Exploring VHF Radio: Channel Scanning Tactics

[@pworker8124]

Thanks for the quick comms brief.

[@Letsgochannelsurfing]

Thanks for watching! Glad you found it useful.

[@philterzian9162]

Thanks for this advice Martin. Well done.

[@Letsgochannelsurfing]

Glad it was helpful!

[@happychildhood591]

Thank you for this presentation! It's always good to brush-up on the basics! Greetings from R-31 CB 'Jackpot II' from Stamford CT..!

[@Letsgochannelsurfing]

Glad you enjoyed it! I used to boat, for a short time, out of New London, CT.. (the submarine base there). ha!

[@braviabenjamin7565]

Monitoring 13 and 14 (Puget Sound) is good for situational awareness and if you need to coordinate/communicate with larger commercial traffic. Channel 13 is designated "bridge to bridge" and is intended for use between the bridges of vessels over 20 meters in length to reduce the chance of accidents. Channel 13 may only be used to transmit information necessary for the safe navigation of vessels. It is the backup channel for the Puget Sound Vessel Traffic Service. In Puget Sound, Channel 14 is the Vessel Traffic Service channel in Puget Sound. Channel 5A is used in the US waters of Admiralty Inlet, the Strait of Juan de Fuca and San Juan Islands. These channels are used by vessels required to participate in the PSVTS, but all vessels operating in commercial traffic areas are encouraged to monitor them to become aware of major vessel movements and hazardous conditions. Emergency communication will be accepted from any vessel by the Seattle Traffic watch. Use low power (1 watt).

[@Letsgochannelsurfing]

As a small maneuverable power boat, that tops out at 32knots, it's my responsibility to stay out of the way of commercial craft. I've been hailed directly by a cruise ship and a ferry which is great. But I wouldn't want to put myself into a position where I must hail them. They're at work, I'm a recreational boater. But I do like to listen to their cross-talk. I monitor VHF13 solely because I have to cross Bridge 37 (Snohomish river on the way to Dagmars). It's a train bridge and is often closed with a height of 9 feet. As I approach the bridge if someone else hails the bridge requesting they open, I'll hear the request so I don't need to hail the bridge and annoy the operator. Great feedback by the way. Thanks!

[@jacktyler7599]

Martin, how did you get to the back of the VHF to connect the RAM? I've got the same basic helm set-up (Cutwater) and I'm guessing you had to remove a bulkhead in the head to access the right-side console & VHF. Lost the Plotter's GPS feed to the VHF and assume one connector on that wire came loose. Good VHF review, thank you.

[@Letsgochannelsurfing]

On the R27-OB, I just stuck my hand up underneath. It's open and fairly easy to get at. Thanks for watching, I'm glad you found this information useful.