Do you sail with the VHF on ? POLL

[LONG_KEELER]

Thought this might run alongside the radio checks thread.

Please vote for Main use of radio.

 

[ChromeDome]

Missing the option "Always"

 

[capnsensible]

In coastal waters and near offshore shipping lanes. Yes. Without fail.

Offshore, on sighting any other vessel.

 

[LONG_KEELER]

Missing the option "Always"

Whoops !
Thanks have amended.

 

[Robin]

Now we have a RAM and can easily and quikly silence repetetive DSC alarms from afar it stays on, before then it would go off after first screaming incursion.

 

[creeks]

You're also missing the option "Everywhere but the Solent"

 

[DJE]

Always - until I can't stand it any longer or when it would disrupt communication between crew on deck (eg when anchoring, mooring, etc). Embarrassed this summer when we switched it off as we anchored outside Dielette to wait for the tide, left it switched off, and later discovered that CROSS Joburg had been trying to contact us to help investigate a report of a missing kayak.

 

[Stemar]

Always - until I can't stand it any longer or when it would disrupt communication between crew on deck

That's pretty much my situation, but I haven't got one fitted to Jazzcat yet - it's on the list.

 

[ProDave]

Missing the option "when I remember to turn it on"

 

[Robin]

Missing the option "when I remember to turn it on"

with our RAM you can turn it on /off remotely. saves a trip down under.

 

[ashtead]

On but turned down in Solent unless listening to QHM . Crossing channel always some entertaining traffic from yachtsmen with the larger ships passes a few minutes of boredom we find but even so peace seems more disturbed by radio screeching sadly as each year passes.

 

[creeks]

On but turned down in Solent unless listening to QHM .

I rest my case.

 

[smithy]

I always keep it on but then there's not too much radio traffic here. A few years ago one of my crew took it upon himself to turn the VHF down without asking. Someone was thrown off a boat very close to us and I knew nothing about it until a helicopter appeared overhead. We probably could have picked the guy up and saved him a long time in cold water and an expensive helicopter call out.

 

[mrming]

I intend to have it on always, but sometimes forget. Also usually need to squelch it down a fair bit as the harsh noise of unclear signals cutting in freaks my kids out. ?

 

[langstonelayabout]

Always, until I switch it off after too many DSC alarms.

 

[Never Grumble]

Always, until I switch it off after too many DSC alarms.

I have trained my son to press the cancel button.

 

[LadyInBed]

I'm still on steam radio (no DSC). I turn on the HH when I feel the need.

 

[Plum]

Thought this might run alongside the radio checks thread.

Please vote for Main use of radio.

Thanks for setting up this poll. Very reassuring that so many are reporting "always".

www.solocoastalsailing.co.uk

 

[Elessar]

I responded to a nearby pan pan only a couple of weeks ago and took a distressed yacht under tow.

The story of the person in the water by smithy could have had a different outcome.

How many of the (in my opinion, selfish) people who don’t monitor their VHF have their radio fitted in the wrong place - ie down below?. I just don’t understand why some yachts still persist in fitting kit where you can’t use it from the helm.

 

[lustyd]

I have trained my son to press the cancel button.

Have you also trained him to turn it off when you receive a mayday? DSC is just a more efficient way to convey information, you’re still supposed to check the info and see if it’s near!