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The Club's radio is a Limited Coast Station (LCS) which works on the 27MHz Marine Band. To use the radio you do not need to have a radio operator's license and it is the responsibility of any member in the Club to answer the radio when incoming messages are received. The service provided by a LCS is restricted to communications concerning the movements and operations of vessels and includes the running of Club events. It is also includes the broadcast of weather and navigational information and is used for search and rescue operations. Messages should be kept brief and to the point. Unwarranted chatter must be avoided.
It is not difficult to use the radio, common sense is the only requirement. Firstly, you must realise that it is a simplex system, i.e. you can not talk and receive at the same time. On the side of the microphone is a button. When this button is depressed, the radio becomes a transmitter. When the button is not depressed, the radio is a receiver. Note the call sign for the radio in the club house is “Balmoral Beach” the call sign for the rescue craft is simply that boat’s name (i.e. “Balmoral”, “Eric Hart”, and “Hunter Bay To transmit a message: · Ensure the 3 buttons ISC, LOC and DW are out.
· Check that the radio is switched on (the channel number will be displayed).
· If necessary adjust the Squelch Control until the background noise just disappears (too far and you cut out your own signal).
· Listen, and make sure there is no traffic on the channel- the Club's vessels normally operate on channel 91. (See Changing Channels)
· Depress the transmit button on the microphone and speak. Your transmit message should be in the form: Name of vessel called (not less than twice) e.g., Balmoral, Balmoral. This is (and name of LCS) e.g. This is Balmoral Beach. When they respond give your message:
Message: Balmoral, Please advise if all marks are in proper locations, OVER (You want a response).
Answer: Balmoral responds e.g. Balmoral Beach, all marks are in position, OVER. Close: Finish the exchange e.g. Balmoral, thank you, Balmoral Beach, OUT. (message received and You close the exchange).
To respond to an incoming call Usually you will receive a call to make contact e.g. Balmoral Beach, Balmoral Beach this is Eric Hart. Pick up the microphone and depress the transmit button, your response should be in the form Eric Hart (spoken no less than twice), this is Balmoral Beach, OVER. Take your finger off the transmit button. Eric Hart will then transmit its message.
Using the radio - Some tips: Hold the microphone so that you can speak across it, not into it. Speak slowly and precisely. Keep your messages short- Don't waffle on.
Some Useful Terms. OVER At the end of a message. Means that this transmission is ended and I await your response. OUT At the end of a message. Means that the exchange of messages is finished and no response is required. ROMEO Means message is received and understood.
Changing Channels. If there is a lot of traffic on the current channel (shown on LED display) then you may need to try another channel to carry out working communications. The Club Radio, as the LCS, is normally the controlling radio in this situation, however during racing the RCO should make the decision on being advised communications are difficult. The change must be effected so that all the Club's vessels are working on the same channel.
To change channels
· First establish contact with all the Club's vessels.
· After contact is made, transmit the message Change channels. Go to Channel XX (New Channel).
· Re establish contact on the new channel and ensure that all is working satisfactorily. 27 MHz Marine Band Channels.
| Channel | Used for Communication Between | Purpose | Special Qualifications | | 86 | LCS and Ship Stations | SECONDARY DISTRESS Calling and Working | To be used only for distress calls | | 88 | LCS and Ship Stations | PRIMARY DISTRESS Calling and Working | To be used only for distress calls. Can be used to initially contact Coastal Patrol. | | 90 | LCS Only | Calling and Working | Should not be used for ship to Ship calls. | | 91 | LCS Only | Calling and Working | Not Generally used for ship To ship calls. | | 94 | LCS and Ship Stations | Calling and Working | Used for general communications between ships and between ships And LCS. | | 96 | Ship Stations | Calling and Working | Used for Ship to Ship Communications | | 98 | LCS, Ship and Mobile Stations | Calling and Working for Safety Organisations | Calling Safety Organisations and working as directed by them | |
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