Radio Checks

[Rick01541]

For those coastal cruisers in busier waters, PLEASE do your radio checks on Ch 9 or one of the automated channels. The rest of us thank you!

[Wotname]

Just curious, what part of the world are you in?

[Rick01541]

Buzzard's Bay, New England (Massachusetts), USA

Sometimes during the day there may be a call for a radio check every ten minutes. Sometimes it is so bad the Coast Guard requests that radio checks be moved to Ch 9.

[Wotname]

Thanks

[SailFastTri]

Check this link Automated Radio Check Service | Sea Tow

"Now you can do it yourself with Sea Tow’s Automated Radio Check Service (ARCS). Provided as a FREE public service to boating communities nationwide, Sea Tow’s innovative Automated Radio Check Service reduces the volume of non-urgent communications traffic on VHF channel 16, the international hailing and distress channel, while still allowing you to perform the check to ensure that your radio is functioning properly.

It’s simple to use:
ARCS uses one of VHF channels 24-28. Simply tune your radio to the proper channel for your community.
Conduct a radio check as you normally would.
Upon releasing the mic, the system will replay your transmission, letting you hear how you sound."

[Noname]

Originally Posted by Rick01541

For those coastal cruisers in busier waters, PLEASE do your radio checks on Ch 9 or one of the automated channels. The rest of us thank you!

Automated Radio Check Service | Sea Tow

[jmackay]

I agree with you Rick, it has gotten so bad that I stopped checking my radios. If the bridge didn't open, check the radio. The Sea Tow system is great, just like checking all safety equipment before casting off you can call their automated system. Channel 16 is not a chat room.

[Cormorant]

There's this, too:

"BoatU.S. also has a radio check service, this one with a live voice on the other end. Better yet, it allows you to ensure that the DSC (digital selective calling) function on your radio is working properly. Boaters along the coast from Alabama to New Jersey can use a single digital MMSI hailing number, 0-338-04000, which will link your transmission to the closest TowBoatUS tower. Call the local TowBoatUS company’s landline first to schedule the free DSC-VHF radio check ahead of time (here’s the phone number for your local TowBoatUS company), and they’ll verify that your latitude and longitude appears on their screen, as well as confirming your voice transmission."

(That's a copy-and-paste from Lenny Rudow, http://www.boats.com/blog/2011/09/vh...c-radio-check/)

[jackdale]

This is the official version for requesting a radio check.

It is illegal to use Channel 16 VHF-FM for radio checks. If requesting a radio check, use Channel 16 VHF-FM to hail the nearest Coast Guard Unit. Once the Coast Guard Unit acknowledges your hail, request Coast Guard Unit to switch and answer Channel 22A VHF-FM. Once Coast Guard Unit answers on Channel 22A VHF-FM, you may now request a radio check. The Coast Guard Unit will respond accordingly.

http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/pdf/lnms/...iners_2012.pdf

[David M]

Yup...checks on 16 are illegal and irritating to have to listen to.

[jackdale]

BTW - for any Canadians aboard, go directly to 83A for a radio check.

[pete33458]

The SeaTow service is fantastic, really, really fantastic. Not only do you not have to bother anyone, or wonder whether you got no reply because your radio is not working or because nobody heard you, but also because you get a playback of your transmission. All you have to say is "radio check." The range seems to somehow be more limited than normal VHF range, but it could be coincidence. Thanks SeaTow!!! pete

[Dave852]

Excellent info, thanks

[Dockhead]

I call the British Coast Guard on DSC. An individual DSC call gives the party being called the ability to set the channel you will then talk on. Usually 67 in this case. Doesn't clutter up 16 and checks your DSC system at the same time.

[Inkwell]

Here on St. Simons Island, GA. Seatow's automatic answer for a radio check is on channel 27. Works fine.