Interlude
Owners’ Notes
21
–
42
broadcast or request for assistance is issued. If you need to
speak with another vessel, hail them on Channel 16 then
direct them to move to another channel for further
communications, e.g.,
Channel 78
(ship-to-ship).
The VHF radio communications system includes a remote
handheld unit that is stowed in a charging cradle under the
Nav table. The wireless remote is slaved to the primary VHF
radio and will only work on or near the boat with the
primary VHF radio
“ON.”
We usually have the remote at the
helm to quickly communicate with the Coast Guard or other
boats. Please don’t take the remote with you when leav
ing
the boat
; you’ll
quickly be out of its effective range. Rather,
take the UNIDEN portable VHF radio when going ashore to communicate with crewmates on the boat or
call for assistance (a good safety idea). This radio is also helpful when anchoring. Remember to switch
both units to a non-emergency channel, like
Channels 68, 69, or 72
.
Local marine weather conditions and forecasts are typically available on
Channel
4
(NOAA Marine WX)
and
Channel 2
(Canadian WX Service)
.
Listen for the report on “Inland waters of western Washington”
which covers the San Juan Islands and the Canadian Gulf Islands. You will also hear “S
trait of Juan de
Fuca” (south of the San Juan’s), “Georgia Strait” (north), and “Rosario Strait” (runs through the eastern
part of the San Juans). In Canadian waters, listen to the Canadian weather station, which also transmits
warnings of military area activity, such as area Whiskey Golf (WG) outside of Nanaimo.
VHF Radio Channels
Here’s a summary of the common radio channels you will use during your charter:
•
Channels 2 & 4
: Weather (CH4 = San Juan Islands | CH2 = Gulf Islands)
•
Channel 05A
: Seattle Vessel Transit System (VTS)
–
interesting to monitor
•
Channel 16
6
: USCG primary channel
–
international distress, safety and ship hailing
•
Channel 66A
: Friday Harbor Marina
•
Channels 71, 73
: Where you may hear the whale watching boats speaking with each other
•
Channels 78, 79 , 80
: Ship-to-ship working channels
•
Channel 78A
: Roche Harbor Marina, Deer Harbor Marina, Rosaria Resort Marina
•
Channel 80
: San Juan Sailing during normal business hours
Interlude’s
FCC call sign is
WDJ5062
(licensee is Crosswinds Sailing, LLC)
SAFETY REMINDER
: If you need to declare an emergency, here is the protocol to use:
•
Lift the red cover labeled
DISTRESS
and press and hold the
Distress
button on the radio until it
beeps (this will send your information to the USCG).
6
You can hail another vessel on CH16 but tell them to switch to a ship-to-ship working channel, e.g., CH79
VHF radios and FUSION entertainment system.
