How Do You Contact The Coastguard Through VHF Radio?
• Turn on your VHF radio. • Tune it to channel 16 156.8Mhz – some radios have a channel 16 button, you can use that. • Locate a dimmer with SQL or Squelch signs. Turn it clockwise until the maximum then counter clockwise until noise is heard. At that moment start turning clockwise until noise disappears. • The Coast Guard monitors Ch16 24/7. • Depending on what you need the Coast Guard for determines how to call the Coast Guard. • If your situation is an absolute life or death situation call out to the Coast Guard using the words “Mayday Mayday Mayday, this is **your boats name** and what your situation is (fire/heart attack/sinking/man overboard etc…)over” • If no response within 10 seconds make another call out in the same manner you did before. Remember, speak slowly and calmly. • When the Coast Guard or similar agency (local police/fire/marina) hails back to you, give them information they ask. They will ask for: Position (Lat and Long, LORAN or Geographic), Nature of Distress, N
