Thank you for the time and effort. So many boaters mis-use radio communications. My tip, once you’ve contacted your other boater on 16 , move to another channel. Keep 16 open for others to use. Love Boat US.
Good tips ! I’m new to the boat world of owning one in salt water .. I’ve been on boat sense I was a kid but I’ve done a lot or playing in fresh water .. now I’m buying a salt water boat .. I want to get to know these important things before I bring my kids on the water .. thanks for those helpful tips !
Thanks so much for watching and glad you found it helpful. If you don't already have them, consider adding a BoatUS Membership and towing plan to your arsenal. Both can save you a lot of money and hassle, particularly if you have an unexpected breakdown on the water, run out of fuel, or run soft around. boat.us/e/sy-join At the very least, be sure to download our free BoatUS App for weather, tides, and much more: boat.us/sy-app
Just a thought on another reason the antenna needs to be vertical. I believe the signal from the antenna radiates out like a pancake at 90 degrees from the antenna. If the antenna is not vertical, part of the signal will go up towards the sky and the other half will radiate down into the water, thus reducing the amount of horizontal "reach" of the signal.
Excellent point, Don. VHF radios operate on "line of sight" signals, so keeping the antenna at 90 degrees is a necessity. (Except when going under low bridges!)
i have a question is there is radios transmitting along with your position automatically or we have to connect radio with gps... it is confusing. i thought new radios are automatically transmit the position also.
Great question, jenson. You basically have two options: If the VHF with DSC doesn't have a GPS built in, you'll have to connect it to your chartplotter to be able to automatically relay your position info in an emergency. However, all of the major VHF manufacturers offer models with GPS, both for fixed-mount and handheld options. And it won't cost you an arm and a leg either: I've seen some GPS models retailing for around $200. Either way, you DO need to request and program in an MMSI number for the DSC button to work. (You'd be SHOCKED at how many are never programmed!) BoatUS Members can request an MMSI number for FREE at www.boatus.com/mmsi ($25 for nonmembers). That number is assigned to the specific boat, so the VHF (fixed or handheld) stays with the boat. Hope this helps!
Not sure if this was a comment about the video or just in general. If he'd turned the mic 180 degrees, it would be facing away from him -- NOT what you want.
If your VHF radio does need to be wired into your graph/gps not only can you wire your GPS Tx (Transmit) wires to your VHF radio Rx (Recieve) wires on order to send out your position, you can also wire the Radio's Tx wires (same wire harness) to your GPS's Rx wires (same wire harness). This then gives your boat/system the ability to see another vessel's location when they transmit ( of course only if they have DSC). It should show up on your graph/gps head unit as well as the radio display as well. This would let you see/know where a vessel in distress might be, on your graph, you then might see you are close enough to help the situation quicker. Its almost like having a AIS (automatic identification system) cheat going on. Everytime a vessel with DSC calls on the channel , by law, you should be monitering , that vessel will be visable on your graphs.
Thanks for sharing your experience, Troy. Someone might find this useful. And, yes, boaters are legally obligated to assist other boaters if they're in the vicinity. If only more folks would do that off the water, too ...
Thanks for watching, Kirk. I think you mean FCC license? It used to be that one was needed, but that requirement was eliminated for recreational boaters some years ago. That said, I believe some countries still require a license for some marine communications, but not in the U.S.
I have a Cobra MRF57B vhf radio. I taker it I need an MMSI number for the GPS to work? Also, do I need a chart plotter so in an emergency the coordinates will be sent to the Coast Guard or will the GPS itself do that? I guess a chart plotter would only be needed if someone else needed my assistance so I would plug coordinates in to know where they are? I have a separate GPS from Cobra that I'm hooking up to the radio.
Thanks for the question, jdtractor. The Cobra MRF57B VHF already has a GPS chip built in, so it is not necessary to connect this to an external GPS of any kind. Your VHF has a large LCD screen and this will display your position in latitude and longitude, so if desired, you can use this to plot your position on a paper chart. Once the VHF has been programmed with your MMSI number, all you would need to do in an emergency would be to press the red distress button on the front of the radio to summon help. The cost for an MMSI number is normally $25, but this fee is waived for BoatU.S. members. You can sign up through our website, www.boatus.com/MMSI/MMSI/Home
@@boatus The one I bought did not have an internal GPS so I bought the add on one from Cobra. Did end up getting my MMSI number last night, just have to put it in and see if it works. Thanks for your response.
I have a handheld VHF for about a year in which I’ve entered my MMSI number. I’m in process of installing a fixed mount VHF in my boat. Do I use the same MMSI for both radio units?
Hi Jason. Good question. When outside of cellular and VHF range, we recommend the following for requesting non-emergency towing assistance: ~ Carry a satellite phone ~ Carry a satellite communications device, such as a SPOT or Garmin InReach ~ A SPOT or InReach can be linked to family and friends who in return can contact our 24-hour dispatch center It goes without saying, when boating offshore, it's worth investing in an EPIRB and/or PLB for emergency situations. If you don't go that far offshore frequently, you can rent one or both of these units from the BoatUS Foundation through its low-cost rental program: www.boatus.org/epirb/
If your marine radio doesn't have gps/dsc capabilities just have a handheld GPS unit and read the coordinates. The marine police/coast guard will walk you through it. BTW, all you have to do is ask for help on channel 16 and they will ask all the necessary questions to find you. Very simple
i think with boatUS registration your MMSI data is only available to US bodies. The internationaly accesible MMSI reg is some 220$ if you boat is USA flag
You're correct. This applies to U.S. waters and the U.S. Coast Guard. If you want international functionality, it's necessary to get an FCC Ship Station license, and during the process you're assigned an MMSI. --Lenny
@@painbank Great question, Rich. We had to do a bit of research. Canada maintains its own MMSI registry, here's the link to register: www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/smt-gst.nsf/eng/sf01032.html Also note that you can obtain an MMSI via a ship station license, which is required for non-federal use. The full explanation of US Coast Guard regulations regarding this can be found on its Marine Mobile Service Identity webpage, www.navcen.uscg.gov/?pageName=mtmmsi
@@boatus ah, reading the CSCG regs again, only need ship station license IF going beyond US and Canadian ports. just a bit confusing reading it is all. So, I could get a MMSI from Boat US and then travel to Canada and feel fine knowing it is all good. thanks.
Great question. We used to need one, but no longer for most recreational or small commercial vessels if you're within U.S. waters. For those traveling outside of the U.S., a license is required. If you operate a HAM radio or SSB, the radio and the operator must be licensed in most cases.
Great question, Be E. Irrespective of the type of boating you do, there is no reason not to have an MMSI number programmed into the VHF. Should you get into trouble, sending a distress message is easy. The rescue services will have details of your boat in their database, so they know what size, type, and color of boat they are looking for should a search become necessary. Trouble and emergencies can happen at any time, even close to shore, so it is always better to be prepared. If you need further incentive for obtaining an MMSI number the service is free to BoatU.S. members: www.BoatUS.com/MMSI
My tip: Go and get a damn license to operate a vhf marine radio as required by international maritime law, then you will be taught all of the stuff mentioned in this article and in the comments. I'm sure a lot of you will be surprised to learn that the ONLY time you can legally transmit with a vhf marine radio is when sending a mayday, a mayday relay, a seelonce mayday, or a panpan call.
Hi Larry! Great question. There are some handhelds that are DSC-capable, but the average handheld isn't. Most of those with DSC functionality are built with internal GPS, eliminating the need for an interface. --Lenny
Barrett Ahlemeier I think it’s channel 27..dedicated for radio checks. Call it, say whatever you want but, may as well stick to a script..’radio check’ You’ll hear your transmission back at you and a recorded message saying you’re using that dedicated channel.
Thanks, Vilhjálmur. In the US, a VHF license is no longer required. However, for anyone traveling internationally, you do need one. And in Europe, you will need both a ship's license and operator license. Tip: Make sure to obtain and input an MMSI number. BoatUS members can get an MMSI at no cost.
@@boatus thanks, I am in Europe. I am a captain and I have the GMDSS license and considering the recent incident in Norway where Norway's most expensive warship sunk off the west coast of Norway last November due to miscommunication and that the people involved did not follow radio communication protocol it is now clear that the incident could have been avoided if the crew on the ships had followed protocol. I'm just saying, the best tip is to simply get a license because then you learn about these protocols which can help prevent a disaster. Whether it's required or not.
![How to use a Marine VHF RADIO [Capable Cruising Guides]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Y6yn0Bmr748/mqdefault.jpg)
Thank you for the time and effort. So many boaters mis-use radio communications. My tip, once you’ve contacted your other boater on 16 , move to another channel. Keep 16 open for others to use. Love Boat US.
100%, Neil!
Good tips ! I’m new to the boat world of owning one in salt water .. I’ve been on boat sense I was a kid but I’ve done a lot or playing in fresh water .. now I’m buying a salt water boat .. I want to get to know these important things before I bring my kids on the water .. thanks for those helpful tips !
Thanks so much for watching and glad you found it helpful. If you don't already have them, consider adding a BoatUS Membership and towing plan to your arsenal. Both can save you a lot of money and hassle, particularly if you have an unexpected breakdown on the water, run out of fuel, or run soft around. boat.us/e/sy-join At the very least, be sure to download our free BoatUS App for weather, tides, and much more: boat.us/sy-app
Just a thought on another reason the antenna needs to be vertical. I believe the signal from the antenna radiates out like a pancake at 90 degrees from the antenna. If the antenna is not vertical, part of the signal will go up towards the sky and the other half will radiate down into the water, thus reducing the amount of horizontal "reach" of the signal.
Excellent point, Don. VHF radios operate on "line of sight" signals, so keeping the antenna at 90 degrees is a necessity. (Except when going under low bridges!)
i have a question is there is radios transmitting along with your position automatically or we have to connect radio with gps... it is confusing. i thought new radios are automatically transmit the position also.
Great question, jenson. You basically have two options: If the VHF with DSC doesn't have a GPS built in, you'll have to connect it to your chartplotter to be able to automatically relay your position info in an emergency. However, all of the major VHF manufacturers offer models with GPS, both for fixed-mount and handheld options. And it won't cost you an arm and a leg either: I've seen some GPS models retailing for around $200. Either way, you DO need to request and program in an MMSI number for the DSC button to work. (You'd be SHOCKED at how many are never programmed!) BoatUS Members can request an MMSI number for FREE at www.boatus.com/mmsi ($25 for nonmembers). That number is assigned to the specific boat, so the VHF (fixed or handheld) stays with the boat. Hope this helps!
Great Tips!!!
Thanks for watching, Makel!
Excellent information.
Tnx ❤
Thanks for watching, Anwar!
TIP #4 ..... understand the difference between 90deg and 180deg.
Not sure if this was a comment about the video or just in general. If he'd turned the mic 180 degrees, it would be facing away from him -- NOT what you want.
@@boatus ... "The signal radiate at 180deg from the tip" ...... ? All good, I'm just being persnickety. :)
If your VHF radio does need to be wired into your graph/gps not only can you wire your GPS Tx (Transmit) wires to your VHF radio Rx (Recieve) wires on order to send out your position, you can also wire the Radio's Tx wires (same wire harness) to your GPS's Rx wires (same wire harness).
This then gives your boat/system the ability to see another vessel's location when they transmit ( of course only if they have DSC). It should show up on your graph/gps head unit as well as the radio display as well.
This would let you see/know where a vessel in distress might be, on your graph, you then might see you are close enough to help the situation quicker.
Its almost like having a AIS (automatic identification system) cheat going on. Everytime a vessel with DSC calls on the channel , by law, you should be monitering , that vessel will be visable on your graphs.
Thanks for sharing your experience, Troy. Someone might find this useful. And, yes, boaters are legally obligated to assist other boaters if they're in the vicinity. If only more folks would do that off the water, too ...
You'll need your FFC license as well if you want to use AIS out and in.
Thanks for watching, Kirk. I think you mean FCC license? It used to be that one was needed, but that requirement was eliminated for recreational boaters some years ago. That said, I believe some countries still require a license for some marine communications, but not in the U.S.
I have a Cobra MRF57B vhf radio. I taker it I need an MMSI number for the GPS to work? Also, do I need a chart plotter so in an emergency the coordinates will be sent to the Coast Guard or will the GPS itself do that? I guess a chart plotter would only be needed if someone else needed my assistance so I would plug coordinates in to know where they are? I have a separate GPS from Cobra that I'm hooking up to the radio.
Thanks for the question, jdtractor. The Cobra MRF57B VHF already has a GPS chip built in, so it is not necessary to connect this to an external GPS of any kind. Your VHF has a large LCD screen and this will display your position in latitude and longitude, so if desired, you can use this to plot your position on a paper chart. Once the VHF has been programmed with your MMSI number, all you would need to do in an emergency would be to press the red distress button on the front of the radio to summon help. The cost for an MMSI number is normally $25, but this fee is waived for BoatU.S. members. You can sign up through our website, www.boatus.com/MMSI/MMSI/Home
@@boatus The one I bought did not have an internal GPS so I bought the add on one from Cobra. Did end up getting my MMSI number last night, just have to put it in and see if it works. Thanks for your response.
@@jdtractorman7445 Great! Hopefully it will be an easy job.
I have a handheld VHF for about a year in which I’ve entered my MMSI number. I’m in process of installing a fixed mount VHF in my boat. Do I use the same MMSI for both radio units?
Great question, Freddy. Yes, use the same MMSI number in your fixed VHF as in your handheld. The MMSI is unique to the vessel, not the radio.
Thanks so much for the prompt, expert reply. Great videos always, Lenny.
how do you call boatUS if you break down and need a tow and im 60 miles off shore?
Hi Jason. Good question. When outside of cellular and VHF range, we recommend the following for requesting non-emergency towing assistance:
~ Carry a satellite phone
~ Carry a satellite communications device, such as a SPOT or Garmin InReach
~ A SPOT or InReach can be linked to family and friends who in return can contact our 24-hour dispatch center
It goes without saying, when boating offshore, it's worth investing in an EPIRB and/or PLB for emergency situations. If you don't go that far offshore frequently, you can rent one or both of these units from the BoatUS Foundation through its low-cost rental program: www.boatus.org/epirb/
@@boatus very helpful! Thank you
If your marine radio doesn't have gps/dsc capabilities just have a handheld GPS unit and read the coordinates. The marine police/coast guard will walk you through it. BTW, all you have to do is ask for help on channel 16 and they will ask all the necessary questions to find you. Very simple
Forgot to say as long as you have flares and can give a point of reference to where you are they will be able to find you
Thanks for your input, John.
i think with boatUS registration your MMSI data is only available to US bodies. The internationaly accesible MMSI reg is some 220$ if you boat is USA flag
You're correct. This applies to U.S. waters and the U.S. Coast Guard. If you want international functionality, it's necessary to get an FCC Ship Station license, and during the process you're assigned an MMSI. --Lenny
@@boatus what if I get a US only MMSI, but then operate in Canadian waters? Will they just not recognize the number?
@@painbank Great question, Rich. We had to do a bit of research. Canada maintains its own MMSI registry, here's the link to register: www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/smt-gst.nsf/eng/sf01032.html
Also note that you can obtain an MMSI via a ship station license, which is required for non-federal use. The full explanation of US Coast Guard regulations regarding this can be found on its Marine Mobile Service Identity webpage, www.navcen.uscg.gov/?pageName=mtmmsi
@@boatus ah, reading the CSCG regs again, only need ship station license IF going beyond US and Canadian ports. just a bit confusing reading it is all. So, I could get a MMSI from Boat US and then travel to Canada and feel fine knowing it is all good. thanks.
@@painbank Glad that was helpful. Yeah, most of those documents are clear as mud!
Do you need a license for VHF marine in the U.S ? In Australia you do. Heard it was about $130au
Great question. We used to need one, but no longer for most recreational or small commercial vessels if you're within U.S. waters. For those traveling outside of the U.S., a license is required. If you operate a HAM radio or SSB, the radio and the operator must be licensed in most cases.
Here are the requirements: www.fcc.gov/wireless/bureau-divisions/mobility-division/commercial-radio-operator-license-program/commercial-0
Do I need an MMSI number just for fishing with my cobrahh600 vhf?
Great question, Be E. Irrespective of the type of boating you do, there is no reason not to have an MMSI number programmed into the VHF. Should you get into trouble, sending a distress message is easy. The rescue services will have details of your boat in their database, so they know what size, type, and color of boat they are looking for should a search become necessary. Trouble and emergencies can happen at any time, even close to shore, so it is always better to be prepared. If you need further incentive for obtaining an MMSI number the service is free to BoatU.S. members: www.BoatUS.com/MMSI
My tip: Go and get a damn license to operate a vhf marine radio as required by international maritime law, then you will be taught all of the stuff mentioned in this article and in the comments. I'm sure a lot of you will be surprised to learn that the ONLY time you can legally transmit with a vhf marine radio is when sending a mayday, a mayday relay, a seelonce mayday, or a panpan call.
Thanks, Marc. While a license is not required for recreational boaters operating a VHF in the US, we always support furthering education
Dsc doesn't need a chart plotter connected if radio has gps...
Good point. You're correct. If there's a GPS chip in the radio, no external connection to a chartplotter is required.
I have a handheld UHF..does this still apply..having it to interface
VHF I meant
Hi Larry! Great question. There are some handhelds that are DSC-capable, but the average handheld isn't. Most of those with DSC functionality are built with internal GPS, eliminating the need for an interface. --Lenny
How do I do a radio check
Any station this net, this is (your call sign), radio check, over.
Barrett Ahlemeier
I think it’s channel 27..dedicated for radio checks. Call it, say whatever you want but, may as well stick to a script..’radio check’
You’ll hear your transmission back at you and a recorded message saying you’re using that dedicated channel.
Tip #1. The only tip needed: get a vhf license.
Thanks, Vilhjálmur. In the US, a VHF license is no longer required. However, for anyone traveling internationally, you do need one. And in Europe, you will need both a ship's license and operator license. Tip: Make sure to obtain and input an MMSI number. BoatUS members can get an MMSI at no cost.
@@boatus thanks, I am in Europe. I am a captain and I have the GMDSS license and considering the recent incident in Norway where Norway's most expensive warship sunk off the west coast of Norway last November due to miscommunication and that the people involved did not follow radio communication protocol it is now clear that the incident could have been avoided if the crew on the ships had followed protocol. I'm just saying, the best tip is to simply get a license because then you learn about these protocols which can help prevent a disaster. Whether it's required or not.
@@villimagg Great example!