Radio Calling

When using marine radios, use the “Calling” channel to make contact, then change to a “Working” channel. This leaves the calling channel free for any distress calls or important safety messages. 

Calling:            27.88 MHz; VHF Ch. 16; 2182 kHz

Working:          27.90 MHz; VHF Ch. 73; 2524 kHz

Basic Marine Radio Calling Procedure and Courtesy

There’s a right way to use your marine radio and it’s an easy process. When you call, you will call on the ‘Calling’ channel. For example on 27MHz you’ll be on 88 and on VHF you will call on Ch 16. Let’s assume you’re on a VHF set. It should be set to 16 for calling and general listening.

You:  “Coastal Patrol Botany Bay, Coastal Patrol Botany Bay, Coastal Patrol Botany Bay. This is (name of your boat eg) Firecracker, Firecracker, Firecracker”

The shore station Coastal Patrol Botany Bay will respond and ask you to go to a ‘Working’’ channel

CPBB: “Firecracker, Firecracker, Firecracker. This is Coastal Patrol Botany Bay, Coastal Patrol Botany Bay, Coastal Patrol Botany Bay. Please go to 73.”

You:  “Coastal Patrol Botany Bay, this is Firecracker. Going to 73.”   Now change your radio channel to 73 and wait for the shore station to call you.

CPBB:  “Firecracker. This is Coastal Patrol Botany Bay, how can we help today?”

Seek the information you want or advise the Coastal Patrol shore station of your plans.  When your communications are complete advise the shore station that you’re returning to the 'Calling' channel. eg

You:     “Thanks Coastal Patrol. Much appreciated. This is Firecracker returning to 16.” 

Now switch your marine radio back to the relevant 'Calling' channel and enjoy the rest of your day out.