VHF Question

[derekgillard]

I have a fixed DSC VHF on the boat with my call sign licence etc.
I now also have a hand held VHF which I often listen in at home (we live close to the beach) my question is should I want to transmit on my hand held when it’s away from the boat what do I use as my call sign., the name of the boat ???
I’m sure there is a simple answer to this question.

delbuoy

 

[Csail]

Legally you can't transmit from home.

 

[derekgillard]

VHF

Interesting I did not know that.

I live on Hayling and a couple of years ago a small yacht came close to shore and shouted for help, I called the coastguard on 999. Had I had the hand held I would have used that.

At least now I know.

 

[Searush]

Interesting I did not know that.

I live on Hayling and a couple of years ago a small yacht came close to shore and shouted for help, I called the coastguard on 999. Had I had the hand held I would have used that.

At least now I know.

It's a law that is flouted as often as speed limits are.

 

[Seajet]

However not knowing this tends to infer that you haven't done the ( simple, quick ) course and exam ? If not this would be worth doing, both to be legal and to know how to operate the kit to the required standard.

 

[derekgillard]

VHF

Yes I did the course 10 years ago and use the on board VHF in the correct manner so no concern there, I only asked the hand held question and don't recall it being on the course agenda.

Mind you I am 10 years older and the old mem is not so good.

 

[ianat182]

Perhaps use" "BOATNAME Mobile" as your callsign, after all thats what its for and links to your other authorised radio.
I expect you declared it on the MCA application for your MMSI number for the main set any way so' Known' as a handheld there.
I have an old Swiftech for just this purpose which I declared as above to the MCA and use this method for mine.

ianat182

 

[st599]

Perhaps use" "BOATNAME Mobile" as your callsign, after all thats what its for and links to your other authorised radio.
I expect you declared it on the MCA application for your MMSI number for the main set any way so' Known' as a handheld there.
I have an old Swiftech for just this purpose which I declared as above to the MCA and use this method for mine.

ianat182

Errr, No! The station on the boat is already a mobile station (Mobile has a legal definition). No phraseology makes what the OP is discussing legal.

 

[Searush]

Errr, No! The station on the boat is already a mobile station (Mobile has a legal definition). No phraseology makes what the OP is discussing legal.

Oh, no the Stasi have seen this post . . .

 

[Solitaire]

I have a fixed DSC VHF on the boat with my call sign licence etc.
I now also have a hand held VHF which I often listen in at home (we live close to the beach) my question is should I want to transmit on my hand held when it’s away from the boat what do I use as my call sign., the name of the boat ???
I’m sure there is a simple answer to this question.

delbuoy

You can apply to Ofcom for a portable license with a T number which allows you to use a H/H anywhere . However it is should be used only in a marine environment such as on another vessel .

 

[ProDave]

Just go on line to the Ofcom website and register your handheld as an additional radio. simple.

If you had called the coastguard with the handheld ashore to do a mayday relay, I doubt anyone would have bothered that you were ashore.

 

[Searush]

Just go on line to the Ofcom website and register your handheld as an additional radio. simple.

If you had called the coastguard with the handheld ashore to do a mayday relay, I doubt anyone would have bothered that you were ashore.

Quite, just as they would be quite happy to accept a mobile phone call via 999.

 

[rbcoomer]

The laws preventing use of marine bands on land are clearly there to protect abuse of the radio band by non-marine use inland and not to stop you using in a genuine marine emergency. As said above, to use your VHF to alert coastguard to a genuine mayday would unlikely be looked upon as abuse. Indeed if you were in possession of a VHF and no phone but did nothing, it would surely be negligent and I'm quite sure no mariner would do nothing upon witnessing someone in trouble. I'd rather get a ticking off from Ofcom than have someone's sinking and perhaps life on my conscience.

In many ways the use of the VHF instead of a 999 call could be seen as preferable in that it allows other nearby vessels to be alerted more quickly - the 999 call being only heard by you and the operator. A nearby vessel hearing the call may be in position to offer assistance via coastguard and avert a tragedy.

The only issue/problem I can see, is how you determine from the shore what the nature of the 'emergency' is - as I can envisage a case of someone attracting attention to ask directions from a local to the nearby pub/jetty! (Not sure the coastguard would view such an alert favourably however the call was made... )

 

[Searush]

Clinging to the hull of an upturned dinghy can be a clear indicator of "issues" with safety.