Radio check...

MystyBlue2

MystyBlue2

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Hi folks maybe a bit of a daft question but as far as i am aware it is frowned upon to radio check the CG on channel 16 and wherever possible a radio check should be done between vessels or a marina etc to keep 16 clear.

Now what happens if i dont have a local marina to ask or dont know the name of any other vessels out on that day?

Would seem pretty pointless task to call out "rubber ducky" on 16, Initiate contact and then move to a working channel to then ask him/her for a RC. It would be quicker to just ask the CG on 16

im sorry if this seems like a dumb question but i obviously want to keep things legal and disciplined.

So who and how would i get around this as my local harbour is un-manned and i dont go out with any other boaters nor do i know any other boaters in that area to call on?

Cheers. (y)
 
Closest NCI to me is in yorkshire about 100mile from me and just been on the link above and their station has a VHF horizon of 8NM.

so that looks like it wont cover where i launch...
 
The bonus of doing the check on 16 is that you know that ch16 works. All very well checking a random working channel, but that's not the one you'll use in anger. It's not impossible to have issues with single channels, although less likely with digital sets. It also checks the kit at reasonable range, rather than from the pontoon to the office.
 
Yeah I've just rang the CG on a non urgent phone number and he said it is perfectly acceptable to RC the CG on 16 aslong it is brief and to the point.

Lots of people winging online about it and its not always possible to transmit between vessels on a agreed channel to keep 16 clear.

I thought i was being "Another idiot" however it turns out im not.

Thanks for commenting folks (y)
 
depend how busy you local station is I guess.

Solent coastguard monitor Channel 67 as a small craft channel for radio checks etc....

If they didn’t......you’d hear nothing else on 16!

I’ll never forgot a hooray announcing his arrival at Cowes Haven on 16 during Cowes Week. He was told to change channel but tried to insist the CG find out which berth he is on ???
 
Well i am a true believer of ignorance is bliss untill it bites you right in the chuff so when i go out i keep it standard practice to perform a radio check on every trip out to make sure im firstly, Within range (if i need assistance) And Secondly to make sure its transmitting correctly.

As i dont keep my radio permanently wired up and connected something as simple as a broken/intermittent wire problem could cost me dearly.

Knowing my luck the one time i overlook a RC will be the time that somethings happened and cant make that important transmission.

I dont take any chances. Maybe overkill to most, But puts my mind at rest.
 
Dan208 said:
Yeah I've just rang the CG on a non urgent phone number and he said it is perfectly acceptable to RC the CG on 16 aslong it is brief and to the point.

Lots of people winging online about it and its not always possible to transmit between vessels on a agreed channel to keep 16 clear.

I thought i was being "Another idiot" however it turns out im not.

Thanks for commenting folks (y)
Click to expand...

As dan208 says, outside the Solent (and provided not working a Silence Mayday), the Coast Guard seem very happy to respond to a friendly request for a brief radio check. CG honcho also seemed relaxed about this.
 
I tend to radio check once a season, start of season, normally whilst on an evening of boat pottering, on 16, and am unfailing polite to Solent CG, “Pre season radio check please Sir”, with an equally polite response back.

i.e. pick your time, be polite and all is well :)
 
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