Cobra Electronics MR F55 User Manual

Introduction

Our Thanks To You

480-085-P
.

t No
ar

VHF MARINE RADIO

inted in China P

MR F55

Revised 11-20-03

Pr

Nothing comes close to a Cobra

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 VHF transceiver for fixed mounting on your boat. 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

Owner’s Manual

radiotelephone calls to anywhere in the world through a marine operator.
Besides 2-way communications, in the U.S.A., 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

®

Electronics offers the following

customer assistance services:

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

@cobra.com (e-mail).

For Assistance Outside The U.S.A.

Contact Your Local Dealer

English

®

English

A1

©2003 Cobra®Electronics Corporation

6500

Chicago

W

est Cortland Street

, Illinois 60707 USA

.cobra.com

www

Introduction

16/9 Button

Radio Status and

Data Display

Instant

Channel

Transceiver Controls,
Indicators And Connections

Backlit LCD
Screen

Down

Button

Up
Button

Active

Channel

Number

Simplex
Operation
Icon

Squelch
Knob

On-Off
Power/
Volume
Knob

Microphone And

Introduction

Microphone With Auxiliary Controls

Up/Down
Buttons

Can be used
instead of those
on the transceiver.

Instant Channel
16/9 Button

Can be used
instead of the
one on the
transceiver.

Product Features

Talk

Button

Down

Button

Microphone

Up
Button

Instant
Channel
16/9 Button

•

Speaker

A2

Weather/UIC

High/Low Power

Position Coordinates –

Latitude and Longitude

Antenna

Socket

English

Button

Button

Dual-Watch

Button

Call/Set
Button

Scan

Button

Microphone
Cord
Connection
Socket

DSC Distress Button
(Behind Red Spring
Loaded Cover)

Power
Connection

External
Speaker Jack

Global Positioning
System (GPS) Jack

Product Features

Dual Power

Selectable to one (1) or 25 watts output
power for near or distant calling.

USA/International/Canada Channels

Allows operation on any of the three (3)
different channel maps established for
these areas.

Ten (10) NOAA Weather Channels

Instant access to all of the National
Weather Channels, 24 hours a day.

Emergency Weather Alert

Can alert you with an audible
tone and visual alarm if threatening
weather is nearby.

Instant Channel 16/9

Instant access to the priority
Channel 16 and calling Channel 9.

Digital Selective Calling (DSC)

Allows sending a distress message
at the touch of a button as well as
specific station-to-station calls.

English

A3

Scan

•

Lets you scan through all channels in the
active channel map to find conversations
in progress.

Dual-Watch

Lets you monitor two (2) channels at
once — Channel 16 and one (1) user
selectable channel.

Controls On The Microphone

Handy control buttons on the microphone
let you operate one (1) handed at a
distance from the radio.

Illuminated Buttons

Helps you quickly find the buttons
you need in low light conditions.

Mounting Kits Included

Radio can be mounted on, under, or in
almost any flat surface using one (1)
of the included brackets.

Waterproof

Submersible to one (1) meter of water
for 30 minutes — meets JIS7 Standards.

Introduction

Assistance

Warranty

Table Of Contents

Introduction

Our Thanks To You . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A1

Customer Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A1

Transceiver Controls, Indicators And Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A2

Microphone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A3

Product Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A3

Important Safety Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Recommendations For Marine Communication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

VHF Marine Radio Protocols

FCC Licensing Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

VHF Marine Radio Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Voice Calling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Digital Selective Calling (DSC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Radiotelephone Calls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Emergency Messages And Distress Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Marine Distress Procedure — DSC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

VHF Marine Channel Assignments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

World City Time Zones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

NOAA Weather Channels And Alert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Installation and Start-Up

Included In This Package . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Mounting And Powering The Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Antenna Requirements And Attachment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

External Devices And Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Operating Your Radio

Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Set-Up Routines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Voice Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

NOAA All Hazards/W

eather Radio And Alert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Advanced Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

DSC Set-Up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

DSC Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

Warranty

Limited 3-Year Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

Customer Service

Product Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

Order Form And Optional Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

Flush Mount Template . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

Nothing comes close to a Cobra

®

1

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ssistance

Warranty

Customer
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Warranty

Introduction

Important Safety Information

Introduction

Important Safety Information

Important Safety Information

Before installing 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 installed and used properly.
Please read the installation and operating instructions carefully before
installing 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 NOT intended for
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
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.

™

VHF radio also complies with the

•

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.

WARNINGS

Your radio generates electromagnetic RF (radio frequency) energy when
it is transmitting. To insure that you and those around you are not exposed
to excessive amounts of that energy, DO NOT touch the antenna when
transmitting and KEEP yourself and all others on your vessel the required
distance away from the antenna while transmitting. SEE page 30 in the
antenna requirements section for further information.

DO NOT operate the radio without a proper antenna or equivalent
dummy load attached. Doing so may expose you to excessive RF
energy and will 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 information shows on the LCD screen.

ALWAYS use only Cobra®authorized accessories.
DO NOT operate the radio in an explosive atmosphere, near blasting sites,

or in any area where signs are posted prohibiting radio transmissions.
NEVER connect the transceiver to AC power. It can be a fire hazard, may

cause an electric shock, and may damage the transceiver.
NEVER mount the transceiver or microphone where they might interfere

with operation of your vessel or cause injury.
DO NOT allow children or anyone unfamiliar with proper procedures to

operate the radio without supervision.
Failure to observe any of these warnings may cause you to exceed

FCC RF exposure limits or create other dangerous conditions.

2

English

Nothing comes close to a Cobra

®

3

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ustomer

A

ssistance

Introduction

Recommendations For
Marine Communication

VHF Marine Radio Protocols

FCC Licensing Information

CAUTIONS
AVOID

using or storing the radio at temperatures below -4°F (-20°C) or

above 140°F (60°C).
NEVER connect the transceiver to DC power greater than 16 volts or to

any DC source with reversed polarity. Doing so will damage the transceiver.
DO NOT cut the power cables attached to the transceiver. Improper

reconnection with reversed polarity will damage the transceiver.
POSITION your radio, external speakers, and cables at least three (3) feet (0.9 m)

away from your vessel’s magnetic navigation compass. CHECK your compass
before and after installation to be sure that it has not introduced any deviation.

DO NOT attempt to service any internal parts yourself. Have any
necessary service performed by a qualified technician.

DO NOT drop the transceiver or microphone. Doing so may crack the
case or damage a waterproof seal. Once these items have been dropped,
the original waterproofing cannot be guaranteed.

DO NOT use chemicals or solvents such as mineral spirits and alcohol
to clean your radio. They may damage the case surfaces.

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 25 watt maximum output of your radio isn’t sufficient for the
distances you travel from the coast, consider installing 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.

English

4

FCC LICENSING INFORMATION

•

CobraMarine™VHF radios comply with the FCC (Federal Communication
Commission) requirements that regulate the Maritime Radio Service.

This CobraMarine

™

radio incorporates a VHF FM transceiver designed for use in
the frequency range of 156.025 to 163.275 MHz. It requires 13.8 volts DC and
has a switchable RF output power of one (1) or 25 watts.

The transceiver is capable of RTCM SC 101 DSC (Digital Selective Calling) operation.
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.

•

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

, the FCC does not require recreational boaters to have a license. The United

Currently
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

You need a Radio Operator’s Certificate if your vessel is operated in Canadian waters.
Radio Operator training and certification is available from the Canadian Power
Squadron. Visit their website (http://www.cps-ecp.ca/english/newradiocard.html),
contact the nearest field office or write: Industry of Canada, Radio Regulatory
Branch, Attn: DOSP, 300 Slater Street, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1A 0C8.

Nothing comes close to a Cobra

®

5

Assistance

Warranty

Customer
Assistance

VHF Marine Radio Protocols

Assistance

Warranty

Customer
Assistance

VHF Marine Radio
Procedures

VHF Marine Radio Protocols

Voice Calling

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

®

may cause a violation of the technical regulations of part 80 of the

FCC Rules, or violation of type acceptance requirements of part 2 of the rules.

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.

6

English

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.

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 page 14 through 15.

Nothing comes close to a Cobra

•

®

7

Warranty

VHF Marine Radio Protocols

A

ssistance

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or Example

F

Digital Selective Calling (DSC)

The vessel Corsair calling the vessel Vagabond:
Corsair:

“Vagabond, this is 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’re calling, hold the microphone
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.

Digital Selective Calling (DSC)

Digital selective calling is a semi-automated system for establishing a radio
call. It has been designed by the International Maritime Organization (IMO)
as an international standard for VHF, MF, and HF calls and is part of the
Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS).

DSC will eventually replace aural (listening) watches on distress frequencies
and will be used to announce routine and urgent maritime safety information
broadcasts. Until DSC is fully implemented, it is still necessary to maintain a
listening watch on Channel 16.

The DSC system allows mariners to instantly send a distress call with GPS
position coordinates (requires a GPS receiver to be connected to the radio)
to the Coast Guard and other vessels within range of the transmission.
DSC also allows mariners to initiate and receive distress, urgent, safety,
routine, position request, position send, and group calls between vessels
equipped with DSC capable radios.

Maritime Mobile

VHF Marine Radio Protocols

Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI)

An MMSI is a nine (9) digit number used on a marine radio capable of using digital
selective calling (DSC). It is used to selectively call other vessels or shore stations
and is similar to a telephone number.

For your CobraMarine
maritime mobile service identity (MMSI) number. See page 49 for instructions
on how to enter it.

The MMSI Number Is Available In The U.S.A. From Any Of Three (3) Sources:

■

BoatU.S.: 1-800-563-1536 – www.boatus.com/mmsi

■

Maritel: 1-888-Maritel (1-888-627-4835)

■

Sea Tow International: 1-631-765-3660 – www.seatow.com

In Canada, Contact:

■

Industry Canada Spectrum Management Office (only available on the Internet):

•

http://strategis.ic.gc.ca/epic/internet/insmt-gst.nsf/vwGeneratedInterE/sf01742e.html

To Obtain An MMSI Number Outside The U.S.A.:

Users can obtain an MMSI from their country’s telecommunications authority
or ship registry. This may involve amending or obtaining a ship station license.

WARNING

This equipment is designed to generate a digital maritime distress and
safety signal to facilitate search and rescue. To be effective as a safety
device, this equipment must be used only within communication range
of a shore-based VHF marine channel to distress and safety watch system.
The range of the signal may vary, but under normal conditions should be
approximately 20 nautical miles.

Service Identity (MMSI)

™

radio to operate in the DSC mode, you must enter your

•

8

English

Nothing comes close to a Cobra

®

9

Assistance

Warranty

Customer
Assistance

VHF Marine Radio Protocols

Radiotelephone Calls

VHF Marine Radio Protocols

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 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.

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
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.

distress calls, and

•

Marine Emergency Signals

The three (3) spoken international emergency signals are:

MAYDAY

The distress signal

MAYDAY is used to indicate that a station is threatened

by grave and imminent danger and requests immediate assistance.

AN

P

The urgency signal

PAN is used when the safety of the vessel or person

is in jeopardy. (This signal is properly pronounced 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.
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 Channel 16

10

English

Nothing comes close to a Cobra

®

11

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,”
or “SECURITE — SECURITE — SECURITE.”)

4. Say:

“THIS IS [your vessel name or call sign].”

5. Say:

“MAYDAY (or “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.

or Example

F

“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.

Marine Distress Procedure – DSC

Once your radio is connected to a GPS device and is properly set-up with your
MMSI, simply lifting the red spring-loaded door and pressing the button will
automatically send a complete distress call on Channel 70. See the DSC operation
section on pages 54 through 65 for further information and page 55 instruction
on sending a manual DSC distress call.

•

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®

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Assistance

Warranty

Customer
Assistance

VHF Marine Radio Protocols

VHF Marine
Channel Assignments

VHF Marine Radio Protocols

VHF Marine
Channel Assignments

VHF Marine Channel Assignments

Three (3) sets of VHF channels have been established for marine use in the U.S.A.,
Canada, and the rest of the world (International). Most of the channels are the same
for all three (3) maps, but there are definite differences (see table on the following
pages). Your radio has all three (3) maps built into it and will operate correctly in
whichever area you choose.

The following is a brief outline of the channel assignments in the U.S.A.
Channel Map.

Distress, Safety, and Calling

Channel 16

Getting the attention of another station (calling) or in emergencies
(distress and safety).

Calling

Channel 9

General purpose (non-emergency) calling by non-commercial vessels.
Recreational boaters are urged to use this channel to reduce congestion
on Channel 16.

Intership Safety

Channel 6

Ship-to-ship safety messages and for search and rescue messages to
Coast Guard ships and aircraft.

Coast Guard Liaison

Channel 22A

To talk to the Coast Guard (non-emergency) after making contact on Channel 16.

Non-Commercial

Channels 68*, 69, 71, 72, 78A, 79A*, 80A*

Working channels for small vessels. Messages must be about needs of the
vessel, such as fishing reports, berthing, and rendezvous. Use Channel 72 only
for ship-to-ship messages.

Commercial

Channels 1A, 7A, 8, 9, 10, 11, 18A, 19A, 63A, 67, 72, 79A, 80A, 88A*

Working channels for working ships only. Messages must be about business or
needs of the ship. Use Channels 8, 67, 72, and 88A only for ship-to-ship messages.

•

Public Correspondence (Marine Operator)

Channels 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 84, 84A, 85, 85A, 86, 86A, 87, 87A, 88*

For calls to marine operators at public coast stations. You can make and receive
telephone calls through these stations.

Port Operations

Channels 1A*, 5A*, 12*, 14*, 20A, 63A*, 65A, 66A, 73, 74, 77*

Used for directing the movement of ships in or near ports, locks, or waterways.
Messages must be about operational handling, movement, and safety of ships.

Navigational

Channels 13, 67

Channels are available to all vessels. Messages must be about navigation, including
passing or meeting other vessels. These are also the main working channels for
most locks and drawbridges. You must keep your messages short and power output
at no more than one (1) watt.

Maritime Control

Channel 17

For talking to vessels and coast stations operated by state or local governments.
Messages must be about regulation and control, boating activities, or assistance.

Digital Selective Calling

Channel 70

This channel is set aside for distress, safety, and general calling using only digital
selective calling techniques. Voice communication is prohibited; your radio cannot
transmit voice messages on this channel.

Weather

Channels Wx 1 Thru 10

Receive-only channels for NOAA weather broadcasts. You cannot transmit on them.

NOTE
* These channels are restricted to the listed uses in certain parts of

the country or for certain types of users only. Consult FCC rules
or a knowledgeable radio operator before using them.

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VHF Marine Radio Protocols

VHF Marine
Channel Assignments

VHF Marine Radio Protocols

VHF Marine
Channel Assignments

Channel Channel Map Frequency Power

Number USA Int’l Canada Transmit Receive Limits

01

01A

02 ••156.100 160.700
03 ••156.150 160.750

03A • 156.150 156.150

04 • 156.200 160.800

04A • 156.200 156.200

05 • 156.250 160.850

05A ••156.250 156.250

06 •••156.300 156.300
07 • 156.350 160.950

07A ••156.350 156.350

08 • • • 156.400 156.400
09 •••156.450 156.450
10 •••156.500 156.500
11 • ••156.550 156.550
12 •••156.600 156.600

13
14 •••156.700 156.700

15 • Rx Only 156.750
15 ••156.750 156.750 1 Watt CAN and INT
16 • • • 156.800 156.800
17 •••156.850 156.850 1 Watt CAN

••

•

•••

156.050 160.650

156.050 156.050

156.650 156.650 1 Watt USA and CAN

Channel Use

01 Public Correspondence (Marine Operator)

01A Port Operations and Commercial, VTS in selected areas

02 Public Correspondence (Marine Operator)
03 Public Correspondence (Marine Operator)

03A Government Only

04 Public Correspondence (Marine Operator), Port Operations, Ship Movement

04A West Coast (Coast Guard Only); East Coast (Commercial Fishing)

05 Public Correspondence (Marine Operator), Port Operations, Ship Movement

05A Port Operations, VTS in selected areas

06 Intership Safety
07 Public Correspondence (Marine Operator), Port Operations, Ship Movement

07A Commercial

08 Commer
09 Boater Calling Channel, Non-Commercial (Recreational)
10 Commercial
11 Commercial, VTS in selected areas
12 Port Operations, VTS in selected areas
13 Intership Navigation Safety (Bridge-to-Bridge). In U.S. waters,

14 Port Operations, VTS in selected areas
15 Environmental (Receive Only). Used by class C EPIRB’s.
15 Canada (EPIRB Buoys Only); International (On-Board Communication)

16 International Distress, Safety and Calling

17 State Controlled (U.S.A. Only)

cial (Intership Only)

large vessels maintain a listening watch on this channel.

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VHF Marine Radio Protocols

VHF Marine
Channel Assignments

VHF Marine Radio Protocols

VHF Marine
Channel Assignments

Channel Channel Map Frequency Power

Number USA Int’l Canada Transmit Receive Limits

18

18A

19

19A

20

20A

21

21A

22

22A

23

23A

24
25
26
27
28
60
61

61A

62

62A

•

••

•

••

• ••

•

••

••

•

••

••

•

• • •

•••

•••

•••

•••

• •

•

• •

•

156.900 161.500

156.900 156.900

156.950 161.550

156.950 156.950

157.000 161.600 1 Watt CAN

157.000 157.000

157.050 161.650

157.050 157.050

157.100 161.700

157.100 157.100

157.150 161.750

157.150 157.150

157.200 161.800

157.250 161.850

157.300 161.900

157.350 161.950

157.400 162.000

156.025 160.625

156.075 160.675

156.075 156.075

156.125 160.725

156.125 156.125

•

Channel Use

18 Port Operations, Ship Movement

18A Commercial

19 Port Operations, Ship Movement

19A Commercial

20 Canada (Coast Guard Only); International (Port Operations, Ship Movement)

20A Port Operations

21 Port Operations, Ship Movement

21A U.S. (Government Only); Canada (Coast Guard Only)

22 Port Operations, Ship Movement

22A U.S. and Canadian Coast Guard Liaison and Maritime Safety Information

Broadcasts that are announced on Channel 16

23 Public Correspondence (Marine Operator)

23A Government Only

24 Public Correspondence (Marine Operator)
25 Public Correspondence (Marine Operator)
26 Public Correspondence (Marine Operator)
27 Public Correspondence (Marine Operator)
28 Public Correspondence (Marine Operator)
60 Public Correspondence (Marine Operator)
61 Public Correspondence (Marine Operator), Port Operation, Ship Movement

61A U.S. (Government Only); Canada (Coast Guard Only);

West Coast (Coast Guard Only); East Coast (Commercial Fishing)

62 Public Correspondence (Marine Operator), Port Operations, Ship Movement

62A West Coast (Coast Guard Only); East Coast (Commercial Fishing)

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Nothing comes close to a Cobra

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