Cobra Marine MR HH325 VP User manual

A1 English
Our Thanks to You and
Customer Assistance
Introduction
VHF MARINE RADIO
MR HH325 VP
Printed in China Part No. 480-343-P
Owner’s Manual
Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra®English
Our Thanks to You •
Thank you for purchasing a CobraMarine®VHF radio.
Properly used, this Cobra®product will give you
many years of reliable service.
How Your CobraMarine VHF Radio Works
This radio is a battery-powered portable transceiver for use afloat. It gives you
two-way vessel-to-vessel and vessel-to-shore station communications, primarily
for safety and secondarily for navigation and operational purposes. With it, you
can call for help, get information from other boaters, talk to lock or bridge tenders,
and make radiotelephone calls to anywhere in the world through a marine operator.
Besides two-way communications, the radio can provide quick access to receive
all the NOAA (National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration) weather
channels and alert you to weather emergencies with a tone on a weather channel
you can select for your area.
Customer Assistance •
Should you encounter any problems with this product, or not understand
its many features, please refer to this owner’s manual. If you require further
assistance after reading this manual, Cobra Electronics offers the following customer
assistance services:
For Assistance in the U.S.A.
Automated Help Desk English only.
24 hours a day, 7 days a week 773-889-3087 (phone).
Customer Assistance Operators English and Spanish.
8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Central Time Mon. through Fri. (except holidays)
773-889-3087 (phone).
Questions English and Spanish.
Faxes can be received at 773-622-2269 (fax).
Technical Assistance English only.
www.cobra.com (on-line: Frequently Asked Questions).
English and Spanish. [e-mail] (e-mail).
For Assistance Outside the U.S.A.
Contact Your Local Dealer
Customer Assistance
©2007 Cobra Electronics Corporation™
6500 West Cortland Street
Chicago, Illinois 60707 USA
www.cobra.com
MRHH325VPCover2.qxp:QXP-1058736909.qxp 10/26/06 12:08 PM Page A1

A1 English
Our Thanks to You and
Customer Assistance
Introduction
VHF MARINE RADIO
MR HH325 VP
Printed in China Part No. 480-343-P
Owner’s Manual
Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra®English
Our Thanks to You •
Thank you for purchasing a CobraMarine®VHF radio.
Properly used, this Cobra®product will give you
many years of reliable service.
How Your CobraMarine VHF Radio Works
This radio is a battery-powered portable transceiver for use afloat. It gives you
two-way vessel-to-vessel and vessel-to-shore station communications, primarily
for safety and secondarily for navigation and operational purposes. With it, you
can call for help, get information from other boaters, talk to lock or bridge tenders,
and make radiotelephone calls to anywhere in the world through a marine operator.
Besides two-way communications, the radio can provide quick access to receive
all the NOAA (National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration) weather
channels and alert you to weather emergencies with a tone on a weather channel
you can select for your area.
Customer Assistance •
Should you encounter any problems with this product, or not understand
its many features, please refer to this owner’s manual. If you require further
assistance after reading this manual, Cobra Electronics offers the following customer
assistance services:
For Assistance in the U.S.A.
Automated Help Desk English only.
24 hours a day, 7 days a week 773-889-3087 (phone).
Customer Assistance Operators English and Spanish.
8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Central Time Mon. through Fri. (except holidays)
773-889-3087 (phone).
Questions English and Spanish.
Faxes can be received at 773-622-2269 (fax).
Technical Assistance English only.
www.cobra.com (on-line: Frequently Asked Questions).
English and Spanish. [e-mail] (e-mail).
For Assistance Outside the U.S.A.
Contact Your Local Dealer
Customer Assistance
©2007 Cobra Electronics Corporation™
6500 West Cortland Street
Chicago, Illinois 60707 USA
www.cobra.com
MRHH325VPCover2.qxp:QXP-1058736909.qxp 10/26/06 12:08 PM Page A1

A3 English
Backlit LCD Screen
and Product Features
Introduction
A2 English
Radio Controls
and Indicators
Introduction
Backlit LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) Screen •
Instant
Channel
16/9 Button
SCAN
Button
Squelch
Control
Call/Enter
Button
Wrist
Strap
Connector
ON/OFF/Volume
Control
Speaker/
Microphone
External Cover
Antenna
Backlit
LCD
Screen
Tri-Watch
Button
Battery
Backlight/
Key Lock
Button
Memory/Escape
Button
Channel Up
Button
Push to
Talk
Button
Channel
Down
Button
UIC Active Channel Map Icons
Roger Beep Icon
Battery Power Icon
Voice Activate Transmit Icon
Memory Channel
Memory Channel Icon
Call Tone Icon
Weather Alert Icon
Weather Icon
Low/Medium/High Power Icons
Tri-Watch Icon
Frequency
Band Icon
Transmit and Receive Icons
Button Lock Icon
Scan Icon
Key Tone Icon
Power
Level/Weather
Button
Speaker
Power Settings
Selectable power settings produce
1, 3 or 5 watts of output power for near
or distant calling.
USA/International/Canada Channels
Allows operation on any of the three (3)
different channel maps established for
these areas.
All NOAA Weather Channels
Instant access to all National Weather
Channels, 24 hours a day.
Submersible to JIS7 Standards
Waterproof to 3.3 ft (1 m) of water for 30
minutes.
Button/Key Lock
Prevents accidental setting changes
when button lock is set.
Channel Scan/Memory Scan
Use to scan through unlimited channels
or memory locations to find
conversations in progress.
Instant Channel 16/9
Provides instant access to priority
Channel 16 and calling Channel 9.
Tri-Watch
Use to monitor three (3) channels
at once — Channel 16 and two (2)
programmable channels.
NiMH (Nickel-Metal Hydride) Battery
Sealed battery pack provides extended
operating time when compared to alkaline
batteries with no memory effect.
Six (6) high-quality AA alkaline batteries
may also be used for emergency backup
power — requires optional AA battery
tray (P/N CM 110-011).
120V/12V Charger Included
Use to charge battery pack, at home, in a
car or in a boat.
Locking Desktop Charger
Holds the radio or battery in place while
charging. Vertical or horizontal mounting.
Call Tones (Selectable)
10 selectable call tones.
Product Features •
Belt Clip
Engagement
Microphone
Active Channel
Numbers
Battery
Clip
Simplex Operation Icon
MRHH325VPCover2.qxp:QXP-1058736909.qxp 10/26/06 12:09 PM Page A2

A3 English
Backlit LCD Screen
and Product Features
Introduction
A2 English
Radio Controls
and Indicators
Introduction
Backlit LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) Screen •
Instant
Channel
16/9 Button
SCAN
Button
Squelch
Control
Call/Enter
Button
Wrist
Strap
Connector
ON/OFF/Volume
Control
Speaker/
Microphone
External Cover
Antenna
Backlit
LCD
Screen
Tri-Watch
Button
Battery
Backlight/
Key Lock
Button
Memory/Escape
Button
Channel Up
Button
Push to
Talk
Button
Channel
Down
Button
UIC Active Channel Map Icons
Roger Beep Icon
Battery Power Icon
Voice Activate Transmit Icon
Memory Channel
Memory Channel Icon
Call Tone Icon
Weather Alert Icon
Weather Icon
Low/Medium/High Power Icons
Tri-Watch Icon
Frequency
Band Icon
Transmit and Receive Icons
Button Lock Icon
Scan Icon
Key Tone Icon
Power
Level/Weather
Button
Speaker
Power Settings
Selectable power settings produce
1, 3 or 5 watts of output power for near
or distant calling.
USA/International/Canada Channels
Allows operation on any of the three (3)
different channel maps established for
these areas.
All NOAA Weather Channels
Instant access to all National Weather
Channels, 24 hours a day.
Submersible to JIS7 Standards
Waterproof to 3.3 ft (1 m) of water for 30
minutes.
Button/Key Lock
Prevents accidental setting changes
when button lock is set.
Channel Scan/Memory Scan
Use to scan through unlimited channels
or memory locations to find
conversations in progress.
Instant Channel 16/9
Provides instant access to priority
Channel 16 and calling Channel 9.
Tri-Watch
Use to monitor three (3) channels
at once — Channel 16 and two (2)
programmable channels.
NiMH (Nickel-Metal Hydride) Battery
Sealed battery pack provides extended
operating time when compared to alkaline
batteries with no memory effect.
Six (6) high-quality AA alkaline batteries
may also be used for emergency backup
power — requires optional AA battery
tray (P/N CM 110-011).
120V/12V Charger Included
Use to charge battery pack, at home, in a
car or in a boat.
Locking Desktop Charger
Holds the radio or battery in place while
charging. Vertical or horizontal mounting.
Call Tones (Selectable)
10 selectable call tones.
Product Features •
Belt Clip
Engagement
Microphone
Active Channel
Numbers
Battery
Clip
Simplex Operation Icon
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Product Features
Introduction
Hands-Free Operation Voice
Activation (VOX)
“Hands-Free” automatic transmission
when you speak.
Emergency Weather Alert
Receive NOAA alerts when threatening
weather is nearby.
Speaker/Mic Jack
Allows connecting optional Cobra Lapel
Speaker/Mic and other Cobra
accessories.
Unlimited Memory Channels
Allows programming of unlimited VHF
memory channels.
Signal Strength Meter
Shows the strength of incoming or
outgoing signals.
Illuminated Buttons
Allows high visibility of all function
buttons.
Roger Beep Tone (Selectable)
Confirmation tone indicates the
completion of the user’s transmission
and signals to others it is clear to talk.
On or Off selectable.
Patented VibrAlert®
Provides a silent alert for incoming calls.
Ideal for noisy or all-quiet environments.
Product Features (continued) •
A4 English
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Introduction
1
Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra®
Introduction Table of Contents
Introduction
Our Thanks to You . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A1
Customer Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A1
Radio Controls and Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A2
Backlit LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A3
Product Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A3
Important Safety Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Recommendations for Marine Communication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
VHF Marine Radio Protocols
FCC Licensing Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
VHF Marine Radio Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Voice Calling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Radiotelephone Calls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Emergency Messages and Distress Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
VHF Marine Channel Assignments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
NOAA Weather Channels and Alert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Installation
Included in this Package . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Antenna, Wrist Strap and Belt Clip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Batteries and Charger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Operating Your Radio
Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Setup Mode Programming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41
Standby/Receive and Transmit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Advanced Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Warranty and Trademark
Limited 3-Year Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Trademark Acknowledgement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61
Customer Service
Product Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
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2English
Introduction Important Safety Information
Introduction
Important Safety Information •
Before installing and using your CobraMarine VHF radio, please read these
general precautions and warnings.
Warning and Notice Statements
To make the most of this radio, it must be installed and used properly.
Please read the installation and operating instructions carefully before installing and
using the radio. Special attention must be paid to the WARNING and NOTICE
statements in this manual.
WARNING
Statements identify conditions that could result in personal injury or loss of life.
NOTICE
Statements identify conditions that could cause damage to the radio
or other equipment.
Safety Training Information
This CobraMarine®radio is designed for, and classified as, “Occupational Use Only.”
The radio must only be used in the course of employment by individuals aware of
both the hazards and the ways to minimize those hazards. This radio is NOT
intended for use in an uncontrolled environment by the “General Population.”
This radio has been tested and complies with the FCC RF exposure limits for
“Occupational Use Only.” This CobraMarine VHF radio also complies with the
following guidelines and standards regarding RF energy and electromagnetic
energy levels as well as evaluation of those levels for human exposure:
 FCC OET Bulletin 65 Edition 97-01 Supplement C, Evaluating Compliance with
FCC Guidelines for Human Exposure to Radio Frequency Electromagnetic
Fields.
 American National Standards Institute (C95.1-1992), IEEE Standard for Safety
Levels with Respect to Human Exposure to Radio Frequency Electromagnetic
Fields, 3 kHz to 300 GHz.
 American National Standards Institute (C95.3-1992), IEEE Recommended
Practice for the Measurement of Potentially Hazardous Electromagnetic
Fields — RF and Microwave.
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Introduction
3
Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra®
Introduction Important Safety Information
The following WARNINGS and NOTICE information will make you aware of RF
exposure hazards and how to assure you operate the radio within the FCC RF
exposure limits established for the radio.
WARNINGS
Your radio generates electromagnetic RF (radio frequency) energy when it is
transmitting. To ensure that you and those around you are not exposed to
excessive amounts of that energy, DO NOT touch the antenna when transmitting
and KEEP yourself and all others on your vessel the required distance away from
the antenna while transmitting. See page 31 in the antenna requirements section
for further information.
DO NOT operate the radio without a proper antenna or equivalent dummy load
attached. Doing so may expose you to excessive RF energy and will damage the
radio.
DO NOT transmit more than 50% of the time the radio is in use — 50% duty
cycle. The radio is transmitting when the Talk button is pressed and the transmit
information shows on the LCD screen.
ALWAYS use only Cobra authorized accessories.
DO NOT operate the radio in an explosive atmosphere, near blasting sites, or in
any area where signs are posted prohibiting radio transmissions.
NEVER connect the transceiver directly to AC power. It can be a fire hazard, may
cause an electric shock and may damage the transceiver.
NEVER mount the transceiver or microphone/speaker where they might interfere
with operation of your vessel or cause injury.
DO NOT allow children or anyone unfamiliar with proper procedures to operate the
radio without supervision.
Failure to observe any of these warnings may cause you to exceed FCC RF
exposure limits or create other dangerous conditions.
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4English
Introduction Important Safety Information
Introduction
NOTICE
Your radio is waterproof only when the antenna and batteries are properly
installed.
AVOID using or storing the radio at temperatures below -4˚F (-20˚C) or above
140˚F (60˚C).
KEEP your radio at least 3 ft (0,9 m) away from your vessel’s magnetic navigation
compass.
DO NOT attempt to service any internal parts yourself. Have any necessary
service performed by a qualified technician.
This radio is supplied with an NiMH (Nickel-Metal Hydride) rechargeable battery
pack.
Use only the Cobra charger to recharge NiMH battery in the radio.
Do not short circuit the battery pack.
When replacing the battery, dispose of the old battery properly. The NiMH
battery may explode if disposed of in a fire.
Changes or modifications to your radio MAY VOID its compliance with FCC (Federal
Communications Commission) rules and make it illegal to use.
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Introduction
5
Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra®
Introduction
Recommendations for
Marine Communication
Recommendations for Marine Communication •
The frequencies your radio uses are set aside to enhance safety afloat and for vessel
navigation and operational messages over a range suitable for nearshore voyages. If
the 5 watt maximum output of your radio is not sufficient for the distances you
travel from the coast, consider installing a CobraMarine fixed mount radio with up to
25 watts of output power. (Visit www.cobra.com or your local dealer for model
availability.)
If traveling far offshore, you should consider adding even more powerful radio
equipment such as HF single side band or satellite radio for your vessel.
The U.S. Coast Guard does not endorse cellular telephones as substitutes for marine
radios. They generally cannot communicate with rescue vessels and, if you make a
distress call on a cellular telephone, only the party you call will be able to hear you.
Additionally, cellular telephones may have limited coverage over water and can be
hard to locate. If you do not know where you are, the Coast Guard will have difficulty
finding you if you are using a cellular telephone.
However, cellular telephones can have a place on board where cellular coverage
is available — to allow social conversations and keep the marine frequencies
uncluttered and available for their intended uses.
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6English
Introduction FCC Licensing Information
FCC Licensing Information •
CobraMarine VHF radios comply with the FCC (Federal Communications
Commission) requirements that regulate the Maritime Radio Service.
The radio operates on all currently allocated marine channels and is switchable for
use according to U.S.A., International or Canadian regulations. It features instant
access to emergency Channel 16 and calling Channel 9 as well as NOAA (National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) All Hazards Radio with Alert that can be
accessed by pressing one (1) button.
Station License
An FCC ship station license is no longer required for any vessel traveling in U.S.A.
waters which uses a VHF marine radio, RADAR, or EPIRB (Emergency Position
Indicating Radio Beacon), and which is not required to carry radio equipment.
However, any vessel required to carry a marine radio on an international voyage,
carrying an HF single side band radiotelephone, or carrying a marine satellite
terminal must obtain a station license.
FCC license forms and applications for ship and land stations can be downloaded
through the Internet at www.fcc.gov. Forms can also be obtained by calling the FCC
at 888-225-5322.
International Station License
If your vessel will be entering the sovereign waters of a country other than the
U.S.A. or Canada, you should contact that country’s communications regulatory
authority for licensing information.
Radio Call Sign
Currently, the FCC does not require recreational boaters to have a license. The
United States Coast Guard recommends that the boat’s registration number and
state of registry (e.g., IL 1234 AB) be used as a call sign and be clearly visible on
the vessel.
Canadian Ship Station License
You need a Radio Operator’s Certificate if your vessel is operated in Canadian waters.
Radio Operator training and certification is available from the Canadian Power
Squadron. Visit their website (http://www.cps-ecp.ca/english/newradiocard.html),
contact the nearest field office or write: Industry of Canada, Radio Regulatory
Branch, Attn: DOSP, 300 Slater Street, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1A 0C8.
VHF Marine Radio Protocols
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Introduction
7
Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra®
FCC Licensing Information
User Responsibility and Operating Locations
All users are responsible for observing domestic and foreign government regulations
and are subject to severe penalties for violations. The VHF frequencies on your radio
are reserved for marine use and require a special license to operate from land,
including when your boat is on its trailer.
NOTE
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two (2) conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful interference, and
2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that
may cause undesired operation.
FCC Warnings: Replacement or substitution of transistors, regular diodes or
other parts of a unique nature, with parts other than those recommended by
Cobra may cause a violation of the technical regulations of part 80 of the FCC
Rules, or violation of type acceptance requirements of part 2 of the rules.
VHF Marine Radio Protocols
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8English
Introduction
VHF Marine Radio
Procedures
VHF Marine Radio Procedures •
Maintain Your Watch
Whenever your boat is underway, the radio must be turned On and be tuned to
Channel 16 except when being used for messages.
Power
Try 1 watt first, if the station being called is within a few miles. If there is no answer,
switch to 3 watts and call again. You have the ability to go up to 5 watts of output
power to increase your calling distance. Remember, the lower wattage outputs will
conserve your battery and minimize interference to other users.
Calling Coast Stations
Call a coast station on its assigned channel. You may use Channel 16 when you do
not know the assigned channel.
Calling Other Vessels
Call other vessels on Channel 16 or on Channel 9. (Channel 9 is preferred for
recreational vessel use.) You may also call on ship-to-ship channels when you know
that the vessel is listening on a ship-to-ship channel.
Initial Calling on Channel 16 or 9
The use of Channel 16 is permitted for making initial contact (hailing) another
vessel. The limits on calling must be followed. Be reminded, Channel 16’s most
important function is for Emergency Messages. If for some reason, Channel 16 is
congested, the use of Channel 9, especially in U.S. waters, may be used as the initial
contact (hailing) channel for non-emergency communication.
Limits on Calling
You must not call the same station for more than 30 seconds at a time.
If you do not get a reply, wait at least two (2) minutes before calling again.
After three (3) calling periods, wait at least 15 minutes before calling again.
Change Channels
After contacting another station on a calling channel, change immediately
to a channel which is available for the type of message you want to send.
Station Identification
Identify, in English, your station by your FCC call sign, vessel name and the state
registration number, at both the beginning and at the end of the message.
VHF Marine Radio Protocols
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9
Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra®
VHF Marine Radio
Procedures
Prohibited Communications
You MUST NOT transmit:
 False distress or emergency messages.
 Messages containing obscene, indecent or profane language.
 General calls, signals or messages (messages not addressed to a particular
station) on Channel 16, except in an emergency or if you are testing your radio.
 When you are on land.
VHF Marine Radio Protocols
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For Example
10 English
Voice Calling
VHF Marine Radio Protocols
Voice Calling •
You are required to listen to Channel 16 while standing by. Channel 16 is the
distress and safety channel used for establishing initial contact with another station
and for emergency communication. The Coast Guard also monitors Channel 16 for
safety purposes for everyone on the water.
NOTE
Channel 9 may be used by recreational vessels for general-purpose calling. This
frequency should be used whenever possible to help relieve congestion on
Channel 16. The Coast Guard generally does not make urgent marine
information broadcasts or weather warnings on Channel 9. Boaters are still
asked to “keep watch” on Channel 16 whenever the radio is turned on and not
in use with another station.
To call another vessel or shore installation (e.g, lock or bridge tender):
Make sure the radio is On.
Make sure you are in standby listening mode on Channel 16. Make sure
Channel 16 is not in use.
When the channel is open (quiet), press the Talk button and call a vessel. Hold
the radio or microphone several inches from your face and speak clearly and
distinctly in a normal voice tone. Say “name or station being called,” “THIS IS
[your vessel name or call sign].”
Once contact is made, you must leave Channel 16 and go to another working
channel. See channel listing on pages 20-27.
The vessel Corsair is calling the vessel Vagabond:
Corsair: “Vagabond, this is Corsair. Over.”
Vagabond: “Please switch and answer on Channel 68 (or any proper working
channel). Over.”
Corsair: “Switching to Channel 68. Over.”
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Introduction
11
Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra®
Voice Calling
VHF Marine Radio Protocols
If the other does not respond, wait two (2) minutes and repeat. You are
permitted to attempt contact three (3) times, two (2) minutes apart. If you still
have not made contact, wait 15 minutes before trying again.
After communications are completed, each vessel must sign off with its call
sign or vessel name and the word “out” and return to Channel 16.
NOTE
For best sound quality at the station you are calling, hold the microphone on
the front of the radio at least 2 in. (51 mm) from your mouth and slightly off to
one (1) side. Speak in a normal tone of voice.
NOTE
“Over and Out”
The most commonly misused procedure words are “over and out” within the
same transmission. “Over” means you expect a reply. “Out” means you are
finished and do not expect a reply.
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12 English
Introduction Radiotelephone Calls
Radiotelephone Calls •
Boaters may make and receive radiotelephone calls to and from any number on the
telephone network by using the services of public coast stations. Calls can be made —
for a fee — between your radio and telephones on land, sea and in the air. See pages
20 through 27 for the public correspondence (marine operator) channels.
If you plan to use these services, consider registering with the operator of the
public coast station that you plan to work through. These services can provide
you with detailed information and procedures to follow.
NOTICE
You may disclose privileged information during a radiotelephone call.
Keep in mind that your transmission is NOT private, as it is on a regular
telephone. Both sides of the conversation are being broadcast and can be
heard by anyone who has a radio and tunes to the channel you are using.
VHF Marine Radio Protocols
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Introduction
13
Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra®
Emergency Messages and
Distress Procedure
Emergency Messages and Distress Procedure •
The ability to summon assistance in an emergency is the primary reason
to have a VHF marine radio. The marine environment can be unforgiving,
and what may initially be a minor problem can rapidly develop into a
situation beyond your control.
The Coast Guard monitors Channel 16, responds to all distress calls,
and coordinates all search and rescue efforts. Depending on the availability
of other capable vessels or commercial assistance operators in your vicinity,
Coast Guard or Coast Guard Auxiliary craft may be dispatched.
In any event, communicate with the Coast Guard as soon as you experience
difficulties and before your situation becomes an emergency. Use the emergency
message procedures only after your situation has become grave or you are faced
with a sudden danger threatening life or property and requiring immediate help. Use
Channel 16 to communicate your emergency message. Make sure you transmit on
high power. If you are merely out of gas, do not send an emergency message. Drop
your anchor and call a friend or marina to bring the fuel you need or to give you a
tow.
VHF Marine Radio Protocols
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14 English
Introduction
Emergency Messages
and Distress Procedure
VHF Marine Radio Protocols
Marine Emergency Signals
The three (3) spoken international emergency signals are:
The distress signal MAYDAY is used to indicate that a station is threatened by grave
and imminent danger and requests immediate assistance.
The urgency signal PAN is used when the safety of the vessel or person is in
jeopardy. (This signal is properly pronounced pahn.)
The safety signal SECURITE is used for messages about the safety of navigation or
important weather warnings. (This signal is properly pronounced see-cure-ee-tay.)
When using an international emergency signal, the appropriate signal is to be
spoken three (3) times prior to the message.
If You Hear a Distress Call
You must give any message beginning with one (1) of these signals priority over any
other messages. ALL stations MUST remain silent on Channel 16 for the duration of
the emergency unless the message relates directly to the emergency.
If you hear a distress message from a vessel, stand by your radio. If it is not
answered, YOU should answer. If the distressed vessel is not nearby, wait a short
time for others who may be closer to acknowledge. Even if you cannot render direct
assistance, you may be in a position to relay the message.
MAYDAY
PAN
SECURITE
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