Cobra Electronics MR HH425LI User Manual

VHF MARINE RADIO

MR HH425LI VP

Printed in China Part No. 480-344-P

NothingComes Close to a Cobra

Owner’s Manual

English

Our Thanks to You and

Introduction

Our Thanks to You

Thank you for purchasing a CobraMarine®VHF/GMRS Dual Band radio. Properly used, this Cobra

How Your CobraMarine VHF/GMRS Radio Works

This dual band radio is a battery-powered portable transceiver for use afloat or on land. In Marine VHF mode it gives you two-way vessel-to-vessel and vessel-toshore station communications, primarily for safety and secondarily for navigation and operational purposes. In GMRS mode it allows you to reach other GMRS capable radios for short-distance two-way land mobile communication. This mode is normally used for small group communication such as in a general residential area or during recreational group outings. Note: GMRS radio usage requires an FCC License.

Besides two-way communications, the radio can provide quick access to receive all the 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

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. Central Time 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

For Assistance Outside the U.S.A.

Contact Your Local Dealer

English

Customer Assistance

product will give you many years of reliable service.

@cobra.com (e-mail).

6500 West Cortland Street

Chicago, Illinois 60707 USA

www.cobra.com

•

Introduction

Radio Controls and Indicators

Introduction

Backlit LCD Screen and Product Features

Dual Band

Antenna

Backlit

LCD

Screen

Channel Up

Button

Push to

Talk

Button

Channel

Down

Button

Backlight/

Key Lock

Button

Level/Weather

(VHF/GMRS)

Tri-Watch

Button

Speaker

English

Power

Button

Band

Button

External Speaker/

Microphone

Cover

ON/OFF/Volume Control

Belt Clip

Engagement

Squelch Control

Wrist Strap Connector

Battery

Instant Channel 16/9 Button

SCAN Button

Call/Enter Button

Rewind-Say-Again™ Button

Memory/Escape Button

Microphone

Battery Clip

Backlit LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) Screen

Transmit and Receive Icons

Frequency

Band Icons

Active Channel

Numbers

Tri-Watch Icon

Button Lock Icon

Scan Icon

KeyTone Icon

Rewind Icon

Battery Power Icon

Roger Beep Icon

UIC Active Channel Map Icons

Product Features

USA/International/Canada Channels

Allows operation on any of the three different VHF channel maps established for these areas. Instant access to all Marine VHF channels, 24 hours a day.

15 GMRS Channels

Seven (7) shared with GMRS/FRS and eight (8) GMRS only.

All NOAA Weather Channels

Instant access to all 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.

Submersible to JIS7 Standards

Waterproof to 3.3 ft (1 m) of water for 30 minutes.

Button/Key Lock

Prevents accidental setting changes when button lock is set.

English

Bands

Exclusive dual VHF (Very High Frequency) and GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) bands allow you to use different frequencies while using this radio either on land or water. VHF can be used for two-way vessel-to-vessel and vessel-to-shore station communications. GMRS can be used for small group communication such as in a general residential area or during recreational group outings. Note: GMRS radio usage requires an FCC License.

Power Settings

Selectable power settings produce 1, 3 or 5* watts of output power for near or distant calling.

121 Privacy Codes

Allows semi-secure communications, creating up to 1815 privacy combinations (38 CTCSS codes-83 DCS codes).

* Units sold in Canada will not transmit with 5

watts of power on GMRS frequencies in Canada.

Low/Medium/High PowerIcons

Weather Icon Weather Alert Icon Call Tone VibrAlert®Icon Memory Channel Icon Memory Channel CTCSS and DCS Subcodes Voice ActivatedTransmit Icon Simplex Operation Icon

•

Introduction

Product Features

Product Features (continued)

Channel Scan/Memory Scan

Use to scan through all channels or all selected memory locations to find conversations in progress.

Instant Channel 16/9

Provides instant access to priority Channel 16 and calling Channel 9.

Tri-Watch

Lets you monitor three (3) channels at once — Channel 16 and two (2) user-programmable channels.

Lithium-Ion Rechargeable Battery Pack

Provides extended operating time compared to alkaline batteries with no memory effect.

120V/12V Charger Included

Use to charge battery pack in the radio, at home, in a car or in a boat.

Rapid-Charge Locking Desktop Charger

Allows charging of batteries at home, car or boat. Vertical or horizontal mounting.

Cobra Exclusive Rewind-Say-Again™

A dedicated button allows user to replay up to the last 20 seconds of audio. Press the dedicated rewind button and Cobra VHF will replay the last 20 seconds of the audio from your VHF.

Call Tones (Selectable)

10 selectable call tones.

Hands-Free Operation Voice Activation (VOX)

“Hands-Free” automatic transmission when you speak.

Emergency Weather Alert with/SAME

Receive NOAA alerts when threatening weather is nearby. SAME alerts provide notification of local severe weather conditions.

Speaker/Mic Jack

Allows connecting optional Cobra Lapel Speaker/Mic and other Cobra accessories.

Unlimited Memory Channels

Allows programming of unlimited VHF and GMRS memory channels.

Signal Strength Meter

Shows the strength of incoming or outgoing signals.

Illuminated Buttons

Allows high visibility of all function buttons.

Roger Beep Tone (Selectable)

Confirmation tone indicates the completion of the user’s transmission and signals to others it is clear to talk. On or Off selectable.

Patented VibrAlert

Provides a silent alert for incoming calls. Ideal for noisy or all-quiet environments.

•

English

Introduction

Table of Contents

Introduction

Our Thanks to You . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A1

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

Radio Controls and Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A2

Backlit LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A3

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

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

VHF Marine Radio Protocols

Recommendations for Marine Communication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

VHF Marine FCC Licensing Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

VHF Marine Radio Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

VHF Marine Voice Calling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

VHF Marine Radiotelephone Calls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

VHF Marine Emergency Messages and Distress Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . 13

VHF Marine Channel Assignments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

GMRS Radio Protocols

GMRS Communication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28

GMRS FCC Licensing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28

GMRS/FRS Frequency Allocation and Compatibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

NOAA/SAME Weather Alerts

NOAA Weather Channels and Alert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

NOAA Test Alert System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31

Specific Area Message Encoding (SAME) Alerts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32

Installation

Included in this Package . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Antenna, Wrist Strap and Belt Clip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Batteries and Charger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Operating Your Radio

Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Setup Mode Programming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44

Standby/Receive and Transmit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

Advanced Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

Warranty and Trademark Acknowledgement

Limited 3-Year Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

Trademark Acknowledgement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74

Customer Service

Product Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra

Introduction Introduction

Introduction

Important Safety Information

Introduction

Important Safety Information

Before installing and using your CobraMarine VHF/GMRS Dual Band radio, please read these general precautions and warnings.

Warning and Notice 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 the radio. Special attention must be paid to the WARNING and NOTICE statements in this manual.

WARNING

Statements identify conditions that could result in personal injury or loss of life.

NOTICE

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.” The radio 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 VHF/GMRS Dual Band 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.

•

The following WARNINGS and NOTICE information will make you aware of RF exposure hazards and how to ensure you operate the radio within the FCC RF exposure limits established for the radio.

WARNINGS

Your 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, 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 33 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 directly 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/speaker 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.

English

Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra

Introduction Introduction

Introduction

VHF Marine Radio Protocols

Recommendations for Marine CommunicationImportant Safety Information

NOTICE

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 3 ft (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 a lithium-ion (LiON) rechargeable battery pack.

■

Use only the Cobra charger to recharge lithium-ion (LiON) batteries in the radio.

■

Do not short circuit the battery pack.

■

When replacing the batteries, dispose of the old batteries properly. Batteries may

explode if disposed of in a fire.

Changes or modifications to your radio MAY VOID its compliance with FCC (Federal Communications Commission) 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 5 watt maximum output of your radio is not 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 traveling 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 do not know where you are, the Coast Guard will have difficulty finding you if you are 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

Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra

Introduction

VHF Marine FCC Licensing Information

Introduction

VHF Marine Radio ProtocolsVHF Marine Radio Protocols

VHF Marine FCC Licensing Information

CobraMarine VHF radios comply with the FCC (Federal Communications 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) button.

Licensed users will be issued a “Call Sign” by the FCC, which should be used for station identification when operating the radio.

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 an HF single side band radiotelephone, carrying a marine satellite terminal must obtain a station license.

For licensing information and application forms, please call the FCC Hotline at 800418-FORM. Request form #159 and form #605. Questions regarding the license application should be directed to the FCC at 888-CALL-FCC. FCC license forms and applications for ship and land applications can be downloaded through the Internet at: www.fcc.gov.

•

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., IL 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.

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.

English

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.

Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra

Introduction

VHF Marine Radio Protocols

VHF Marine Radio Procedures

VHF Marine Radio Protocols

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 1 watt first if the station being called is within a few miles. If there is no answer, switch to 3 watts and call again. You have the ability to go up to 5 watts of output power to increase your calling distance. Remember, the lower wattage outputs 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.

Initial Calling on Channel 16 or 9

The use of Channel 16 is permitted for making initial contact (hailing) another vessel. The limits on calling must be followed. Be reminded, Channel 16’s most important function is for Emergency Messages. If for some reason, Channel 16 is congested, Channel 9, especially in U.S. waters, may be used as the initial contact (hailing) channel for non-emergency communication.

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, vessel name and the state registration number, at both the beginning and at the end of the message.

•

Prohibited Communications

You MUST NOT transmit:

■

False distress or emergency messages.

■

Messages containing obscene, indecent or profane language.

■

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.

English

Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra

VHF Marine Radio Protocols

VHF Marine Voice Calling

You are required to listen to Channel 16 while standing by. Channel 16 is the distress and safety channel used for establishing initial contact with another station and for emergency communication. The Coast Guard also monitors Channel 16 for safety purposes for everyone on the water.

NOTE

Channel 9 may be used by recreational vessels for general-purpose calling. This frequency should be used whenever possible to help relieve congestion on Channel 16. The Coast Guard generally does not make urgent marine information broadcasts or weather warnings on Channel 9. Boaters are still asked to “keep watch” on Channel 16 whenever the radio is turned on and not in use with another station.

To call another vessel or shore installation (e.g., lock or bridge tender):

■

Make sure your radio is On.

■

You are in standby listening mode on Channel 16. Make sure Channel 16 is not being used.

■

When the channel is open (quiet), press the Talk button and call the vessel you wish to speak to. Hold the radio or microphone 2 in. (5 cm) from your face and speak clearly and distinctly in a normal voice tone. Say “name or station being called,” “THIS IS [your vessel name or call sign].”

■

Once contact is made, you must leave Channel 16 and go to another working channel. See channel listing on pages 18-19.

Introduction

VHF Marine Radio Protocols

■

If the other does not respond, wait two (2) minutes and repeat. You are permitted

•

to attempt contact three (3) times, two (2) minutes apart. If you still have not

VHF Marine Voice Calling

made contact, wait 15 minutes before trying again.

■

After communications are completed, each vessel must sign off with its call sign or vessel name and the word “out” and return 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 2 in. (5 cm) from your mouth and slightly off to one (1) side. Speak in a normal tone of voice.

NOTE

“Over and Out” The most commonly misused procedure words are “over and out” within the same transmission. “Over” means you expect a reply. “Out” means you are finished and do not expect a reply.

For Example

The vessel Corsair is calling the vessel Vagabond: Corsair: “Vagabond, this is Corsair. Over.” Vagabond: “Please switch and answer on Channel 68 (or any proper working

channel). Over.” Corsair: “Switching to Channel 68. Over.”

English

Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra

VHF Marine

Introduction

VHF Marine Radio Protocols VHF Marine Radio Protocols

Radiotelephone Calls

Introduction

VHF Marine Emergency Messages and Distress Procedure

VHF Marine 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 18 through 27 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.

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 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.

English

Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra

VHF Marine Emergency Messages

Introduction

VHF Marine Radio Protocols VHF Marine Radio Protocols

and Distress Procedure

Introduction

VHF Marine Emergency Messages and Distress Procedure

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.

PAN

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-ee-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. ALL stations MUST remain silent on 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.

English

Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra

VHF Marine Emergency Messages

Introduction

VHF Marine Radio Protocols VHF Marine Radio Protocols

and Distress Procedure

Introduction

VHF Marine Emergency Messages and Distress Procedure

Marine Distress Procedure

Speak slowly — clearly — calmly.

1. Make sure your radio is On.

2. Select 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],” repeated three (3) times.

5. Say:

“MAYDAY (or “PAN” or “SECURITE”) [your vessel name or call sign].

6. Tell where you are:

(what navigational aids or landmarks are nearby).

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.”

13. End message by saying:

“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 step 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 “IL 1234 AB” three (3) times] “Mayday Corsair (or IL 1234 AB)” “Navy Pier bears 220 degrees magnetic — distance 5 miles” “Struck submerged object and flooding — need pump and tow” “Four (4) adults, three (3) children aboard — no one injured” “Estimate we will remain afloat one-half hour” “Corsair (or IL 1234 AB) is 26 ft sloop with blue hull and tan deck house” “I will be listening on Channel 16” “This is Corsair (or IL 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.

English

Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra

VHF Marine

VHF Marine Radio Protocols VHF Marine Radio Protocols

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 or Canadian 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, 60, 61, 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*, 18, 19, 20A, 21, 22, 63A*, 65A, 66A, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77*, 79, 80, 81, 82

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 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 and Canadian weather broadcasts. You cannot transmit on these channels.

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.

English

Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra

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