Radio checks in the Solent

[henryf]

Poor old Solent Coastguard. The more they keep asking people to use CH65 for radio checks the faster someone comes on CH16 asking them for one!

If you need a radio check select CH 65 and call up the National Coastwatch Institute call sign NCI.

Not only will they respond (possibly a couple of stations) but you will know which station responded allowing you to assess just how good your radio equipment is or isn’t. With Solent coastguard you have no idea which aerial they are using.

Henry

 

[jon and michie]

Poor old Solent Coastguard. The more they keep asking people to use CH65 for radio checks the faster someone comes on CH16 asking them for one!

If you need a radio check select CH 65 and call up the National Coastwatch Institute call sign NCI.

Not only will they respond (possibly a couple of stations) but you will know which station responded allowing you to assess just how good your radio equipment is or isn’t. With Solent coastguard you have no idea which aerial they are using.

Henry

I have never used ch16 for a radio check but am I correct in thinking the NCI will respond anywhere in the UK not just the Solent ?

 

[Jamie Dundee]

I have never used ch16 for a radio check but am I correct in thinking the NCI will respond anywhere in the UK not just the Solent ?

Yes, if you have a station near you. My nearest is ~65nm away, not managed to raise them yet

 

[hullabaloo]

Poor old Solent Coastguard. The more they keep asking people to use CH65 for radio checks the faster someone comes on CH16 asking them for one!

If you need a radio check select CH 65 and call up the National Coastwatch Institute call sign NCI.

Not only will they respond (possibly a couple of stations) but you will know which station responded allowing you to assess just how good your radio equipment is or isn’t. With Solent coastguard you have no idea which aerial they are using.

Henry

I do agree,
But I also think the coastguard (not just Solent) should say; try the NCi on CH65 next time,
then all on CH16 will might eventually get the message.

 

[mm42]

Why is it the likelihood of a radio check on 16 is inversely proportional to the skill of the operator?

You never hear a radio check done professionally in the correct manner.

 

[franksingleton]

The Solent may be bad but France, St Malo west and south is far worse. If I had a penny or even a cent for every “Fort et Clair,” that I have heard. I would be rich. We check our radio with the handheld - on Ch 15.

 

[INT QRK]

Why is it the likelihood of a radio check on 16 is inversely proportional to the skill of the operator?

You never hear a radio check done professionally in the correct manner.

Go on then, tell us how it should be done.

 

[ari]

I think they're done by people with fantasies about being an aircraft pilot, trying to impress those on board by 'requesting clearance from the tower'.

 

[Hunterlees]

Yes, if you have a station near you. My nearest is ~65nm away, not managed to raise them yet

View attachment 119613

Since when did that map represent “around the British Isles” ?

 

[INT QRK]

Why is it the likelihood of a radio check on 16 is inversely proportional to the skill of the operator?

You never hear a radio check done professionally in the correct manner.

Go on then, tell us how it should be done.

Nothing heard

 

[Jamie Dundee]

Since when did that map represent “around the British Isles” ?

Take it up with NCI, you’ll find them on 65

 

[penberth3]

Since when did that map represent “around the British Isles” ?

Er, it's showing NCI Stations. What is the point of showing the bits that don't have a station? Read the caption, it's perfectly clear.

 

[colhel]

I don't think I've heard the coastguard ask a radio checker to use 65. I thought 67 for routine traffic was encouraged. Not so much now, but when we had a sailing boat, the constant request for radio checks would cause me to turn the VHF off, which kinda defeats the object.

 

[ST840]

I always use ch67 for my radio check. Never been asked not to.

 

[franksingleton]

It just seems considerate not to deflect CGs from more important duties. Why not use your or another marina or another yacht that you know. Better still, if you have a handheld as well, use your own radios. Hit transmit and, if they are close, you will get the audio feedback whine. But, realistically, how often need you check that you are transmitting? Once or twice a season? I recollect sailing in the Solent, hearing Yuppies talking on the radio in the evening discussing where to eat and, the next day, hearing the same idiots calling for radio checks.

 

[MRC]

We generally use ch80 as our check when calling into a marina for a berth. If the marina replies with a berth for the night it generally means the radio is working

 

[henryf]

In the Solent you hear radio checks moments after a Pan Pan or Mayday has been announced.

The NCI is a voluntary organisation who would appear to actively welcome radio checks.

As mentioned in the Opening post I like the fact you get a geographical location from the response allowing a worthwhile and meaningful assessment.

 

[AndieMac]

………….The NCI is a voluntary organisation who would appear to actively welcome radio checks.

It seems any volunteer marine rescue groups appreciate and encourage radio contact, I guess besides educating the public to become used to using their marine radio’s, it makes the operator’s day pass more quickly. I can image how hectic the Solent radio channels must be, given the boating intensity of the area!

 

[colhel]

Go on then, tell us how it should be done.

Some people don't talk poshly enough. Most do