and minimize interference to other users.
Calling coast stations
Call a coast station on its assigned channel. You may use Channel 16
when you do not know the assigned channel.
Calling other vessels
Call other vessels on Channel 16 or on Channel 9. (Channel 9 is preferred
for recreational vessel use.) You may also call on ship-to-ship channels
when you know that the vessel is listening on a ship-to-ship channel.
Limits on calling
You must not call the same station for more than 30 seconds at a time.
If you do not get a reply, wait at least two (2) minutes before calling again.
After three (3) calling periods, wait at least 15 minutes before calling again.
Change channels
After contacting another station on a calling channel, change immediately
to a channel which is available for the type of message you want to send.
Station identification
Identify, in English, your station by your FCC call sign, ship name, the state registration
number, or other official number at both the beginning and end of each message.
Prohibited communications
You MUST NOT transmit:
■
False distress or emergency messages.
■
Messages containing obscene, indecent, or profane words or meaning.
■
General calls, signals, or messages (messages not addressed to a particular
station) on Channel 16, except in an emergency or if you are testing your radio.
■
When you are on land.
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VHF Marine Radio Protocols
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Voice CallingRadiotelephone Calls
VHF Marine Radio Protocols
Voice calling
To call another vessel or a shore installation such as a lock or bridge tender:
■
Make sure your radio is On.
■
Select Channel 16 and listen to make sure it is not being used.
NOTE
Channel 9 may be used by recreational vessels for general-purpose
calling. This frequency should be used whenever possible to relieve
congestion on Channel 16.
■
When the channel is quiet, press the Talk button and call the ship you wish to
call. (Hold the microphone a few inches from your face and speak directly into
it in a normal tone of voice — clearly and distinctly.) Say “[name of station
being called] THIS IS [your vessel’s name or call sign].”
■
Once contact is made on the calling channel, you must switch to
a proper working channel. See the channel listing on pages 14 through 15.
For Example
The vessel Corsair calling the vessel Vagabond:
“Vagabond, this is Corsair.”
Corsair:
Vagabond: “Corsair, this is Vagabond. Reply 72 (or any proper working channel).”
Corsair: “72” or “Roger”
■
After communications are completed, each vessel must sign off with its
call sign or vessel name and switch to Channel 16.
NOTE
For best sound quality at the station you are calling, hold the microphone
on the front of the radio at least two (2) inches [five (5) cm] from your mouth
and slightly off to one (1) side. Speak in a normal tone of voice.
•
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
pages 14 through 23 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. Those services can provide
you with detailed information and procedures to follow.
CAUTION
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.
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VHF Marine Radio Protocols
Emergency Messages
and Distress Procedure
VHF Marine Radio Protocols
Emergency Messages
and Distress Procedure
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, do 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.
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 give you a tow.
•
Marine emergency signals
The three (3) spoken international emergency signals are:
AYD AY
M
The distress signal
MAYDAY is used to indicate that a station is threatened
by grave and imminent danger and requests immediate assistance.
AN PAN
P
The urgency signal
PAN PAN is used when the safety of the vessel
or person is in jeopardy. (This signal is properly pronounced pahn-pahn.)
SECURITE
The safety signal
SECURITE is used for messages about the safety of navigation or
important weather warnings. (This signal is properly pronounced see-cure-it-tay.)
When using an international emergency signal, the appropriate
signal is to be spoken three (3) times prior to the message.
If you hear a distress call
You must give any message beginning with one (1) of these signals
priority over any other messages.
Channel 16 for the duration of the emergency unless the message relates
directly to the emergency.
If you hear a distress message from a vessel, stand by your radio.
If it is not answered, YOU should answer. If the distressed vessel is
not nearby, wait a short time for others who may be closer to acknowledge.
Even if you cannot render direct assistance, you may be in a position to
relay the message.
ALL stations MUST remain silent on
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VHF Marine Radio Protocols
Emergency Messages
and Distress Procedure
VHF Marine Radio Protocols
Emergency Messages
and Distress Procedure
Marine distress procedure
Speak slowly — clearly — calmly.
1. Make sure your radio is On.
2. Select VHF Channel 16.
3. Press Talk button and say:
“MAYDAY — MAYDAY — MAYDAY.”
(Or “PAN PAN — PAN PAN — PAN PAN,”
or “SECURITE — SECURITE — SECURITE.”)
4. Say:
“THIS IS [your vessel name or call sign].”
5. Say:
“MAYDAY (or “PAN PAN” or “SECURITE”)
[your vessel name or call sign].
6. Tell where you are:
(what navigational aids or landmarks are near).
7. State the nature of your distress.
8. State the kind of assistance needed.
9. Give number of persons aboard and conditions of any injured.
10. Estimate present seaworthiness of your vessel.
11. Briefly describe your vessel (length, type, color, hull).
12. Say:
“I WILL BE LISTENING ON CHANNEL 16.”
End message by saying:
13.
“THIS IS [your vessel name or call sign] OVER.”
14. Release Talk button and listen. Someone should answer.
If not, repeat the call, beginning at item 3 above.
Keep the radio nearby. Even after your message has been received, the Coast Guard
can find you more quickly if you can transmit a signal for a rescue boat to hone in on.
For Example
“Mayday — Mayday — Mayday”
“This is Corsair — Corsair — Corsair” [or “Illinois 1234 AB” three (3) times]
“Mayday Corsair (or Illinois 1234 AB)”
“Navy Pier bears 220 degrees magnetic — distance five (5) miles”
“Struck submerged object and flooding — need pump and tow”
“Four adults, three children aboard — no one injured”
“Estimate we will remain afloat one-half (
1
⁄2) hour”
“Corsair (or Illinois 1234 AB) is 26 foot sloop with blue hull and tan deck house”
“I will be listening on Channel 16”
“This is Corsair (or Illinois 1234 AB)”
“Over”
It is a good idea to write out a script of the message form and post it where you
and others on your vessel can see it when an emergency message needs to be sent.
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