Check Radio Charter For Free

Use an "open channel" to performance the check (channels 68, 69, 71, 72 and 78A). Turn radio to one-watt power setting, and key the microphone. Call "radio check" three times, followed by your boat name and location. Wait for a reply confirming someone has heard your transmission.

Federal Communications Commission regulations require boaters having VHF radios to maintain a watch on either channel 9 or channel 16, whenever the radio is turned on and not communicating with another station. All non-emergency traffic should be communicated on another channel (not channels 9 or 16).

What channels should you use for regular conversations? Channels 68, 69, 71, 72, and 78A are considered non-commercial channels, and in most areas, 68 and 72 are commonly used by the recreational-boating community. But remember that the VHF is officially for "operational" purposes.

Don't tie up channel 16 or channel 9. If you are talking with someone, switch to a working channel so you are not keeping others from using channel 16 or 9. In some instances, the Coast Guard may even order you to switch channels if you are talking excessively on 16 or 9. A VHF radio is not a telephone.

The Sea Tow Automated Radio Check (ARC) Service provides boaters with a reliable, fast and easy way to check the working status of their VHF radios without having to use Channel 16, thereby reserving that frequency for emergency calls.

Tune to channel 16, the channel monitored by the U.S. Coast Guard. Perform a radio check to ensure your unit is functioning properlydo not use channel 16 this. Use an "open channel" to performance the check (channels 68, 69, 71, 72 and 78A).

Marine VHF radios, whether fixed or handheld, may not be used on land, period. It's the law. Once a VHF radio goes ashore, it cannot be used for marine band transmission (without a Coast Station License).