The mayday distress sequence shown in this video is wrong, you're asking for help before you're telling them how many people need it. As soon as you put the call in a rescue vehicle is being dispatched they need to know how many casualties they are rescuing. Remember you three P's, Position, Problem, People, They have sheets to fill in, they have to receive the info in that order. Good video
Sorry, no. The sequence shown in this video is correct. The US Coast Guard teaches it pretty much that way; the actual CG way is in the comments elsewhere.
If you hear an emergency call close to your location you are supposed to show up and help in any way. I was just getting into buzzards bay when I heard a boat sinking call which was about 1/2 mile from me. A power boat showed up at the location the same time I did. We divided up the search because there were submerged rocks in an area where it would be better for me to search. I told him he could do all the radio calls with coast guard. When he told the Coast Guard I was assisting with the search they were surprised.
Remember to perform a radio check to insure your radio can transmit/receive BEFORE launching. Several marinas have an Automated Radio Check Service (provided by SeaTow) using one of VHF Channels 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 84. It will return/retransmit your broadcast to let you know your radio can Tx/Rx. This also doesn't clutter channel 16 with these requests.
I'm pinning this commend to I can post info I've been getting to add to the video. This is a correction from the last post so I could fix my mention of channel 16 only being for emergencies - I corrected that it can be used for starting conversations that can then be transferred to a different channel. Thanks to Andy Norman for that, and to Jonas Alexanderson for the reminder that some areas/countries require certification/licenses to use vhf radios. Felix adds: In some cases even with coastguard large antenna and high sensitivity of receiver you may be too far for them to hear you, but you can hear them. In these cases other boaters may need to relay you message to them Also, that the large side button is used to transmit, and released to listen to a response. Keep them coming!
Interesting that you used clock face to direct the heli, this requires you to be able to see the heli clearly. However, if you have a compass with you, you can quickly take a bearing to give the direction for him to fly, "fly to me on 250 magnetic", this can be done when he is a dot. Easy way to do this with a baseplate compass is to point the arrow at yourself.
For anyone wondering, here's how the Coast Guard wants it (condensed): -"Mayday" three times, "this is" - "Vessel Name", three times; - Where (lat/lon, bearing/distance; tell them where you are) -What (nature of distress or difficulty). - # of persons aboard and condition of any injured - present seaworthiness of your vessel - extensive description of your vessel - Your listening frequency and schedule Oh, it may sound corny, but say "over" when you are finished talking. It may seem obvious to you, but not to the person listening, who may be relaying your MADAY to the CG.
One issue I've found is, paddlers are reluctant to turn them their VHF radios on. They say they want to save the battery for emergencies. The problem with that is nobody is monitoring the frequency. For example, if a paddler gets separated from the group and has an emergency they won't be able to contact other paddlers if the other paddlers have their radios off.
DSC VHF Handhelds (with built-in GPS) are now available and worth considering as they allow a more rapid emergency broadcast than the basic one shown in this well-done video, as well as better communication options for groups and individuals.
Just talked about VHFs with my kayaking buddy at work today! Will go a VHF-course (get a VHF-certificate) at the end of this summer. Using simple com-radios right now for "buddy"-talks during paddle sessions. Very intresting video to watch. Thank you for sharing this, important stuff! (thumbs up)
You dont need one for a kayak and a VHF-certificate for a kayak no need get a good cell phone with built in GPS and ring 911 i could under stand if you had a cruise ship or a oil tanker lol
You do know what VHF stands for right? Very High Frequency. That will come in handy when cellular reception is gone, like out there on the ocean. A cellular is awsome and always there with you but they are very limited when "really"-outdoors. I personally would feel much more safe with a VHF than a mobile phone at times.
When I monitor marine radio traffic while out kayaking (another fun thing to do while out on the water) I notice that CG chatter is very by-the-book and professional, while almost all powerboat talk is very informal, even on 16. The other day, some high-dollar yacht was coming into New Harbor Block Island and requesting services and a slip. He announced his intention on 16, Boat Basin responded OK, go channel ten, one-zero. The skipper said OK, then proceeded a couple times in a row to keep blabbing on 16 about a pump-out etc, just wasn't getting the message to change channels to everyone's amusement. A bit later, CG put out an advisory that a leatherback turtle's radio tag had just started transmitting at so-and-so Ghz and to make a note. Point is, when you're out there on the tidal and bigger fresh waters, there's a lot of cool activity going on around you to add to the experience. Which would be missed without a marine radio on you. Should be part of your kit, especially if you're the group leader or solo.
I would suggest correct VHF etiquette is to repeat usual messages only twice, !! The use of "Groups of THREE " should only be used for a mayday or Pan calls ,..... as other listeners to that radio signal from afar strength three and below possibly mistake for a Mayday mayday mayday. It is like ......not using Ch16 for radio checks. Monitoring CH16 it is annoying to have some plonker asking for a radio check giving his boats name three times, that could have several people listening thinking it is a mayday call. would you not agree???
If we "key" the PTT button on and off then Coast Guead can triangulate the signal to find you. Not all coasties know about it though, so depends on who you ask. Imagine not being able to speak and how this could help :) I can't even count the numbe rof security calls I did while guiding in Maine. Also use to hail lots of of the nature cruise boats to let them know about wildlife. What a powerful tool. Getting ready to head to the San Juans Thursday until Sunday. Bring my VHF but hope I only need it to monitor the weather. Should be mid 60's and amazing! Nice vid :)
Kayak Life excellent addition - I had no idea about being able to use the button. Would you use it as Morse code? Or just a constant clicking on and off?
No on morse code. Just hit PTT on and off. They will get a clicking. They will try to figure out what it is. Had coasties confirm on both east and west coast. Better if we can get a verbal but keying is possible.
KayakHipster they triangulate you via the towers by the signal. They have the technology and have had it for a long time. I have several close friends one of which was in the first rescue diver class. Its easier if they have multiple towers involved. It wont be precise they said but will put then in the area.
Thanks for your information I was fishing on the jetty the other day and fell and got stuck between some rocks I really could of used that radio can you recommend I radio that I could get for entry level Incase I ever get in a situation like that
Use a substitute name with description eg: "small cruiser" later you can describe the colours of the hull and cabin to help rescuers identify your craft. Some boats display a maker's name, my kayak was made be a company called "Elie" and this is printed on its hull so I could use that as a name.
I believe it should on any VHF radio - often times it’s an already set up memory channel. On mine without having stored anything new, it’ll cycle through to 16 each time around. Certainly test it out ahead of time if possible.
@@KayakHipster Hi Luke, Thanks for the reply, it's just we are trying to find what type of radio to buy, just what we do is report any sightings to marine charities and whale and dolphin watching tour guides, so we need something that could help. We are waiting for your reply Luke!
The thing is, channel 16 should only be used for emergencies, so I don’t think it’d be the right way to broadcast marine life to other boats. For that I think one of the recreational channels would be the best bet.
DO NOT DICK ABOUT WITH VHF. It's not like CB radio. It's a vital safety system. If you don't use accepted VHF protocol in a sensible fashion you can be fined and radio confiscated. Practice with friends, get proficient as possible. In the UK you need VHF licence (but I've never heard of a sensible, responsible user being penalised for not having it. Also. Don't fasten ti to your vessel. Fasten it to YOU.
Good for talking to your friends on the water but GPS on a cell phone has put the VHF to bed very old tech now i under stand if you had a ship like a oil tanker or a cruise ship but great video !
Phil & Kyle yeah, sorry to tell you that it hasn't happened yet. We've had many cellphone deaths out on the water due to bad waterproof cases - so we still use our radios as our main communication. I don't think I'll be breaking out my cellphone anytime in the near future knowing I might have to be thrown around in waves and it might get wet. I can have my vhf radio submerged the entire day and still contact my buddies. Depends on the situation. For us it still works much better. Also, if a boat is bearing down on you which has happened to us many times, they'll hear a radio call. Cheers!
Not sure why GPS on a cell phone has anything to do with it. The great thing about vhf is that you "broadcast", anyone in range can hear you. This means that the local fishing boat can maybe come to your assistance or even that you in your kayak can assist - yes this has happened many times. With a GPS of any description you can give your location very accurately but that can be by cell phone or vhf. With the vhf you can have a group conversation, with both coastguard and air assets. A cell phone is like, well a phone, a vhf is like shouting to everyone in range so they all know whats going on. Also, if you ever paddle in high traffic areas near big ports with an active VTS (Vessel Traffic System) then you will be expected to carry VHF - and use it!
LOL; how far offshore do you think a cell signal carries? Is there continuous cell coverage along coastlines? What is the cell number of that boat bearing down on you, can you google it? Have you ever been outside of a city? Good god the earth is doomed!
![ILLSLICK - KILLSHOT REMIX [FULL VERSION]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/RIK8RrqIAzE/mqdefault.jpg)
The mayday distress sequence shown in this video is wrong, you're asking for help before you're telling them how many people need it. As soon as you put the call in a rescue vehicle is being dispatched they need to know how many casualties they are rescuing. Remember you three P's, Position, Problem, People, They have sheets to fill in, they have to receive the info in that order. Good video
Oscar Doyle thanks for the tip. I'll pin this message so others can see it as well.
Sorry, no. The sequence shown in this video is correct. The US Coast Guard teaches it pretty much that way; the actual CG way is in the comments elsewhere.
@@KayakHipster great video I have got a kayak and am planning to use it in the summer in Plymouth in Devon
If you hear an emergency call close to your location you are supposed to show up and help in any way. I was just getting into buzzards bay when I heard a boat sinking call which was about 1/2 mile from me. A power boat showed up at the location the same time I did. We divided up the search because there were submerged rocks in an area where it would be better for me to search. I told him he could do all the radio calls with coast guard. When he told the Coast Guard I was assisting with the search they were surprised.
Remember to perform a radio check to insure your radio can transmit/receive BEFORE launching. Several marinas have an Automated Radio Check Service (provided by SeaTow) using one of VHF Channels 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 84. It will return/retransmit your broadcast to let you know your radio can Tx/Rx. This also doesn't clutter channel 16 with these requests.
a PLB is very helpful especially one with GPS. The Coast Guard knew where I was when I capsized off Bailey's Mistake.
I'm pinning this commend to I can post info I've been getting to add to the video. This is a correction from the last post so I could fix my mention of channel 16 only being for emergencies - I corrected that it can be used for starting conversations that can then be transferred to a different channel. Thanks to Andy Norman for that, and to Jonas Alexanderson for the reminder that some areas/countries require certification/licenses to use vhf radios.
Felix adds:
In some cases even with coastguard large antenna and high sensitivity of receiver you may be too far for them to hear you, but you can hear them. In these cases other boaters may need to relay you message to them
Also, that the large side button is used to transmit, and released to listen to a response.
Keep them coming!
Interesting that you used clock face to direct the heli, this requires you to be able to see the heli clearly. However, if you have a compass with you, you can quickly take a bearing to give the direction for him to fly, "fly to me on 250 magnetic", this can be done when he is a dot. Easy way to do this with a baseplate compass is to point the arrow at yourself.
Point the arrow at yourself means positioning the compass to your south. Are you sure this is what you meant?
@@dalethebelldiver7740 The baseplate arrow, not the magnetic one.
Also "break" means you are pausing transmission and there is more to follow before you finish message with "over"
For anyone wondering, here's how the Coast Guard wants it (condensed):
-"Mayday" three times, "this is"
- "Vessel Name", three times;
- Where (lat/lon, bearing/distance; tell them where you are)
-What (nature of distress or difficulty).
- # of persons aboard and condition of any injured
- present seaworthiness of your vessel
- extensive description of your vessel
- Your listening frequency and schedule
Oh, it may sound corny, but say "over" when you are finished talking. It may seem obvious to you, but not to the person listening, who may be relaying your MADAY to the CG.
One issue I've found is, paddlers are reluctant to turn them their VHF radios on. They say they want to save the battery for emergencies. The problem with that is nobody is monitoring the frequency. For example, if a paddler gets separated from the group and has an emergency they won't be able to contact other paddlers if the other paddlers have their radios off.
DSC VHF Handhelds (with built-in GPS) are now available and worth considering as they allow a more rapid emergency broadcast than the basic one shown in this well-done video, as well as better communication options for groups and individuals.
Kayak Hipster! Thanks for producing this extremely helpful paddling safety video. Planning to share. Well done!
luke, thank u. these short clips are great! the info is always top notch. you're doing a real service to our community. gracias
fernando cuevas thank you! Much appreciated! De nada
Just talked about VHFs with my kayaking buddy at work today! Will go a VHF-course (get a VHF-certificate) at the end of this summer. Using simple com-radios right now for "buddy"-talks during paddle sessions. Very intresting video to watch. Thank you for sharing this, important stuff! (thumbs up)
Fantastic. Please let me know after you get the certification, would love to know more about what is required.
Sure will! But I am pretty certain that the Swedish Coast Guard have diffrent rules/regulations than the USCG. Will update you on this!
Magnus Persson exactly, that's why I'm so interested in finding out more. Def keep me posted.
You dont need one for a kayak and a VHF-certificate for a kayak no need get a good cell phone with built in GPS and ring 911 i could under stand if you had a cruise ship or a oil tanker lol
You do know what VHF stands for right? Very High Frequency. That will come in handy when cellular reception is gone, like out there on the ocean. A cellular is awsome and always there with you but they are very limited when "really"-outdoors. I personally would feel much more safe with a VHF than a mobile phone at times.
When I monitor marine radio traffic while out kayaking (another fun thing to do while out on the water) I notice that CG chatter is very by-the-book and professional, while almost all powerboat talk is very informal, even on 16. The other day, some high-dollar yacht was coming into New Harbor Block Island and requesting services and a slip. He announced his intention on 16, Boat Basin responded OK, go channel ten, one-zero. The skipper said OK, then proceeded a couple times in a row to keep blabbing on 16 about a pump-out etc, just wasn't getting the message to change channels to everyone's amusement. A bit later, CG put out an advisory that a leatherback turtle's radio tag had just started transmitting at so-and-so Ghz and to make a note. Point is, when you're out there on the tidal and bigger fresh waters, there's a lot of cool activity going on around you to add to the experience. Which would be missed without a marine radio on you. Should be part of your kit, especially if you're the group leader or solo.
"Over" = done transmitting expecting a response. "Out" = done transmitting no response required
I would suggest correct VHF etiquette is to repeat usual messages only twice, !!
The use of "Groups of THREE " should only be used for a mayday or Pan calls ,.....
as other listeners to that radio signal from afar strength three and below possibly mistake for a Mayday mayday mayday.
It is like ......not using Ch16 for radio checks.
Monitoring CH16 it is annoying to have some plonker asking for a radio check giving his boats name three times, that could have several people listening thinking it is a mayday call. would you not agree???
Super Helpful, thank you
If we "key" the PTT button on and off then Coast Guead can triangulate the signal to find you. Not all coasties know about it though, so depends on who you ask. Imagine not being able to speak and how this could help :) I can't even count the numbe rof security calls I did while guiding in Maine. Also use to hail lots of of the nature cruise boats to let them know about wildlife. What a powerful tool. Getting ready to head to the San Juans Thursday until Sunday. Bring my VHF but hope I only need it to monitor the weather. Should be mid 60's and amazing! Nice vid :)
Kayak Life excellent addition - I had no idea about being able to use the button. Would you use it as Morse code? Or just a constant clicking on and off?
No on morse code. Just hit PTT on and off. They will get a clicking. They will try to figure out what it is. Had coasties confirm on both east and west coast. Better if we can get a verbal but keying is possible.
Kayak Life great to know. Although I wonder how they'd pin point location. I'll do some research as well.
Icom is also used in military... its a solid brand. Nice buy ;) I used the same for years.
KayakHipster they triangulate you via the towers by the signal. They have the technology and have had it for a long time. I have several close friends one of which was in the first rescue diver class. Its easier if they have multiple towers involved. It wont be precise they said but will put then in the area.
Great useful video!
Great video!
Great idea for a video. Thanks for putting it out, I shared it with my paddling friends.
say no to wet exits, i love it
Excellent vid
Felicitaciones muy buen video!
Marcelo Trotta muchas gracias!
Great information video. Sean (uk)
Thanks for your information I was fishing on the jetty the other day and fell and got stuck between some rocks I really could of used that radio can you recommend I radio that I could get for entry level Incase I ever get in a situation like that
If you on land then just use a cell phone...
Good video very informative.
A PLB would be helpful
Thanks for the great info 👍👍
Elliot Rutherford cheers! 👍
OK, so what if you have a small cruiser with NO name, how would you address yourself in an emergency???
Use a substitute name with description eg: "small cruiser" later you can describe the colours of the hull and cabin to help rescuers identify your craft. Some boats display a maker's name, my kayak was made be a company called "Elie" and this is printed on its hull so I could use that as a name.
Ian Hopcraft good to know... also, that makes me glad to have a Mariner kayak - that makes me Mariner 1 😆
Hi Luke,
So, does channel 16 work on any type of VHF Radio or just them types only that you did a video about?
I believe it should on any VHF radio - often times it’s an already set up memory channel. On mine without having stored anything new, it’ll cycle through to 16 each time around. Certainly test it out ahead of time if possible.
@@KayakHipster Hi Luke,
Thanks for the reply, it's just we are trying to find what type of radio to buy, just what we do is report any sightings to marine charities and whale and dolphin watching tour guides, so we need something that could help. We are waiting for your reply Luke!
The thing is, channel 16 should only be used for emergencies, so I don’t think it’d be the right way to broadcast marine life to other boats. For that I think one of the recreational channels would be the best bet.
DO NOT DICK ABOUT WITH VHF. It's not like CB radio. It's a vital safety system. If you don't use accepted VHF protocol in a sensible fashion you can be fined and radio confiscated. Practice with friends, get proficient as possible. In the UK you need VHF licence (but I've never heard of a sensible, responsible user being penalised for not having it. Also. Don't fasten ti to your vessel. Fasten it to YOU.
Do you need a ham license to talk on marine channels like this?
You need a marine VHF licence in the uk.
No HAM license needed. VHF is a different band.
You’re talking too fast buddy.
That’s kinda his thing; fast talking and tight cuts 😰
Good for talking to your friends on the water but GPS on a cell phone has put the VHF to bed very old tech now i under stand if you had a ship like a oil tanker or a cruise ship but great video !
Phil & Kyle yeah, sorry to tell you that it hasn't happened yet. We've had many cellphone deaths out on the water due to bad waterproof cases - so we still use our radios as our main communication. I don't think I'll be breaking out my cellphone anytime in the near future knowing I might have to be thrown around in waves and it might get wet. I can have my vhf radio submerged the entire day and still contact my buddies. Depends on the situation. For us it still works much better. Also, if a boat is bearing down on you which has happened to us many times, they'll hear a radio call. Cheers!
Not sure why GPS on a cell phone has anything to do with it. The great thing about vhf is that you "broadcast", anyone in range can hear you. This means that the local fishing boat can maybe come to your assistance or even that you in your kayak can assist - yes this has happened many times. With a GPS of any description you can give your location very accurately but that can be by cell phone or vhf. With the vhf you can have a group conversation, with both coastguard and air assets. A cell phone is like, well a phone, a vhf is like shouting to everyone in range so they all know whats going on. Also, if you ever paddle in high traffic areas near big ports with an active VTS (Vessel Traffic System) then you will be expected to carry VHF - and use it!
if you rely on your cell phone only, it can and will get you killed. radio is old school technology and is still around for a reason.
LOL; how far offshore do you think a cell signal carries? Is there continuous cell coverage along coastlines? What is the cell number of that boat bearing down on you, can you google it? Have you ever been outside of a city? Good god the earth is doomed!