In this video, American Canoe Association instructor and frequent Kayak Angler contributor Jeff โBirdsnestโ Herman shares tips on proper use of a VHF marine radio and the differences in how to call for assistance. As he says, โnext to your life vest itโs probably one of the most important pieces of equipment you can have for inshore or offshore kayak fishing.โ
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How to Use a VHF Marine Radio to Save Your Life
A VHF marine radio is used by inland and offshore boaters to communicate with other boaters by way of designated recreational channels andโmore importantlyโto call for help. For less urgent situations, โChannel 9 is simply an all-stations call, all-vessels call within the area,โ Herman explains. โChannel 16 is your emergency Coast Guard contact channel.โ
Channel 16 is the universally designated channel across North America for May Day and Pan-Pan emergency calls. Herman says itโs important to know the difference between the two. โMay Day, May Day, May Dayโ is a call-sign for emergencies that are life-threatening, where consequences considered fatal.
On the other hand, โPan-Pan, Pan-Pan, Pan-Panโ is a call-sign to be used in an emergency where assistance is required, though the consequences are not considered fatal; for instance losing your paddle and being swept out to sea. As Herman describes, โI need assistance, Iโm having trouble out on the water, can somebody
please help me?โ
For the correct protocol to make a Pan-Pan call, first choose Channel 16 and press the side button to talk. Here is Hermanโs example:
โPan-Pan, Pan-Pan, Pan-Pan. This is blue kayaker, blue kayaker, blue kayaker. I am at San Louis Pass. I have lost my paddle and Iโm drifting out to sea. I need assistance with the tow over.โ
Proper Pan-Pan Call Protocol
- State โPan-Panโ three times.
- Describe your vessel three times.
- State your position.
- State the nature of your emergency.
- Say over.
- Wait for a response from the Coast Guard. They might direct you to an additional channel for help.
Non-emergency VHF communication
Wondering where the fish are at? Looking to meet up with your buddies at the launch? โAside from emergency calls,โ says Herman, a VHF marine radio is โa great way to keep in contact with your friends. You can simply move to a recreational channel by moving up or down toโฆchannel 70โ71.โ
Please note: A radio operatorsโ license is required by both the FCC in the United States and Transport Canada. For information on licensing requirements for the United States see hereย and for Canada seeย here.
This article was first published in the Summer/Fall 2015 issue of Kayak Angler Magazine. Subscribe to Kayak Angler Magazineโs print and digital editions, or browse theย archives.
Jeff Herman explains how to properly use a VHF marine radio. | Feature image: Kayak Angler/YouTube
A license is not required for a VHF radio in the U.S.
VHF is a marine band and must not be used to transmit from land (with special exceptions such as for a CG Auxiliary Fixed or Mobile land Facility.