Radio Checks

[ctadam12]

Hello,
I Would Like To Remind People That Have A Boat And Operate A Marine Radio That Radio Checks Are Not To Be Conducted On Channel 16, They Are To Be Conducted On Channel 9. Also, The Coast Guard Does Not Conduct Radio Checks! Thank You And Have A Safe Boating Season.

 

[OpSec]

Getting sick of that already, huh? No surprise there.

 

[cschmit]

Should also tell them to turn their raido OFF before doing a radio check on Ch 16 :lol: LOL

 

[CYA12112]

What if I have a new installation on my boat. Can I conduct one radio check with the Coast Guard on 16?

 

[RevGary]

You may get a slap on the wrist. Testing on 16 is not acceptable and you may be admonished for doing so. One way is to make arrangements in-harbor with a friend or another boat skipper ahead of time and briefly test on 09. Best way is to have a radio TECH check things for you - if it works on the test equipment, it will usually work on the air.

 

[CYA12112]

Is it acceptable to hail the CG on 16, ask them to switch to 22A and ask how they copied me on 16?

I could care less if my friends can hear me, I just want to make sure the CG can hear me.

 

[seamusg]

Is it acceptable to hail the CG on 16, ask them to switch to 22A and ask how they copied me on 16?

I could care less if my friends can hear me, I just want to make sure the CG can hear me.

I've heard that tried and USCG was not very happy with it. I used to have a sailboat with a 5/8 wave antenna ontop of a 30 ft mast and could hear two USCG control stations most of the time (Detroit and Cleveland), with their (USCG) towers, if your buddy can hear you a mile away the USCG can hear you. If you realy want to test the radio, try calling a shore station for information (and not say it's a radio check).
ps. i'm use to the Great Lakes this may not work everywhere.

 

[ctadam12]

We have tested our high sites with just a handheld radio up to 20 miles out and the unit came in clear. I am NOT, NOT saying to just get underway with just a handheld but I am saying our towers are very powerful. I recommend always a good mobile unit and GPS unit before even launching your boat! And please READ THE INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE YOU GET UNDERWAY! I talk to people all the time that do not even know how to read their gps unit or work their radio.

 

[OpSec]

Was that boater in distress off of Racine a bogus call, or did it pan out into something? I caught a broadcast on my way to work about 1400.