Standard Horizon HX370E User manual

HX370E
HX370E
VHF/FM Marine
Handheld Transceiver
Owner's Manual

HX370E
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. GENERAL INFORMATION ........ 2
2. ACCESSORIES .......................... 3
2.1 PACKING LIST ........................................ 3
2.2 OPTIONS ................................................ 3
3. BATTERY ................................... 4
3.1 BATTERY CHARGING ........................... 4
3.2 BATTERY REMOVAL/INSTALLATION ... 4
3.3 USING THE NC-88
BATTERY CHARGER ..... 5
3.4 FBA-25A ALKALINE BATTERY CASE .... 5
3.5 BATTERY SAFETY ................................. 6
4. CONTROLS AND INDICATORS ..... 7
4.1 CONTROLS and CONNECTIONS ......... 8
4.2 INDICATORS ........................................ 10
5. OPERATION ............................. 12
5.1 INITIAL SETUP ..................................... 12
5.2 RECEPTION ......................................... 13
5.3 TRANSMISSION ................................... 14
5.4 TRANSMIT TIME-OUT TIMER (TOT) ... 14
5.5 USA, CANADIAN, AND
INTERNATIONAL BANDS .... 15
5.6 SCAN .................................................... 15
5.7 PROGRAMMABLE PRIORITY SCAN .. 16
5.8 DUAL WATCH ....................................... 16
5.9 EMERGENCY (CHANNEL 16 USE) ..... 17
5.10 CALLING ANOTHER VESSEL
(CHANNEL 16 OR 9) ... 17
5.11 OPERATING ON CHANNEL 13 .......... 18
5.12 OPERATING ON CHANNEL 67 .......... 18
5.13 PRESET CHANNELS (1 ~ 8):
INSTANT ACCESS .... 19
5.14 SIMPLEX/DUPLEX CHANNEL USE ... 20
5.15 ENABLING S.O.S
STROBE OPERATION ..... 20
5.16 VOICE SCRAMBLER UNIT ................ 21
5.17 SETUP MODE .................................... 22
5.18 CLONING ............................................ 25
6. MAINTENANCE ........................ 26
7. CHANNEL ASSIGNMENTS ..... 27
8. SPECIFICATIONS .................... 34
RF Exposure Safety Statement
SAFETY INFORMATION
Your wireless handheld portable transceiver contains a low power transmit-
ter. When the Push-to-Talk (PTT) button is pushed, the transceiver sends
out radio frequency (RF) signals. In August 1996, the Federal Communica-
tions Commission adopted RF exposure guidelines with safety levels for
hand-held wireless devices.
This device is authorized to operate at a duty factor not to exceed 50% (this
corresponds to 50% transmission time and 50% reception time).
WARNING: To maintain compliance with the FCC’s RF exposure guidelines,
this transmitter and its antenna must maintain a separation distance of at
least 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) from your face. Speak in a normal voice, with
the antenna pointed up and away from the face at the required separation
distance.
If you use a headset accessory for this radio, with the radio worn on your
body, use only the STANDARD HORIZON belt clip for this transceiver, and
ensure that the antenna is at least 1 inches (2.5 centimeters) from your body
when transmitting.
Use only the supplied antenna. Unauthorized antennas, modifications, or at-
tachments could damage the transmitter, and may violate FCC regulations.

HX370E
Congratulations on your purchase of the HX370E! Whether this is your first
portable marine VHF transceiver, or if you have other STANDARD HORIZON
equipment, the STANDARD HORIZON organization is committed to ensur-
ing your enjoyment of this high-performance transceiver, which should pro-
vide you with many years of satisfying communications even in the harshest
of environments.
We appreciate your purchase of the HX370E, and encourage you to read
this manual thoroughly, so as to learn and understand the capabilities of the
HX370E fully.
Page 1
ABOUT VHF MARINE RADIO
The radio frequencies used in the VHF marine band lie between 156
and 158 MHz with some shore stations available between 161 and 163
MHz. The marine VHF band provides communications over distances
that are essentially “line of sight” (VHF signals do not travel well through
objects such as buildings, hills or trees). Actual transmission range de-
pends much more on antenna type, gain and height than on the power
output of the transmitter. The approximate distance a portable 5W radio
may communicate is about 5 miles in if there are no obstructions (build-
ings, hills etc.) restricting line of sight transmission.
ABOUT LMR CHANNELS
The HX370E is capable of PC programming 40 LMR (Land Mobile Ra-
dio) channels by a dealer. The frequency range is 137 to 174MHz which
may be setup for 25kHz (wide) or 12.5kHz (narrow) channel stepping
with CTCSS and DCS signaling. Contact your dealer for further details.
Attention in Case of Use
This transceiver works on frequencies which are not generally permitted.
For frequency allocation, apply for a licence at your local spectrum man-
agement authority.
For actual usage contact your dealer or
sales shop in order to get your trans-
ceiver adjusted to the allocated fre-
quency range.
List of the practicable area
AUT BEL DNK FIN
FRA DEU GRC ISL
IRL ITA LIE LUX
NLD NOR PRT ESP
SWE CHE GBR

HX370E
1. GENERAL INFORMATION
1.1 INTRODUCTION
The HX370E is a submersible, miniature 5-Watt portable two-way VHF ma-
rine transceiver. The transceiver has all allocated USA, international, or
Canadian channels. It has an emergency channel 16 which can be immedi-
ately selected from any channel by pressing the 16/9 key.
Besides VHF marine transceiver operation, the HX370E provides LMR (Land
Mobile Radio) transceiver operation.
The transceiver includes the following features: Memory Scanning, Program-
mable Priority Scanning, Battery Saver, easy-to-read large LCD display,
EEPROM memory back-up, Battery Life displayed on LCD.
The transmitter provides a maximum of 5 Watts output, and has the selection
of 2.5 Watts and 1 Watt to assist the user in ensuring maximum battery life.
The optional FVP-31 Voice Scrambler can be installed to permit secure voice
communications with other STANDARD HORIZON radios with the FVP-31
scramblers installed.
Page 2

HX370E
2. ACCESSORIES
2.1 PACKING LIST
When the package containing the transceiver is first opened, please check
it for the following contents:
• HX370E Transceiver
• FNB-83Ú7.2 V, 1400 mAh Ni-MH Battery Pack
• FNB-V57ISÚ7.2 V, 1100 mAh Ni-Cd Battery Pack
ÚDepends on the transceiver version.
• NC-88C/U 230 VAC Overnight Charger
• CD-26 Charger Cradle
• FBA-25A Alkaline Battery Case (Except for IS version)
• CAT460 Antenna
• E-DC-19A
DC Cable with 12 V Cigarette Lighter Plug (Except for IS version)
• CLIP-14 Belt Clip with screw
• Owner’s Manual
2.2 OPTIONS
CMP460 Noise-canceling Waterproof Speaker/Microphone
MH-57A4B Mini Speaker/Microphone (Except for IS version)
VC-24 VOX Headset (Except for IS version)
VC-27 Earpiece/Microphone (Except for IS version)
CT-32 Clone Cable
FVP-31 Voice Scrambler
CD-26 Charger Cradle
FBA-25A Alkaline Battery Case
(Except for IS version)
FNB-83 7.2 V, 1400 mAh Ni-MH
Battery Pack
E-DC-19A DC Cable with 12 V Cigarette Lighter Plug
(Except for IS version)
NC-88B/C/U 120/230 VAC Overnight Charger
E-DC-6 DC Cable; plug and wire only
VAC-370B/C/U Rapid charger 120/230 VAC
CE68 PPS Software
CT-111 Cable SET for CE68
CAW230 Radio-to-Ship’s-Antenna Adapter
Note: Before operating the HX370E for the
first time, it is recommended that the bat-
tery be charged.
Page 3

HX370E
3. BATTERY
The FNB-83 and FNB-V57IS (intrinsically Safe Version) are high perfor-
mance rechargeable battery providing high capacity in a compact package.
Note: FNB-83 is supplied with the HX370E and the FNB-V57IS is supplied
with the “IS Version” only.
CAUTION
To avoid risk of explosion and injury, FNB-83/FNB-V57IS battery pack
should only be removed, charged or recharged in non-hazardous envi-
ronments.
3.1 BATTERY CHARGING
If the radio has never been used, or its charge is depleted, it may be charged
by connecting the NC-88 battery charger (see figure 2 on page 5). If 12V DC
power is available, the optional E-DC-6 or the E-DC-19A DC adapter with
cigarette plug may be used for charging the battery. The NC-88, E-DC-6 and
E-DC-19A will charge a completely discharged FNB-83/FNB-V57IS battery
pack in about 10 hours.
3.2 BATTERY REMOVAL/INSTALLATION
1. Turn the transceiver off.
2. To remove, open the Battery Pack Latch on the bottom of the trans-
ceiver, then slide the battery downward and out from the transceiver.
3. To install, insert the battery pack into the battery compartment on the
back of the transceiver, then close the Battery Pack Latch until it locks in
place with a “click.”
Figure 1
Install the Battery Pack
Close the
Battery Pack Latch
«
«
Page 4
Important Notice
To avoid the ingress of water between the transceiver body and battery
pack/case, close the Battery Pack Latch until it locks in place with a
“click” while pressing and holding the battery pack/case in to ward the
top panel (secure the upper edge of the battery pack/case snugly against
the upper edge of the battery nest).

HX370E
3.3 USING THE NC-88 BATTERY CHARGER
1. Install the supplied FNB-83/FNB-V57IS battery pack on the rear of the
HX370E. Ensure that the transceiver is
switched off.
2. Plug the NC-88 Overnight Charger into the
AC line outlet, then insert the cable plug
into the jack located on the side panel of
the CD-26 Charger Cradle.
3. Insert the transceiver and battery pack into
the CD-26; the antenna jack should be at
the left side when viewing the charger from
the front.
4. If the transceiver and battery pack are in-
serted correctly, the Red indicator on the
CD-26 will glow. A fully-discharged pack will
be charged completely in 10 hours.
Important Notes:
HThe NC-88 is not designed to power the transceiver for operation (re-
ception or transmission).
HDo not leave the charger connected to the transceiver for continuous
periods in excess of 24 hours. Long term overcharging can degrade the
Ni-MH battery pack and significantly shorten its useful life.
HIf using a charger other than the NC-88/CD-26, or if using a battery pack
other than the FNB-83/FNB-V57IS, follow the appropriate instructions
provided with the charger/battery. Contact your Dealer if you have any
doubts about the appropriateness of the particular charger or battery
pack you intend to use.
3.4 FBA-25A Waterproof Alakline Battery Tray
FBA-25A is a battery case that holds six alkaline batteries and is used with the
HX370E transceiver.
When installing batteries, insert the (–) end first, then press in the (+) end so
the battery snaps into place. Always replace all six batteries at the same
time, paying attention to the polarity indicated inside the case.
The FBA-25A must not be used with rechargeable cells. The FBA-
25A does not contain the thermal and over-current protection
circuits (provided in the "FNB" series of Ni-MH Battery Packs) required
when utilizing Ni-Cd and Ni-MH cells.
Figure 2
Page 5

HX370E
3.5 BATTERY SAFETY
Battery packs for your transceiver contain Ni-MH/Ni-Cd batteries. This type
of battery stores a charge powerful enough to be dangerous if misused or
abused, especially when removed from the transceiver. Please observe the
following precautions:
DO NOT SHORT BATTERY PACK TERMINALS
Shorting the terminals that power to the transceiver can cause sparks, se-
vere overheating, burns, and battery cell damage. If the short is of sufficient
duration, it is possible to melt battery components. Do not place a loose
battery pack on or near metal surfaces or objects such as paper clips, keys,
tools, etc. When the battery pack is installed on the transceiver, the termi-
nals that transfer current to the transceiver are not exposed.
DO NOT INCINERATE
Do not dispose of any battery in a fire or incinerator. The heat of fire may
cause battery cells to explode and/or release dangerous gases.
Page 6
Caution
Never short-circuit the connection terminals on the bat-
tery or charger !
CONTAINS NICKEL-METAL-HYDRIDE BATTERY.
MUST BE RECYCLED OR DISPOSED OF PROP-
ERLY.
Ni-MH
CONTAINS NICKEL-CADMIUM BATTERY.
MUST BE RECYCLED OR DISPOSED OF
PROPERLY

HX370E
Figure 3
Controls and Connectors
4. CONTROLS AND INDICATORS
NOTE
This section defines each control of the transceiver. For detailed oper-
ating instructions, refer to section 5 of this manual. Refer to Figure 3 for
the location of the following controls, indicators, and connections.
Page 7

HX370EPage 8
4.1 CONTROLS AND CONNECTIONS
POWER SWITCH/VOLUME CONTROL
Turns the transceiver on and off, and adjusts the volume.
MIC/SP JACK
Accepts the optional CMP460, MH-57A4B speaker microphone or VC-24
VOX Headset. When this jack is used, the internal speaker is disabled.
Do not allow the HX370E to become submerged in water while
the plastic cover over the MIC/SP jack is removed.
Antenna Connector
The supplied CAT460 flexible antenna is attached here.
PUSH-TO-TALK (PTT)SWITCH
Activates transmission.
SQUELCH (SQL)SWITCH
Sets the point at which random noise on the channel does not activate
the audio circuits but a received signal does. This point is called the
Squelch threshold. Further adjustment of the squelch control will de-
grade the reception of wanted transmissions.
BUSY/TX INDICATOR
This indicator glows green when a signal is being received and red when
transmitting.
When the Emergency feature is activated, this indicator blinks the inter-
nationally-recognized Morse Code “S.O.S” message.
UP ()KEY
Used to select a desired channel. Each press increases the channel
number. When held down, the channels increase continuously.
DOWN ()KEY
Used to select a desired channel. Each press decreases the channel
number. When held down, the channels decrease continuously.
16/9 KEY
Immediately recalls channel 16 from any channel location. Holding down
this key recalls channel 9. The 16/9 key is also used to revert to the
channel selected before pressing the 16/9 key.
Example: select Ch68, press 16/9 key (Ch16 appears), press the 16/9
key again and Ch68 is shown.

HX370E Page 9
DW KEY
Press the DW key, scan for voice communications on the priority chan-
nel and another selected channel until a signal is received on either
channel (Dual Watch). Refer to section “5.8 DUAL WATCH” for details.
H/L KEY
Toggles the transmitter power level between High (5 Watts), Medium
(2.5 Watts), and Low (1 Watt) of output. Does not operate on “low power
only” and transmission-inhibit channels.
When operating on Canadian channel 13, or USA channels 13 or 67,
pressing this key momentarily toggles the power level from Low power
to Medium or High power.
Hold down this key to lock the displayed channel functions (except the
H/L, PTT, and SQL keys) so that they are not accidentally changed. The
key lock symbol “ ” will appear, to indicate that the functions are locked.
Hold down until the key lock symbol “ ” disappears to unlock the ra-
dio.
SCAN KEY
Starts scanning and Priority scanning of programmed channels. When
scanning, press and hold this key to turn on and off Priority scan (Pis
shown on the left side of the display during Priority scanning).
PRESET KEY
Immediately recalls one of up to eight user preset memories for opera-
tion (shown as 1-8on the LCD). Pressing this key repeatedly scrolls
through the preset memory channels.
MEM KEY
Press to select a channel for scanning. Press this key again to delete a
memorized channel. (“MEM” appears on the LCD display during memory
operation).

HX370EPage 10
4.2 INDICATORS
Figure 4
Indicators
Channel Display
The operating channel is shown on the LCD in both the transmission and
reception modes.
A Indicator
Signifies ship-to-ship channels in USA or Canadian mode (whose counter-
part in the International mode is a public correspondence (marine operator)
channel).
USA/INTL/CAN Indicator
Denotes the “band” of operation for the particular channel. “USA” indicates
the USA band; “CAN” indicates the Canadian band; and “INTL” indicates
the International band.
/ / Indicators
“” indicates High power (5 Watts); “ ” indicates Medium power (2.5 Watts);
and “ ” is for Low power (1 Watt). “Blank” in this location indicates a re-
ceive-only channel.
P Indicator
Ch16 Priority Scan is activated.
DW Indicator
Dual watch is activated.
SCN Indicator
Scan is activated.
TX Indicator
Appears during transmission.

HX370E Page 11
MEM Indicator
The channel is in the transceiver’s “Scan Memory.”
Battery Indicator
When the battery charge is almost depleted, a “ ” icon will appear on the
display. When this icon appears, it is recommended that you charge the
battery soon.
No Icon Enough battery power
Lower battery power
Nearing depletion
(Blinking) Prepare to charge the battery
NOTE: The battery indicator should be used only as a guide in charging the
FNB-83/FNB-V57IS battery.
KEY Lock Indicator
When the “ ” symbol is shown on the LCD, all keys are disabled except
for the H/L, PTT and SQL keys.

HX370E

Page 12
5. OPERATION
5.1 INITIAL SETUP
1. Install the belt clip on the transceiver, if desired.
2. Install the battery pack on the transceiver (see
figure 1 and section 3.2).
3. Install the antenna onto the transceiver.
NOTE
Water resistance of the transceiver is assured
only when the battery pack and antenna are
attached to the transceiver.
Figure 5
Antenna Installation
Figure 6
(a)
(b)
(c)
belt
«
Installing the Quick Draw Belt Clip
1. Connect the hanger to the rear of the HX370E, with the notch point-
ing directly up, using the supplied screw (Figure 6-a).
Use only the screw included
with the clip to mount the clip
to the back of the transceiver!
2. Clip the Quick Draw Belt Clip to
your belt (Figure 6-b).
3. To install the HX370E into the
Quick Draw Belt Clip, align the
hanger with the Quick Draw Belt
Clip and slide the HX370E into
its slot until a click is heard.
4. To remove the HX370E from the
Quick Draw Belt Clip, Rotate the
HX370E 180 degrees, then slide
the transceiver out from the Quick
Draw Belt Clip (Figure 6-c).

HX370E Page 13
5.2 RECEPTION
1. Turn the POWER/VOLUME CONTROL knob clockwise to turn the trans-
ceiver on.
2. Press the SQL key, then press the []key until the
SQL level is 00.
3. Turn up the POWER/VOLUME CONTROL knob un-
til the noise or audio from the speaker is at a comfortable level.
4. Select a channel that has no signal being received (no one is transmit-
ting on the channel) and where only noise is heard.
5. Press the SQL key, then press the []key and stop immediately after
the noise disappears. This condition is known as the “Squelch Thresh-
old.” If the squelch is set to a higher level, weak signals may not be
received.
6. To change channels, press the []or []key.
7. The LCD and keypad are illuminated for 5 seconds when any key is
pressed. The lamp automatically turns off in 5 seconds.
8. To “lock” the channel so that it is not accidentally changed, hold down
the H/L key for about one second. This locks the []and []buttons
and all the front panel controls except the H/L, PTT and SQL keys. The
“” symbol will appear on the display to indicate
that the keypad is locked. Hold down the H/L key for
about one second to unlock the keys. The “ ” sym-
bol will disappear from the display.
LMR (Land Mobile Radio) Channels
The HX370E is capable of PC programming 40 LMR (Land Mobile Ra-
dio) channels by a dealer.
Contact your dealer for further details.
Typical display of LMR operation.

HX370E
5.3 TRANSMISSION
NOTE
Never key the transceiver without an antenna connected, as this may
cause damage to the transceiver.
1. Perform steps 1 through 7 of the RECEPTION discussion above.
2. Before transmitting, monitor the channel and make sure it is clear.
3. For communications over short distances, press the H/L key until “ ” is
displayed on the LCD. This indicates Low power (approximately 1 Watt).
NOTE
Transmitting on 1 Watt prolongs battery life. Low power (1 Watt)
should be selected whenever possible.
4. If using Low power is not effective, select Medium power (2.5 Watts) or
High power (5 Watts) by pressing the H/L key until
“” (Medium power) or “ ” (High power) is dis-
played.
5. When receiving a signal, wait until the incoming signal stops before trans-
mitting. The transceiver cannot transmit and receive simultaneously.
6. Press the PTT (Push-To-Talk) switch to transmit. The “TX” indicator is
displayed during transmission.
7. Speak slowly and clearly into the microphone. Hold the microphone about
½ to 1 inch away from your mouth.
8. When the transmission is finished, release the PTT switch.
5.4 TRANSMIT TIME - OUT TIMER (TOT)
The HX370E is capable of PC programming TRANSMIT TIME - OUT
TIMER (TOT) by a dealer. Contact your dealer for further details.
While the PTT switch is held down, transmission time is limited to 5 minutes.
This prevents prolonged (unintentional) transmissions. About 10 seconds
before automatic transmitter shutdown, a warning beep sounds from the
speaker. The transceiver automatically switches to the receiving mode, even
if the PTT switch is held down. Before transmitting again, the PTT switch
must first be released, then pressed again. This Time-Out Timer (TOT) pre-
vents a continuous transmission that would result from an accidentally stuck
PTT switch.
Page 14

HX370E Page 15
5.5 USA, CANADIAN, AND INTERNATIONAL BANDS
1. To change the operating band (channel set) of the transceiver, hold down
the 16/9 key and press the DW key. The band will change from USA, to
International, and to Canadian with each press.
2. “USA” appears on the LCD for the USA band, “INTL”
appears for the International band, and “CAN” ap-
pears for the Canadian band.
5.6 SCAN
This transceiver provides a special “Scanning Memory Bank” which allows
you to designate certain channels for inclusion in a “loop” which will be
scanned at high speed. If an incoming signal is detected on one of the chan-
nels in the scanning loop, the radio will pause on that channel, allowing you
to listen to the incoming transmission.
1. Select the desired channel to be included in the scanning loop using the
[]or []key.
2. Press the MEM key to store the channel into the
transceiver’s scanning memory. “MEM” will be dis-
played on the LCD.
3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 for all the channels to be scanned.
4. To delete a channel from the transceiver’s scan memory, press the MEM
key again while the memorized channel is displayed. “MEM” will disap-
pear from the display.
5. All channels programmed remain in the transceiver’s scan memory even
if the power is turned off. See section 5.19: “RESETTING THE
TRANSCEIVER’S MICROPROCESSOR” to clear all channels from the
transceiver’s scan memory.
6. Press the SQL key, then press the []or []key until background noise
is eliminated.
7. To start scanning, press the SCAN key. The scan proceeds from the
lowest to the highest programmed channel number and stops on chan-
nels when a transmission is received. Scanning will resume when the
squelch closes after the incoming signal disappears at the end of the
transmission.
8. To stop the scan, press the SCAN, 16/9, or DW key.

HX370EPage 16
5.7 PROGRAMMABLE PRIORITY SCAN
The priority scanning feature allows the radio to scan while also keeping
watch on a particularly important “priority channel.” The following channels
can be set as the priority channel: 16, 09, and Preset Channels 1 through 8
(Preset Channels are described in section 5.13).
1. To set the priority channel, hold down the 16/9 key and press the MEM
key. The channel will change from 16 to 09 to Preset 1 to Preset 2 to
Preset 3 to Preset 4 to Preset 5 to Preset 6 to Preset 7 to Preset 8 with
each press of the MEM key. The displayed channel will be set as the
priority channel when the 16/9 key is released.
2. For priority scanning, hold down the SCAN key during normal scanning.
Scanning will proceed between the memorized channels and the priority
channel. The priority channel will be scanned after each programmed
channel. “P” is shown on the left side of the channel number during pri-
ority scanning.
3. As an example of priority scanning, let us say that channels 06, 07, and
08 are memorized in the transceiver’s scan memory. Priority scanning
will proceed in the following sequence:
[CH06][Priority Channel][CH07][Priority Channel]
[CH08][Priority Channel][CH06][Priority Channel]……
4. Even when the transceiver stops and listens to the signal of a programmed
channel, the transceiver will “dual watch” between this channel and the
priority channel.
Therefore, your priority watching of the designated chan-
nel is not compromised when the scanner has paused on an active channel.
5.8 DUAL WATCH
The Dual Watch feature allows the radio to watch for a transmission on the
priority channel and another selected Marine channel until a signal is re-
ceived. The priority channel is determined per the discussion in section 5.7
“PROGRAMMABLE PRIORITY SCAN” as described previously.
1. To start the Dual Watch feature, select a channel to be dual watched
with the priority channel and press the DW key. The
radio checks the priority channel for voice traffic
every one second. A small “DW” icon will be shown
blinking on the left of the display during scanning.
2. To cancel the Dual Watch feature, press the DW key.

HX370E Page 17
5.9 EMERGENCY (CHANNEL 16 USE)
Channel 16 is known as the Hail and Distress Channel. An emergency may
be defined as a threat to life or property. In such instances, be sure the
transceiver is on and set to CHANNEL 16. Then use the following proce-
dure:
1. Press the microphone push-to-talk switch and say “Mayday, Mayday,
Mayday. This is , , ”(your vessel’s name).
2. Then repeat once: “Mayday, ”(your vessel’s name).
3. Now report your position in latitude/longitude, or by giving a true or mag-
netic bearing (state which) to a well-known landmark such as a naviga-
tion aid or geographic feature such as an island or harbor entry.
4. Explain the nature of your distress (sinking, collision, aground, fire, heart
attack, life-threatening injury, etc.).
5. State the kind of assistance your desire (pumps, medical aid, etc.).
6. Report the number of persons aboard and condition of any injured.
7. Estimate the present seaworthiness and condition of your vessel.
8. Give your vessel’s description: length, design (power or sail), color and
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
response, try another channel.
11. To recall the previously-selected channel, press the 16/9 key again.
5.10 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 ves-
sels. 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 intervals. 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 communications. Here, also, calling time should not exceed
30 seconds but may be repeated 3 times at 2-minute intervals.

HX370EPage 18
Prior to making contact with another vessel, refer to the channel charts in
this manual, and select an appropriate channel for communications after
initial contact. 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 desired channel in advance to make sure you will not be inter-
rupting 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, immediately request another channel by saying “go to,”the num-
ber of the other channel, 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 beginning 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; see your Owner's Manual.
5.11 OPERATING ON CHANNEL 13
Channel 13 is used at docks, bridges and for maneuvering in port. Mes-
sages on this channel must concern navigation only, such as meeting and
passing in restricted waters. In emergencies and when approaching blind
river bends, High power is allowed. Pressing the H/L key will change the
power output from 1 Watt ()to 5 Watts ( ); if pressed again, 2.5 Watts
()will be selected. When the PTT switch is released, the transceiver will
revert to Low power. Press the H/L key again if you need High power on a
subsequent transmission.
5.12 OPERATING ON CHANNEL 67
When channel 67 is used for navigational bridge-to-bridge traffic between
ships, High or Medium power may be used temporarily (in the USA band) by
pressing the H/L key. When the PTT switch released, the transceiver will
revert to low power.