Navigation and Seamanship (1+1)

6.5.5. General rules for using VHF

                                                                        

• English is the international language of marine communication
• Conversation must be as short as possible with decent language
• As many conversations are safety related, there is a need to have un-ambiguous and precise dialogue
• Transmit the emergency calls only with the approval of the authority of the vessel only in an emergency situation.
• Operate the radio telephone with the qualified person.
• Use frequencies or channels allotted for you

· Limit the conversations to only to the required duration,

· Remember that everything you say can be heard by anyone who has a VHF radio.

· while the radio is turned on, watch the Distress Channel 16 (2182 kHz ).

• Use phonetics to spell out difficult words or abbreviations.
• Do not interrupt or interfere with transmissions already in progress wait for an appropriate break before starting your call.
• Know the correct procedures for making and dealing with distress messages and traffic and train others on board how to receive and make calls.
• The most commonly misused procedure words are "Over and Out." "Over" means that you expect a reply. "Out" means you are finished and do not expect a reply. It is contradictory to say "Over and Out."