Upper Thames VHF channel 6

[Rover1]

While cruising up stream from Reading to Oxford I was pleasantly surprised when monitoring channel 6 , I heard a station put out a call to all stations announcing that a lock was not powered at that time.

This was very helpful as I was travelling alone and could plan for this.

So a big thank you to the boat owner for doing this, as a result, I will do the same next time I come across an issue that may have an impact on passage and hope others who are equipped with marine VHF may consider doing the same as it was good to know in advance, I never passed the boat they put the call out, so he was ahead of me travelling in the same direction, so would not have had an opportunity to tell me when passing.

I always thought there was no activity on VHF inland, but it appears not, if we all do this, it may be more useful.

 

[Northern Star]

Breaker breaker 1-4 for a Coffee ???

 

[TrueBlue]

Most unusual - if not unique...
I fitted VHF to our boat many hears ago and apart from getting a reprimand from London VHF, I never had a peep from any one from the tideawy or uppwards. EA stopped unsingVHF at the locks aeons ago, and launches not long therafter...

 

[Scapegoat]

While cruising up stream from Reading to Oxford I was pleasantly surprised when monitoring channel 6 , I heard a station put out a call to all stations announcing that a lock was not powered at that time.

This was very helpful as I was travelling alone and could plan for this.

So a big thank you to the boat owner for doing this, as a result, I will do the same next time I come across an issue that may have an impact on passage and hope others who are equipped with marine VHF may consider doing the same as it was good to know in advance, I never passed the boat they put the call out, so he was ahead of me travelling in the same direction, so would not have had an opportunity to tell me when passing.

I always thought there was no activity on VHF inland, but it appears not, if we all do this, it may be more useful.

Think you may have caught a transmission from a TWYC boat on the annual upriver cruise. Do agree that using VHF for service info is very helpful - kind of like Waze for boats

 

[oldgit]

A unofficial commonly recognised channel for a "non tidal" inter-ship would be good idea ? IMHO.
It could help prevent confusion of another vessels intentions considerably or will it just add to it ?
Also useful for finding out about how big the que for water is a lock or two away.

 

[The Glassman]

A unofficial commonly recognised channel for a "non tidal" inter-ship would be good idea ? IMHO.
It could help prevent confusion of another vessels intentions considerably or will it just add to it ?
Also useful for finding out about how big the que for water is a lock or two away.

A very good suggestion,, OG, although only a few would be using it, still potentially valuable. And, if made public, might even actually be used more!
When on a Club Cruise, the leader designates a channel for inter boat comms. Always fun - and good practice too.
WatsApp doesn't cut it at sea or on the tideway.

 

[SandyP]

As most inlanders don't have vhf, pmr can also be helpful for sorting out lock problems

Yes, of like people to use radio comms more often, farmers use cb more than boaters use radio!
Sometimes i have all 3 on

 

[oldgit]

......some sort of promotion by a well regarded thames boaters organisation and window sticker ?

 

[Portland Billy]

I shall monitor ch6 from now on.

 

[oldgit]

I shall monitor ch6 from now on.

got to worth a try ?

 

[Rover1]

Thanks for the replies, I know the locks used to have their own radio network that is no longer in use, was not aware of them using marine radio.
AIS works south of Oxford now, if you have it, you can be seen on Marinetraffic.com

Hope to hear some others using the radio, it is good to get some practice when in land.

 

[[2574]]

Is channel 6 a recognised river boat channel? It’s ch16 at sea then switch to a working channel. No point listening to ch6 at sea.

 

[Portland Billy]

Ch 6 at sea was generally used for inter ship chat, but could get rather clogged in certain areas.
However the Thames should be far enough remote and so long as punters don't use it like a mobile phone and stick to Thames related matters it could be an asset.

 

[Northern Star]

Ch 6 is marked as SAFETY on my handset so is it designated for emergency use only?

 

[Rover1]

Ch 6 is marked as SAFETY on my handset so is it designated for emergency use only?

Hi, when at sea, channel 6 is intended for inter ship use and for navigational information, so you may call another craft and agree to pass green to green as opposed to red to red for example or ask for someone to slow down to avoid collisions.
Although this is possible on non tidal rivers, it is an un likely requirement.

I guess the knowledge of a broken lock or tree fallen into the river is a safety announcement, the transmissions are un likely to affect tidal or sea going traffic due to the distances involved.

I hope this may help.

 

[Northern Star]

Thanks for the info Rover 1 it is much appreciated.

 

[Bilgediver]

Is channel 6 a recognised river boat channel? It’s ch16 at sea then switch to a working channel. No point listening to ch6 at sea.

It is just one of a few working channels. I think inland waterways folk use 74 to call and then go to an agreed working channel as in many places74 is listened to as it is the channel you will be called on by the authorities. and lock and bridge operators. It appears that on the day the OP heard traffic on CH 6 it was probably an interclub communication while on a cruise using their chosen channel.

 

[Whitlock]

As you will all know, having obtained your marine vhf operators's licence, it is forbidden to broadcast on any channel unless a mayday, pan pan or securite message. I doubt that an unpowered lock qualifies however useful the message.

 

[Northern Star]

Meanwhile back in 1958 and I am sure Ofcom will be on you like a ton of sticklebricks.

Why bother with old skool VHF on the upper Thames when you can get a private business radio licence and get plenty of VHF and UHF channels to use alongside all the lower power free ones with a nice waterproof Baofeng UV-9r plus from e-bay that can even monitor the Sea channels too: Baofeng UV-9R Plus IP67 Waterproof UHF/VHF Walkie Talkie Two Way Radio +Earpiece | eBay

 

[Portland Billy]

Not sure what Whitlock is inferring - VHF working channels do not necessarily need the categories he mentions.
Teddingtown - does the Baofeng actually monitor and transmit on the marine channels?
If so then it's a bargain !