jonathankent
Well-Known Member
As a spin-off from one of the other threads....
VHF - what do you do?
- Thread starter jonathankent
- Start date
VicS
Well-Known Member
I bought my VHF in 1985 when it was still possible to make phone calls via the Coast Radio Stations(CRSs) Indeed that was the only way to contact anyone ashore. Also the intership channels were the only way of contacting friends on other boats. The use of the CRSs was then one of the major selling points of the system by whoever then was the controlling body.
While I would still want a VHF on a larger boat on offshore or cross channel passages for safety reasons it has quite frankly always been a bit of a white elephant on a 19 footer pottering around the Solent. With the disappearance of the CRSs one of the reasons for having it went and now with mobile phones there is almost no reason for having it at all.
While I would still want a VHF on a larger boat on offshore or cross channel passages for safety reasons it has quite frankly always been a bit of a white elephant on a 19 footer pottering around the Solent. With the disappearance of the CRSs one of the reasons for having it went and now with mobile phones there is almost no reason for having it at all.
Kawasaki
Well-Known Member
Like you VicS had one for ages and kind of miss the old CRS. Quirky by todays standards but 20 odd years ago I thought it was magic! By way of habit I suppose always switch the VHF on. Plus mobile reception is a bit dodgy knocking about The Menai Straits and The Irish Sea, blessing in disguise sometimes! Still find some comfort, specially on a passage, in the fact that The Coastgaurd is still there on 16. On a recent delivery trip had to use the help of Dublin Coastgaurd and Lifeboat, wouldn,t known how to reach them by mobile plus don,t think there would have been any reception. VHF "traffic" ain,t so busy "up here" there is a bit of innain banter and peeps mithering The Coastgaurd for radio checks and weather forecasts but I don,t think it,s as prevalent as it appears to be in The Solent or The Channel from what I can gather. So my old Icom, 1994 vintage is still"my friend" and gives lovely sound quality and transmits ok (apparently) cos I can,t hear it at my end! So no DSC for me until the set packs up or when The Coastgaurd packs up on 16. Boating for me is usually 10 months a year, not lateley cos I seem to be coming to the end of an 18 Month refit but usually during the off season period when there,s not so much water activity, I like to listen on 16 and the Coastguard,s working channel just to "see" who,s out there and what,s going on. ---Reminds me ,must send Offcom my £20!
AndersGu
Well-Known Member
I keep the VHF on when cruising alone or when in shipping channels where the big ferries go. I have it to watch a number of channels, including CH71 which is the VTS channel here. It is nice to know when the big ships are approaching before they do /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
Archipelaco cruising in the Åland/Åbo archipelago.
Archipelaco cruising in the Åland/Åbo archipelago.
cliff
Well-Known Member
Don't have DSC so VHF is always on, even over night if we are onboard. If the existing set gives up and I am forced to buy a DSC set I will not set it up (will not programme in the MMSI) so it should work as a normal VHF. Finally if I am unfortunate enough to have to fit a fully functioning DSC then it will not be switched on unless I want to use it, that is unless there is some way of silencing the alarms.
Sorry but IMHO the DSC setup is just another ill conceived piece of lunacy by some idiot sitting in an ivory tower somewhere thinking "what can I do today to justify my job"
[/rantmode]
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"Artificial intelligence is no match for natural stupidity"
sailroom <span style="color:red">The place to auction your previously loved boatie bits</span>
Sorry but IMHO the DSC setup is just another ill conceived piece of lunacy by some idiot sitting in an ivory tower somewhere thinking "what can I do today to justify my job"
[/rantmode]
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sailroom <span style="color:red">The place to auction your previously loved boatie bits</span>
Koeketiene
Well-Known Member
Depends on where you sail, I suppose and what set you have.
Had an Icom on this & previous boat, level of alarm was never a problem.
Have had a DSC set for over 4 years now - the alarm only went off 4 times. Three times when we spent a week in the Solent last year (2 mobo out of fuel & 1 raggie "lost"). The only other time was a genuine MayDay 23NM off Flushing.
So if you're in the Solent I can see how these things could get on your tits - but they make perfect sense everywhere else.
Had an Icom on this & previous boat, level of alarm was never a problem.
Have had a DSC set for over 4 years now - the alarm only went off 4 times. Three times when we spent a week in the Solent last year (2 mobo out of fuel & 1 raggie "lost"). The only other time was a genuine MayDay 23NM off Flushing.
So if you're in the Solent I can see how these things could get on your tits - but they make perfect sense everywhere else.
No1_Moose
Well-Known Member
It's a bit concerning that 1 in 5 people don't have their VHF on. I wonder how many of the 4 have it on Ch16 all the time.
gardenshed
Well-Known Member
Cliff
If you have a DSC without programming in your MMSI then every DSC call will trigger your alarm. This will definitely P!ZZ you off! Programme in you MMSI and all you get are the all ships messages and individual calls..almost nothing.
DSC gives the ability to transmit a distress call for up to 80 miles so much better than regular VHF if an emergency arises.
By selectively calling those that you want to contact (using the MMSI) you eliminate all the chatter on 16 that makes you switch off your set.
You might want to do a bit more research into DSC before being so dismissive.
Costs are also coming down.
cheers,
If you have a DSC without programming in your MMSI then every DSC call will trigger your alarm. This will definitely P!ZZ you off! Programme in you MMSI and all you get are the all ships messages and individual calls..almost nothing.
DSC gives the ability to transmit a distress call for up to 80 miles so much better than regular VHF if an emergency arises.
By selectively calling those that you want to contact (using the MMSI) you eliminate all the chatter on 16 that makes you switch off your set.
You might want to do a bit more research into DSC before being so dismissive.
Costs are also coming down.
cheers,
TheBoatman
Well-Known Member
I'm a little confused here because we have a DSC radio with programmed MMSI and we don't get all these alarms going off - in fact I can't remember the last time it did go off?
Now I'm worried or maybe its just because we sail in the Thames estuary ans S. North Sea and don't get the same problems as Solent sailors.
Peter.
Now I'm worried or maybe its just because we sail in the Thames estuary ans S. North Sea and don't get the same problems as Solent sailors.
Peter.
Black Sheep
Well-Known Member
[ QUOTE ]
It's a bit concerning that 1 in 5 people don't have their VHF on.
[/ QUOTE ]
I'm one of those.
The reason is simple - power. Mine's a handheld & batteries don't last forever. If I'm out for a day sail I'll be listening all the time (but more likely the London VTS frequency than channel 16; possibly scanning both but scanning's a pain). If I'm away for a few days the batteries ain't going to last. Then it's only on for busy stretches, calling ports/marinas etc.
It's a bit concerning that 1 in 5 people don't have their VHF on.
[/ QUOTE ]
I'm one of those.
The reason is simple - power. Mine's a handheld & batteries don't last forever. If I'm out for a day sail I'll be listening all the time (but more likely the London VTS frequency than channel 16; possibly scanning both but scanning's a pain). If I'm away for a few days the batteries ain't going to last. Then it's only on for busy stretches, calling ports/marinas etc.
JonBrooks
Well-Known Member
Most DSC radio's on the market will recieve ALL types of DSC calls with no MMSI programmed in.
Once you enter your MMSI number this then allows you to send DSC calls.
Regards
Once you enter your MMSI number this then allows you to send DSC calls.
Regards
cliff
Well-Known Member
Guess then if I have to change the existing VHF it will almost never be switched on. - Silence is golden!
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"Artificial intelligence is no match for natural stupidity"
sailroom <span style="color:red">The place to auction your previously loved boatie bits</span>
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sailroom <span style="color:red">The place to auction your previously loved boatie bits</span>
G
Guest
Guest
Ch 16 ....
The poll missed one other possible - those who have local VTS / Traffic channel on ...
In Solent I normally have 16 and VTS - dual-watch .... which when gets daft - I knock back to VTI !
The poll missed one other possible - those who have local VTS / Traffic channel on ...
In Solent I normally have 16 and VTS - dual-watch .... which when gets daft - I knock back to VTI !
Mirelle
N/A
As one of the one in five
What purpose is served by having it on?
The idea that my little boat, top speed six knots, aerial height 37 feet, family crew, is going to
a) receieve a distress call that the CG, or a merchant ship, with their taller aerials and better equipment have not already recieved
b) be able to get to the scene of a casualty that is not already in visual range quicker than a lifeboat or helicopter
c) offer any useful help
is really rather silly.
But yes, the set has dual watch so when I do have it on - eg when crossing traffic lanes or in commercial ports, one channel will be 16.
What purpose is served by having it on?
The idea that my little boat, top speed six knots, aerial height 37 feet, family crew, is going to
a) receieve a distress call that the CG, or a merchant ship, with their taller aerials and better equipment have not already recieved
b) be able to get to the scene of a casualty that is not already in visual range quicker than a lifeboat or helicopter
c) offer any useful help
is really rather silly.
But yes, the set has dual watch so when I do have it on - eg when crossing traffic lanes or in commercial ports, one channel will be 16.
jimi
Well-Known Member
Re: As one of the one in five
me too .. unless in remoter areas
me too .. unless in remoter areas
DJE
Well-Known Member
Re: As one of the one in five
I don't know how things work in your area but Solent Coastgaurd's usual response to requests for assistance which are not of great urgency is to call any vessel in vicinity able to assist. If you're not listening you can't help. Twice in the last 6 years we have been able to assist in such situations.
I don't know how things work in your area but Solent Coastgaurd's usual response to requests for assistance which are not of great urgency is to call any vessel in vicinity able to assist. If you're not listening you can't help. Twice in the last 6 years we have been able to assist in such situations.
G
Guest
Guest
If you have VHF fitted ....
Then morally you are obligated to keep a listening watch ......
Admittedly it is possibly acedemic in crowded Solent / other waters ..... but if you were seen chugging past a casualty by others without even making any effort ... and possibly found later to have not been maintaining listening watch ??
OK above is unlikely and a bit stetching the realm .... but ?????
Even Solent - you could be closest and able to save that life ...
Then morally you are obligated to keep a listening watch ......
Admittedly it is possibly acedemic in crowded Solent / other waters ..... but if you were seen chugging past a casualty by others without even making any effort ... and possibly found later to have not been maintaining listening watch ??
OK above is unlikely and a bit stetching the realm .... but ?????
Even Solent - you could be closest and able to save that life ...
Mirelle
N/A
The Titanic and the Californian, this is not!
With great respect, Nigel, B.....x!
"...if you were seen chugging past a casualty by others without even making any effort ... and possibly found later to have not been maintaining listening watch ?? "
If I was seen chugging past I would have been in easy visual range, wouldn't I?
At six knots, with a three mile horizon, my speed of response to something near the water in visual range is about a maximum of thirty minutes, no?
Actually, I am right off the Good Samaritan bit.
Couple of years ago we saw a man struggling in the water, splashing like fury, amongst some drying moorings on the Orwell. Guessing that he had fallen overboard, we altered course for the spot - and went aground on a falling tide.
He turned out to be a "New Age Traveller" with an inner tube, and quite OK.
With great respect, Nigel, B.....x!
"...if you were seen chugging past a casualty by others without even making any effort ... and possibly found later to have not been maintaining listening watch ?? "
If I was seen chugging past I would have been in easy visual range, wouldn't I?
At six knots, with a three mile horizon, my speed of response to something near the water in visual range is about a maximum of thirty minutes, no?
Actually, I am right off the Good Samaritan bit.
Couple of years ago we saw a man struggling in the water, splashing like fury, amongst some drying moorings on the Orwell. Guessing that he had fallen overboard, we altered course for the spot - and went aground on a falling tide.
He turned out to be a "New Age Traveller" with an inner tube, and quite OK.
G
Guest
Guest
I did say unlikely ....
But Listening watch as you know is a touchy subject !! Not with me as I'm with you ... but with authorities.
I tried to come up with a situation to make people think ...
No need to b******x me for it !! /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif
But Listening watch as you know is a touchy subject !! Not with me as I'm with you ... but with authorities.
I tried to come up with a situation to make people think ...
No need to b******x me for it !! /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif
fireball
Well-Known Member
Re: The Titanic and the Californian, this is not!
bolx to you too.
Even in the solent we have been in a position to "render assistance" - ok, so this was to 4 lads who had wandered out on a spit at low tide that then disappeared quicker than they thought it would. Even at 4 knots we were first on the scene and able to get them out of the water by the time the harbour patrol zipped over. No, they weren't in any desperate danger, but one of them was certainly flagging!
Last week a Single Hander fell overboard, was pickedup by a local mobo and reunited with his vessel.
The point is, that you may be the closest person to an incident and able to assist, but know nothing about it because you are just too far away to see what is going on.
I am obviously deluded in my thinking that the sea is the last place of true humanity where everyone looks out for everyone else and will always help out when the fellow seafarer gets into trouble ... looks like it is going down the route of "I'm alright Jack ... [--word removed--] you."
Despite the annoyance of plonkers asking for a radio check and meeting up with their mates on Ch16 in the solent I will continue to listen to Ch16 as much as possible (with the volume fairly low) so if I do hear of a problem that I can help in before anyone else could I can do my bit.
bolx to you too.
Even in the solent we have been in a position to "render assistance" - ok, so this was to 4 lads who had wandered out on a spit at low tide that then disappeared quicker than they thought it would. Even at 4 knots we were first on the scene and able to get them out of the water by the time the harbour patrol zipped over. No, they weren't in any desperate danger, but one of them was certainly flagging!
Last week a Single Hander fell overboard, was pickedup by a local mobo and reunited with his vessel.
The point is, that you may be the closest person to an incident and able to assist, but know nothing about it because you are just too far away to see what is going on.
I am obviously deluded in my thinking that the sea is the last place of true humanity where everyone looks out for everyone else and will always help out when the fellow seafarer gets into trouble ... looks like it is going down the route of "I'm alright Jack ... [--word removed--] you."
Despite the annoyance of plonkers asking for a radio check and meeting up with their mates on Ch16 in the solent I will continue to listen to Ch16 as much as possible (with the volume fairly low) so if I do hear of a problem that I can help in before anyone else could I can do my bit.
