Radio call signs

[l'escargot]

I've never heard anyone using a call sign, only the owner knows what it is, we know other boats by their names. The only time I was asked for a call sign was when I asked for a SSB radio check from Thames coastguard.

The owner should at least have the call sign posted near the radio as it should be included in a mayday (and the MMSI if a DSC radio) . The call sign is unique, whereas the name may not be.

 

[NormanS]

The UK coastguard will make telephone calls on your behalf if it is in the interests of safety.

The UK Coastguard will still connect you through by VHF, to a doctor if required.

We used to use our Callsign to make phone calls through Coast Radio Stations. I was always bemused as to why the authorities felt that they had to issue MMSI numbers, when we already had unique Callsigns. You had some chance of remembering your Callsign, but your MMSI number?

 

[rob2]

It does seem strange that we have two unique identifiers doesn't it? Of course if you call the CG using their MMSI number, then they won't need to ask for your callsign. A call originated on Ch16 or 67 may be from a non-DSC radio, so the callsign is the universal answer to unique identification. I wonder what CG procedure is when the calling station cannot give a callsign - presumably not having a ship's licence? - and there are quite a number of those about!

Rob.

 

[johnalison]

I think it was a sad day when we lost our Link Calls because they were such fun. You had to call the coast station with a call lasting about ten seconds to make the automatic system notice you and then go through the farrago of negotiating with a human voice. If your shore contact replied, it was likely that they had never used a simplex channel before and had to be taught to say "over" before expecting a reply.

My brother was delighted to receive a call from me once, since he had dinner-guests and was able to tell them he was talking to his brother on his "yacht", all 29 ft of it.

There was also the joy of beng able to listen in to other people's private conversations.

 

[Koeketiene]

Can anyone tell me whether similar facilities are available in the UK ?

IIRC Oostende Radio still offers this facility on VHF/MF/HF.
Though I must admit it's been some years since I used it.

 

[Stemar]

My brother ... was able to tell them he was talking to his brother on his "yacht", all 29 ft of it.

SWMBO used to tutor French and had a rather snooty parent tell her that they'd been to the south of France for the weekend, "And what did you do?" "Oh, I spent the weekend with my husband on his yacht in the Solent."

The parent was a lot less snooty after that. No need to mention that the yacht was a rather scruffy Snapdragon 24 of 1970 vintage and feeling its years.

 

[Beadle]

The main use of callsign rather than the boat name was in the days before boats had SSB radio and for any calls beyond VHF range had the be CW (Morse). A 3 or 4 character callsign was quicker and easier to send and read than having to send the full name of the vessel.

 

[david_bagshaw]

Well if you think mobile roaming was expensive, link calls from the netherlands to uk were eye wateringly expensive, about 15 pounds a min min charge 3 mins!!! (late 80s)