Good Copy – VHF Etiquette and Use

A VHF radio seems so simple to operate: turn it on, pick up the mic, press a button, and talk.

But wait—what channel do you use to call another boat at a drawbridge? Is there really ever a reason to use low power? Do you say “Over” at the end of every sentence? How do you know if your radio is even working? How do you call a boat when you don’t know its name?

And what about your radio’s advanced features—things like automated distress calling, AIS for “seeing” boats around you, and WX channels for getting precise marine weather forecasts? Do you really know how to use all those?

BoatUS said, “Many boaters never take the time to learn how to properly use one of the most important pieces of safety gear on [their] boat: the VHF radio.”

In this fun, fast-paced class you’ll learn how to make basic VHF calls, how to choose working channels, what lingo you should avoid using, how to properly use your radio’s advanced features, and lots more.