Channel 16 - the dilemma of how to keep it clear...

by Nancy Knudsen on 1 Mar 2009 Last week we published a story which told of a Coast Guard's problems caused by 'Chattering' on Channel 16 during the rescue of a seriously injured yachtman. We asked for responses to how Channel 16 can be protected from irresponsible use. The result was a number of responses, and here is a sample:

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Let's revert back to requiring mariners obtain a VHF Marine
Radio Telephone License that requires that they learn that Ch 16 is for
USCG and Emergency communications ONLY! And provide for enforcement by
the USCG or the FCC...

Frankly, I have worried for years that Ch. 16 might be in
use by people who didn't understand it's significance when it is
needed...

Best, Dave

FCC Lic. ZCall Sign W1DEC and a life long sailor.

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I was really horrified by the report of sailors once again using Channel 16 indiscriminately during that rescue, but it happens all the time and I hope we don't have to have a major tragedy before someone in authority takes notice. Two years ago, we had the same problem, when we lost our engine and were drifting onto the mud. There were some guys talking about their engines. We have often experienced this at other times too, where people call each other on Channel 16 and then seem to forget which channel they are on. We even hear fishing stories on Channel 16, and more than once I have interrupted to tell them to get off the Channel. The shut up pretty quickly then, but you have to be able to get through to tell them. I think that when the coast guard standing by for emergencies it should be interrupting anyone who misuses Channel 16 as soon as they hear them.

Joanna van Egmont

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What about the three minutes of silence that is supposed to happen at the end of each half hour? We often hear Coast Guard breaking into that.
Thanks for all the good news on Sailworld

Sebastian

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Penalties might be fine to have in place, but how do you catch people at it? If we can go to the moon we can invent an identifying mark so that you can catch the buggers in action

Sam Grimwade
mvlara

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>
>
> Sender: JOHN Ghougasian
>
> Message: penelties, the best way to stop inproper use. if you key the mike
> you also send a digital Id along with it. You don't get off you are given
> a heafty fine.

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Keeping idiots off Channel 16 is impossible. You should hear them in the Middle East, with the 'Philipino Monkeee' calls and worse stuff that makes you crazy after a while. But when there is emergency like you talk about, why can't the Coast Guard and helicopters and yacht go to a different channel so that they have it to themselves.

Philip Mganwarra
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About VHF Channel 16:

Channel 16 VHF is a radio frequency on the marine radio band and the traditional international distress frequency for shipping and maritime purposes. It may only be used for hailing(after which users should revert to another channel) or for broadcasting MayDay, Pan-pan or Securite messages. It is allied to the 2182 kHz frequency.

While many merchant ships no longer monitor Channel 16, it is usually monitored 24 hours a day by coastguards around the world. In addition, all sea bound vessels are required to monitor Channel 16 while sailing, except when communicating on other marine channels for legitimate business or operational reasons. It is an offense in most countries to make false 'Mayday' calls or broadcast on channel 16 unless in distress.

In most countries of the world all VHF radio users are legally required to hold an operators licence. As a general rule users should listen to the channel for 30 seconds before transmitting to ensure it is not already in use.

The range of VHF is line of sight and has an Inter-ship range of 15-25 miles. Ship to shore range is about 30-50 miles. The dual watch (D/W) facility allows you to monitor two channels via switching. However, one should switch to a single channel (not Channel 16) to continue a radio conversation.

To increase the chances of a weak distress transmission being received, one should observe three-minute periods of radio silence on the hour and half hour on distress channels.

With the exception of distress traffic, all transmissions should cease during silence periods, and when an emergency response is in progress.


Distress calls:
Coast Guard stations, either by law or by common consent when they are volunteer organisations, have an obligation to respond to a distress call. Distress calls should make the following points in order:

Identity
Position (Note that the position is given in geographical area as distance 'from object' not 'to object' when working out bearing. Otherwise use Lat. and Long.)
Nature of distress
Information for search and rescue
Invitation to reply

How long since you did your radio course? Do you know the current correct procedures for Mayday, Pan-pan and Securite? It is recommended to practise procedure drills and be aware at all time of the importance of ...

KEEPING CHANNEL 16 CLEAR.

With thanks to John Skaller for his assistance on this article