Originally Posted by
trueblue
G'day
A typical call might go something like this
(Note: its acceptable to only call the station you are calling twice and identify yourself once on a VHF with clear reception - but call out both names 3 times if there is reception difficulty of if it is in an emergency. If you are on 27 Meg, also repeat each name 3 times because reception is scratchy at times)
You: "VMR Bribie, VMR Bribie, this is Bribie mobile XYZ on channel 73"
VMR Bribie: "Bribie Mobile XYZ, go ahead"
You: "Good morning VMR Bribie, can you put us on the trip log please"
VMR Bribie: "No problems, give us your details (they may or may not ask up front for the required list of information"
You: "Thanks, we are departing spinnaker sound marina now, bound for hutchinsons reef. We have 5 POB, and we expect to return no later than 16:00 this afternoon"
VMR Bribie: <pause while writing all that down> "Thanks mobile XYZ, we have you on the log, have a good day. VMR Bribie Clear.
You: "Thanks very much, Bribie mobile XYZ Out."
On your return back in harbour:
You: "VMR Bribie, VMR Bribie, this is Bribie Mobile XYZ on channel 73"
VMR Bribie: "Bribie Mobile XYZ, go ahead"
You: "Good afternoon VMR Bribie, we are now entering into spinnaker sound marina, can you take us off the log please?"
VMR Bribie: "Thanks for that Mobile XYZ, we have you off the log. VMR Bribie clear"
You: "Thanks for your watch, Bribie Mobile XYZ out"
Above is not absolutely by the book but close enough for practical purposes and you will be considered to have been courteous, informative and appreciative by the radio operator who takes your call.
Just remember to 'speak' with the radio operator - ultimately you are just having a conversation with him. Do your calls like this initially and get comfortable having a formalised conversation with the radio operator and you'll be fine.
Also go and do your MROCP training (can be done through Coast Guard Redcliffe) and then once you have done that course you can decide how much closer you want to get to doing it absolutely by the book.
A few other things: if you don't have a mobile number (from joining up the associate membership), you will get asked for more information, like: Boat type, registration and possibly a mobile phone number. If you use a call sign, like "Spearking", the radio operator may come back after your first call with "Vessel calling VMR Bribie, please repeat your call sign" if they cannot clearly understand you. If after the second time they still don't understand you, be prepared to spell it phonetically "sierra pappa echo alpha romeo kilo india november golf", but to avoid that for bugger all per year and have lots of other benefits, just join up as an associate member with either VMR or Coast Guard. Having a mobile number means that all of your vessel and personal details are already on file in the radio room, and all they need is your membership mobile number.
I recommend sticking a label inside your boat with your boat registration number - nothing worse than getting asked and having to lean over the side to read it upside down and then get back on the radio.
cheers
Mick