Standard Horizon QUANTUM GX2360S - Manual (Page 26)

GX2360S Page 26
other distinguishing marks. The total transmission should not exceed 1
minute.
9. End the message by saying “OVER”. Release the microphone button and
listen.
10. If there is no answer, repeat the above procedure. If there is still no re-
sponse, try another channel.
6.11 CALLING ANOTHER VESSEL (CHANNEL 16 OR 9)
Channel 16 may be used for initial contact (hailing) with another vessel.
However, its most important use is for emergency messages. This channel
must be monitored at all times except when actually using another channel.
It is monitored by the U.S. and Canadian Coast Guards and by other vessels.
Use of channel 16 for hailing must be limited to initial contact only. Calling
should not exceed 30 seconds, but may be repeated 3 times at 2-minute inter-
vals. In areas of heavy radio traffic, congestion on channel 16 resulting from its
use as a hailing channel can be reduced significantly in U.S. waters by using
channel 9 as the initial contact (hailing) channel for non-emergency communi-
cations. Here, also, calling time should not exceed 30 seconds but may be
repeated 3 times at 2-minute intervals.
Prior to making contact with another vessel, refer to the channel charts in this
manual, and select an appropriate channel for communications after initial con-
tact. For example, Channels 68 and 69 of the U.S. VHF Charts are some of the
channels available to non-commercial (recreational) boaters. Monitor your de-
sired channel in advance to make sure you will not be interrupting other traffic,
and then go back to either channel 16 or 9 for your initial contact.
When the hailing channel (16 or 9) is clear, state the name of the other vessel
you wish to call and then “this is” followed by the name of your vessel and your
Station License (Call Sign). When the other vessel returns your call, immedi-
ately request another channel by saying “go to,” the number of the other chan-
nel, and “over.” Then switch to the new channel. When the new channel is not
busy, call the other vessel.
After a transmission, say “over,” and release the microphone’s push-to-talk
(PTT) switch. When all communication with the other vessel is completed, end
the last transmission by stating your Call Sign and the word “out.” Note that it is
not necessary to state your Call Sign with each transmission, only at the begin-
ning and end of the contact.
Remember to return to Channel 16 when not using another channel. Some
radios automatically monitor Channel 16 even when set to other channels or
when scanning.