4 English
Recommendations For
Marine Communication
Licensing Information
Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra
®
5
VHF Marine Radio Protocols
Introduction
NOTICES
AVOID
using or storing the radio at temperatures below -4°F (-20°C) or above
140°F (55°C) .
NEVER
connect the transceiver to DC power greater than 16 volts or to
any DC source with reversed polarity . Doing so will damage the transceiver .
DO NOT
cut the power cables attached to the transceiver . Improper
reconnection with reversed polarity will damage the transceiver .
POSITION
your radio, external speakers, and cables at least three (3) feet (0 .9 m)
away from your vessel’s magnetic navigation compass . CHECK your compass
before and after installation to be sure that it has not introduced any deviation .
DO NOT
attempt to service any internal parts yourself . Have any
necessary service performed by a qualified technician .
DO NOT
drop the transceiver or microphone . Doing so may crack the
case or damage a waterproof seal . Once these items have been dropped,
the original waterproofing cannot be guaranteed .
DO NOT
use chemicals or solvents such as mineral spirits and alcohol
to clean your radio . They may damage the case surfaces .
WARNING
Changes or modifications to your radio MAY VOID its compliance and make it
illegal to use .
Recommendations For Marine Communication
•
The frequencies your radio uses are set aside to enhance safety afloat and for
vessel navigation and operational messages over a range suitable for nearshore
voyages . If the 25 watt maximum output of your radio isn’t sufficient for the
distances you travel from the coast, consider installing more powerful radio
equipment such as HF single side band or satellite radio for your vessel .
The coastguard does not endorse mobile phones as substitutes for
marine radios . They generally cannot communicate with rescue vessels and,
if you make a distress call on a mobile phone, only the party you call will
be able to hear you . Additionally, mobile phones may have limited coverage
over water and can be hard to locate . If you don’t know where you are, the
coastguard will have difficulty finding you if you’re using a mobile phone .
However, mobile phones can have a place on board where mobile coverage
is available — to allow social conversations and keep the marine frequencies
uncluttered and available for their intended uses .
Licensing Information
This CobraMarine
®
radio incorporates a VHF FM transceiver designed for use in
the frequency range of 156 .025 to 163 .275 MHz . It requires 13 .8 volts DC and
has a switchable RF output power of 1 or 25 watts .
The transceiver is capable of RTCM SC 101 DSC (Digital Selective Calling) operation .
The radio operates on all currently allocated marine channels and is switchable for
use according to International, Canadian, or U .S .A . regulations . It features instant
access to emergency Channel 16 by pressing one key .
CobraMarine
®
VHF radios comply with the U .S . FCC (Federal Communications
Commission) requirements that regulate the Maritime Radio Service .
Station License
The UK requires a ships radio license and a marine radio operators certificate before
transmitting equipment can be used aboard a vessel . Other European countries have
specific requirements of their own .
For detailed information and applications, contact the Royal Mail Licensing Centre
in the UK . In other countries contact the local equivalent of the UK Royal Mail or
the national telecommunications authority .
Canadian or U.S.A. Station License
If your vessel will be entering the sovereign waters of Canada or the U .S .A ., you
should contact Industry of Canada, Radio Regulatory Branch or the U .S . Federal
Communications Commission for licensing and operating information .
Radio Call Sign
A radio call sign is included as part of the ships radio license in the UK .
Other countries may have different practices; contact your local regulatory
authority for information .
User Responsibility And Operating Locations
All users are responsible for observing domestic and foreign government regulations
and are subject to severe penalties for violations . The VHF frequencies on your radio
are reserved for marine use and require a special license to operate from land,
including when your boat is on its trailer .
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