Kawasaki
Well-Known Member
Sometimes? /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif
Menai Strait Problems....Radio Checks and Wash
- Thread starter savageseadog
- Start date
Philiz
Well-Known Member
It would be interesting to hear the CG's views on radio checks. It was suggested to me some time ago that they encourage it as each one counts as a call and improves their statistics.
Kawasaki
Well-Known Member
Not heard that one.
Scuse, no pun intended.
If peeps want to keep the radio check call short.
'Holyhead Coastgaurd' etc.
'Radio check ' on 16.
No need to call and wait for the Coastgaurd to respond and tell the Station to go to the routine traffic channel.
That takes up more of their time.
Which might be better used for more important traffic.
'Over and out, Roger, Good Buddy, Convoy etc /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif
Scuse, no pun intended.
If peeps want to keep the radio check call short.
'Holyhead Coastgaurd' etc.
'Radio check ' on 16.
No need to call and wait for the Coastgaurd to respond and tell the Station to go to the routine traffic channel.
That takes up more of their time.
Which might be better used for more important traffic.
'Over and out, Roger, Good Buddy, Convoy etc /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif
savageseadog
Well-Known Member
[ QUOTE ]
It would be interesting to hear the CG's views on radio checks. It was suggested to me some time ago that they encourage it as each one counts as a call and improves their statistics.
[/ QUOTE ]I am certain that is the case, but I don't think we should be encouraging the evil empire. The CG will come up with statistics showing that we are costing them x millions of pounds a year, you can be sure that extra taxation of some kind will follow. They are waiting to control us all and will only be too glad when it's handed onto them on a plate. If we want to lose the freedom of our sport then, unfortunately many of us will only have ourselves to blame. What I don't understand is the culture of dependence, self reliance is what the sport is all about surely?
It would be interesting to hear the CG's views on radio checks. It was suggested to me some time ago that they encourage it as each one counts as a call and improves their statistics.
[/ QUOTE ]I am certain that is the case, but I don't think we should be encouraging the evil empire. The CG will come up with statistics showing that we are costing them x millions of pounds a year, you can be sure that extra taxation of some kind will follow. They are waiting to control us all and will only be too glad when it's handed onto them on a plate. If we want to lose the freedom of our sport then, unfortunately many of us will only have ourselves to blame. What I don't understand is the culture of dependence, self reliance is what the sport is all about surely?
jb2008
Well-Known Member
It's probably people who do most of their sailing on flots. (as I have). On flots they make you check in every morning because they're paranoid about losing people.
I guess it sticks for some people...
I guess it sticks for some people...
doug748
Well-Known Member
Well thank God nobody is telling people to pester the Coastguard.
I have a theory that it is a self perpetuating verbal folk relic of the playground variety, and far from dying out we are stuck with it.
I have a theory that it is a self perpetuating verbal folk relic of the playground variety, and far from dying out we are stuck with it.
Midlands_Sailor
New Member
The few times I've picked up a buoy at Beaumaris I have been annoyed at the amount of Mobos passing with a large wash coming my way. They appear to be doing in the region of 10 - 15 knots. Both times I have thought "either go dead slow so no wash, or get up on the plane so your wash is reduced".
On the point of radio checks, this annoys me too when you hear the same boat calling every weekend and requesting one.
I have done one radio check this year, and it went like this.... "Any vessel, Any vessel, Any vessel, this is "my boat name" "my boat name" requesting radio check, over".
Worked for me and didnt involve the coast guard. Was conducted on Ch16.
On the point of radio checks, this annoys me too when you hear the same boat calling every weekend and requesting one.
I have done one radio check this year, and it went like this.... "Any vessel, Any vessel, Any vessel, this is "my boat name" "my boat name" requesting radio check, over".
Worked for me and didnt involve the coast guard. Was conducted on Ch16.
fireball
Well-Known Member
[ QUOTE ]
I have done one radio check this year, and it went like this.... "Any vessel, Any vessel, Any vessel, this is "my boat name" "my boat name" requesting radio check, over".
Worked for me and didnt involve the coast guard.
[/ QUOTE ]
But - this isn't testing your kit really - unless you establish how far the respondent is... - as I said above - testing with the marina base when you're in the marina is pointless - your antenna or connections could be shot and you'd still be heard - you need to transmit to some distance away - certainly if you've made or changed the connections..
I have done one radio check this year, and it went like this.... "Any vessel, Any vessel, Any vessel, this is "my boat name" "my boat name" requesting radio check, over".
Worked for me and didnt involve the coast guard.
[/ QUOTE ]
But - this isn't testing your kit really - unless you establish how far the respondent is... - as I said above - testing with the marina base when you're in the marina is pointless - your antenna or connections could be shot and you'd still be heard - you need to transmit to some distance away - certainly if you've made or changed the connections..
Midlands_Sailor
New Member
That is true, however I did know the location of the boat that responded.
IF I didnt know, I would have asked on a return transmission.
Only time I ever bother the coastguard is to inform them of departure / arrival after a passage. I dont like to bother them too much as they always busy responding to radio checks /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif
IF I didnt know, I would have asked on a return transmission.
Only time I ever bother the coastguard is to inform them of departure / arrival after a passage. I dont like to bother them too much as they always busy responding to radio checks /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif
fireball
Well-Known Member
[ QUOTE ]
I dont like to bother them too much as they always busy responding to radio checks
[/ QUOTE ]
That's why I wait till week day evenings when they're not so busy - got to keep their hand in ready for the weekend onslaught!!
Isn't it about time we had an automated check system - it can't be difficult with all the DSC systems - trigger the test button - it sends your DSC number to the test station which responds with a timeslot - during the timeslot it sends an audio blast which is measured by the test station and results sent back to the DSC set as a txt response ....
All automated and could be funded by our VHF licence fee .... oh ... doh! /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif
I dont like to bother them too much as they always busy responding to radio checks
[/ QUOTE ]
That's why I wait till week day evenings when they're not so busy - got to keep their hand in ready for the weekend onslaught!!
Isn't it about time we had an automated check system - it can't be difficult with all the DSC systems - trigger the test button - it sends your DSC number to the test station which responds with a timeslot - during the timeslot it sends an audio blast which is measured by the test station and results sent back to the DSC set as a txt response ....
All automated and could be funded by our VHF licence fee .... oh ... doh! /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif
Midlands_Sailor
New Member
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
I dont like to bother them too much as they always busy responding to radio checks
[/ QUOTE ]
That's why I wait till week day evenings when they're not so busy - got to keep their hand in ready for the weekend onslaught!!
Isn't it about time we had an automated check system - it can't be difficult with all the DSC systems - trigger the test button - it sends your DSC number to the test station which responds with a timeslot - during the timeslot it sends an audio blast which is measured by the test station and results sent back to the DSC set as a txt response ....
All automated and could be funded by our VHF licence fee .... oh ... doh! /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif
[/ QUOTE ]
That is a great idea, and surely the technology must be available for it to be done. Providing the systems dont crash etc.
It would make sense to fund via our license fee's etc but that would mean everyone having to have a license - dont get me started on that one /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif
[ QUOTE ]
I dont like to bother them too much as they always busy responding to radio checks
[/ QUOTE ]
That's why I wait till week day evenings when they're not so busy - got to keep their hand in ready for the weekend onslaught!!
Isn't it about time we had an automated check system - it can't be difficult with all the DSC systems - trigger the test button - it sends your DSC number to the test station which responds with a timeslot - during the timeslot it sends an audio blast which is measured by the test station and results sent back to the DSC set as a txt response ....
All automated and could be funded by our VHF licence fee .... oh ... doh! /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif
[/ QUOTE ]
That is a great idea, and surely the technology must be available for it to be done. Providing the systems dont crash etc.
It would make sense to fund via our license fee's etc but that would mean everyone having to have a license - dont get me started on that one /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif
Kawasaki
Well-Known Member
When We do a night excersice on the Straits (RYA Advanced Powerboat Course) for instance.
I phone, yes phone, to alert the Coastgaurd that there will be a boat about the place in the dark. When we are going afloat and when we intend to return
Maybe 3 hours ish before we launch.
Therefore the Coastgaurd staff know there will be a boat zig zagging all over the place.
People shorebased ( maybe non boaty residents) might alert the Coastgaurd ref strange lights and stuff, so the Coastgaurd will have an idea whats going on , or if there is a prob He knows we are in the vicinity.
Phoning does not clog up the system.
The Coastgaurd can answer when He is ready as it were.
Oh yes!
I phone later to tell Him/ Them We are ashore /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif
I phone, yes phone, to alert the Coastgaurd that there will be a boat about the place in the dark. When we are going afloat and when we intend to return
Maybe 3 hours ish before we launch.
Therefore the Coastgaurd staff know there will be a boat zig zagging all over the place.
People shorebased ( maybe non boaty residents) might alert the Coastgaurd ref strange lights and stuff, so the Coastgaurd will have an idea whats going on , or if there is a prob He knows we are in the vicinity.
Phoning does not clog up the system.
The Coastgaurd can answer when He is ready as it were.
Oh yes!
I phone later to tell Him/ Them We are ashore /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif
ShipsWoofy
Well-Known Member
That's daft, you have described traffic which is why we carry VHF... By calling on the VHF it also allows the rest of us to be aware of a potential hazard.
alan_d
Well-Known Member
[ QUOTE ]
By calling on the VHF it also allows the rest of us to be aware of a potential hazard.
[/ QUOTE ]
How would that work? Vessel calls CG on 16 with routine traffic, CG nominates a working channel. Surely you wouldn't evesdrop?
By calling on the VHF it also allows the rest of us to be aware of a potential hazard.
[/ QUOTE ]
How would that work? Vessel calls CG on 16 with routine traffic, CG nominates a working channel. Surely you wouldn't evesdrop?
ShipsWoofy
Well-Known Member
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
By calling on the VHF it also allows the rest of us to be aware of a potential hazard.
[/ QUOTE ]
How would that work? Vessel calls CG on 16 with routine traffic, CG nominates a working channel. Surely you wouldn't evesdrop?
[/ QUOTE ]
Huh?
no really, huh?
[ QUOTE ]
By calling on the VHF it also allows the rest of us to be aware of a potential hazard.
[/ QUOTE ]
How would that work? Vessel calls CG on 16 with routine traffic, CG nominates a working channel. Surely you wouldn't evesdrop?
[/ QUOTE ]
Huh?
no really, huh?
Danny Jo
Well-Known Member
[ QUOTE ]
The other week I was tied up at the pier and some clown in a 40ft mobo passes the end of the pier at 30-40mph. The wash had to be seen to be believed and sent us and a number of other boats crashing around and into the pier. Unfortunately it's not just one a day, it's over and over again. I would say the majority are from Conwy by the way.
[/ QUOTE ] I launch my dinghy at Menai Bridge slip to travel to Freestyle's mooring about a mile Northeast. Over the last 3 years I have once just missed, by stepping ashore seconds earlier, being caught by the wash of a big mobo. I have also overheard the marine sciences vessel, the valiant Prince Madog, getting a earful for upsetting some poor yachties teacup.
I have much more of a problem with common-or-garden waves created by the wind and tide.
This year Freestyle was launched in something of a hurry on Friday, it being the last day for over three weeks when is there enough water. Owing to a problem with the crane, the mast was raised only a couple of hours before the launch, so I spent today on the mooring reconnecting instruments in a saloon that looks like a hurricane victim.
Mobo wash Er, yes, quite a bit actually, it being a Sunday, but I wasn't sure that motoring raggies weren't responsible for as much. Neither bothered me as much as the northeasterly wind that fetched up a lovely chop once the tide had covered the Lavan sands. I was obliged to reach for the crystallized ginger. Fortunately the mooring is out of the main stream where wind against tide was raising small breakers. Two or three dozen jet skis went past at full speed but caused me no bother at all, unless you count perplexity at such futility.
Radio checks Owing to a corroded plug, the soldering iron took some time to get started, so it was midday before I had the VHF working. The thought of doing a radio check crossed my mind just before I heard yacht X requesting one from Holyhead. I switched to low power and tried calling yacht X on 16. Zilch, although my call was followed immediately by another from fishing vessel Y asking whether "Freezer, freezer, are you on channel 16". I heard only one or two other requests for radio checks over the next four hours. This may not be representative of the overall frequency of radio check requests, because it was clear that both Holyhead and Liverpool were preoccupied with casualty investigation and recovery, and the odd routine traffic request was getting short shrift.
If you've read this far, you'll have gathered that I don't think the situation in the Menai Strait is as bad as is made out in this thread.
(The grammatical question is interesting - there is of course only one Menai Strait, although it is sometimes referred to as "the Straits". If using the latter term in a sentence they sound best if treated as plural.)
The other week I was tied up at the pier and some clown in a 40ft mobo passes the end of the pier at 30-40mph. The wash had to be seen to be believed and sent us and a number of other boats crashing around and into the pier. Unfortunately it's not just one a day, it's over and over again. I would say the majority are from Conwy by the way.
[/ QUOTE ] I launch my dinghy at Menai Bridge slip to travel to Freestyle's mooring about a mile Northeast. Over the last 3 years I have once just missed, by stepping ashore seconds earlier, being caught by the wash of a big mobo. I have also overheard the marine sciences vessel, the valiant Prince Madog, getting a earful for upsetting some poor yachties teacup.
I have much more of a problem with common-or-garden waves created by the wind and tide.
This year Freestyle was launched in something of a hurry on Friday, it being the last day for over three weeks when is there enough water. Owing to a problem with the crane, the mast was raised only a couple of hours before the launch, so I spent today on the mooring reconnecting instruments in a saloon that looks like a hurricane victim.
Mobo wash Er, yes, quite a bit actually, it being a Sunday, but I wasn't sure that motoring raggies weren't responsible for as much. Neither bothered me as much as the northeasterly wind that fetched up a lovely chop once the tide had covered the Lavan sands. I was obliged to reach for the crystallized ginger. Fortunately the mooring is out of the main stream where wind against tide was raising small breakers. Two or three dozen jet skis went past at full speed but caused me no bother at all, unless you count perplexity at such futility.
Radio checks Owing to a corroded plug, the soldering iron took some time to get started, so it was midday before I had the VHF working. The thought of doing a radio check crossed my mind just before I heard yacht X requesting one from Holyhead. I switched to low power and tried calling yacht X on 16. Zilch, although my call was followed immediately by another from fishing vessel Y asking whether "Freezer, freezer, are you on channel 16". I heard only one or two other requests for radio checks over the next four hours. This may not be representative of the overall frequency of radio check requests, because it was clear that both Holyhead and Liverpool were preoccupied with casualty investigation and recovery, and the odd routine traffic request was getting short shrift.
If you've read this far, you'll have gathered that I don't think the situation in the Menai Strait is as bad as is made out in this thread.
(The grammatical question is interesting - there is of course only one Menai Strait, although it is sometimes referred to as "the Straits". If using the latter term in a sentence they sound best if treated as plural.)
wotayottie
Well-Known Member
[ QUOTE ]
Sorry, I still see no justification. Perhaps we should call NASA and ask if GPS is working and so on. I just don't see how we can continue to expect HM coastguard to pander to our whims.Let's face it we're just fooling about in boats for our own amusement, do we ring the police up and ask if it's OK to drive our cars? Why involve the authorities? I'm embarrassed for our sport. DSC has buggered up VHF to some extent anyway.
[/ QUOTE ]
the answer is that we pay them and are entitled to some service from public servants. not that many of them see it that way.
personally I dont do radio checks but then I never do mob practice either. bit of a chancer which is not really sensible to be honest.
as for cars - totally different. car fails, you stop at the side of the road. car gets annual safety check (MOT) and your boat? cars arent in the same salty environment. cars arent usually more than 7 or 8 years old. cars are mass produced to way higher quality stndards than boats. silly comparison really.
Sorry, I still see no justification. Perhaps we should call NASA and ask if GPS is working and so on. I just don't see how we can continue to expect HM coastguard to pander to our whims.Let's face it we're just fooling about in boats for our own amusement, do we ring the police up and ask if it's OK to drive our cars? Why involve the authorities? I'm embarrassed for our sport. DSC has buggered up VHF to some extent anyway.
[/ QUOTE ]
the answer is that we pay them and are entitled to some service from public servants. not that many of them see it that way.
personally I dont do radio checks but then I never do mob practice either. bit of a chancer which is not really sensible to be honest.
as for cars - totally different. car fails, you stop at the side of the road. car gets annual safety check (MOT) and your boat? cars arent in the same salty environment. cars arent usually more than 7 or 8 years old. cars are mass produced to way higher quality stndards than boats. silly comparison really.
Dave_Seager
Well-Known Member
I see that South Cumbria Coastguard specifically recommend doing a radio check with the Coastguard on their site.
That said, I have never done a radio check with the Coastguard as we usually cruise in company with other boats fom our club.
That said, I have never done a radio check with the Coastguard as we usually cruise in company with other boats fom our club.
salamicollie
Well-Known Member
Well as Holyhead and Liverpool use Duplex Channels for working, you can only hear the coastguard transmission ... so it wont do you much good unlees you have a set programmed with the reversed frequencies.