VHF channel 0

[Billjratt]

Cannel 0 can be ( and probably is) listened to by anybody with appropriate receiving equipment - just try and imagine the number of scanners, aircraft banders, ham gear etc. that have been sold, My vhf has it, but i recognise the restrictions we are (all) held to and cannot discuss ANYTHING I have heard. That is true, as far as I am aware, for all non-commercial broadcast traffic "overheard". (including YOUR telephone if you have a cord-free in the house)....be warned

 

[PilotWolf]

[ QUOTE ]
I don't quite understand all this.
If there is someone at sea 'in grave and imminent danger' then yes, it's highly likely that the CG MRCC will do a Ch16 appeal for anyone in the area in case there is someone close to the casualty who can assist, and possibly save life, before the RNLI or CG arrive.
But the vast majority of callouts do not involve 'grave and imminent danger', and do not require anyone else to be bothered with a request to help. The CG will just quietly get on with whatever resources have been assigned to the task - lifeboat, helo, coast rescue team or whatever. If they want more help, they'll ask. Otherwise, everything just happens, coordinated on Ch 0, where the CG know who's entitled to use it, and where they know that those people understand the SAR task and can be trusted to get on with it.
Incidentally, because we're aware of the earwigging that goes on, sensitive stuff will almost always be done on the phone these days. Last thing you need if you have just located a body, for instance, is scanner-man and perhaps local press all over you like a rash.

[/ QUOTE ]

Solent CG regularly ask on Ch16 if anyone can assist with tows etc., before tasking the rescue services.

W.

 

[Capn Pugwash]

..and of course there is always the CG choice to issue "Seelonce Mayday " /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[JonBrooks]

Ok.

Ch 0 is a HMGC "Private Channel"
I kinda guess the clue is in the title.

As someone who uses Ch 0 on a ragular basis it would be of no help to other parties in a rescue sittutaion.
It is there for the Coastguard to communicate with and control its "trained" resources on a channel that is free of all other users.

As stated Ch67 would be used if the Coastguard need comms or help with other vessels.
They use Ch67 very well in thoses cases.

Would haveing access to the police or ambulance bands help you to offer better help if you came across a road traffic crash?
No I think maybe not.

I would also point out it is a criminal offence to listen to any transmission you are not licensed for and only the HMCG, RNLI and other approved agencies are allowed for CH0.

Cheers

Jon

 

[JonBrooks]

[ QUOTE ]
Cannel 0 can be ( and probably is) listened to by anybody with appropriate receiving equipment - just try and imagine the number of scanners, aircraft banders, ham gear etc. that have been sold, My vhf has it, but i recognise the restrictions we are (all) held to and cannot discuss ANYTHING I have heard. That is true, as far as I am aware, for all non-commercial broadcast traffic "overheard". (including YOUR telephone if you have a cord-free in the house)....be warned

[/ QUOTE ]

This is very wrong and an old wives tale.

You CAN NOT listen to anything you are not licensed for.
Whilst the scanner can tune to many things it does NOT make it legal to listen to them.

There is very good info on this on the Ofcom website under scanners.

Cheers

 

[Twister_Ken]

Jon,

Appreciate what you're saying, but that's a bit like saying chart plotters are not to be used for navigation; which is also true, according to the book of words.

 

[cliff]

[ QUOTE ]
I would also point out it is a criminal offence to listen to any transmission you are not licensed for

[/ QUOTE ] Where, pray tell, is this edict actually written?
--------------------

"Artificial intelligence is no match for natural stupidity"
sailroom <span style="color:red">The place to auction your previously loved boatie bits</span>

 

[JonBrooks]

Call Ofcom Ask for Joe Darrel and he will point you in the direction!!!!!

Don't shoot the messenger if you don't like the news!

"Section 49(1), (2) and (3) of the Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006 makes it an offence if a person "otherwise than under the authority of a designated person", either:

"(i) uses any wireless telegraphy apparatus with intent to obtain information as to the contents, sender or addressee of any message whether sent by means of wireless telegraphy or not, of which neither the person using the apparatus nor a person on whose behalf he is acting is an intended recipient"
This means that it is illegal to listen to anything other than general reception transmissions unless you are either a licensed user of the frequencies in question or have been specifically authorised to do so by a designated person. A designated person means:"

Taken from Ofcom's website

 

[JonBrooks]

Ken,

All I am trying to do is advise of the right information rather than hear say and old wives tales.

Hopefully stop someone making a big mistake based on miss information.

Cheers

 

[wotayottie]

Its not that old a wives tale Jon - that used to be the situation before the govt changed the rules and it was why radar detectors were legal.

Mind you isnt this silly law a great example of the way things happen in the UK. Govt passes a law which is unenforceable in practise and exempts itself from it! Note, the Inland Revenue / Customs dont need permission to eavesdrop.

Presumably those Yaesu dealers who used to "all band" ham radios they sell will no longer do so now?

 

[JonBrooks]

[ QUOTE ]
Its not that old a wives tale Jon - that used to be the situation before the govt changed the rules and it was why radar detectors were legal.

Jon Brooks said:- it is not the case now and if people are telling others that it is the case then it could be considered an old wives tale and or miss information IMHO

Mind you isnt this silly law a great example of the way things happen in the UK. Govt passes a law which is unenforceable in practise and exempts itself from it! Note, the Inland Revenue / Customs dont need permission to eavesdrop.

Jon Brooks said:- I don't think it matters if I feel the law is silly or not but I feel it important that people get the right information to allow them to make an informed choice.
I also think that if you were caught miss using CH0 the HMCG would support or push for a prossicution as they pay a great deal of money each year for the use of the "private" channel.

Presumably those Yaesu dealers who used to "all band" ham radios they sell will no longer do so now?

[/ QUOTE ]

Jon Brooks said:- on think subject I have no knowledge as it is not my area but will look into it.