Communication for Boaters

VHF Radios andCommunication SystemsVHF-HF/SSB-AIS

Terry SparksCommander USN Retired

AgendaWhat Communications Systems are Available?License RequirementsWhat Can I Expect when using the different SystemsOperation of VHFUse of Portable VHFAgendaBreak 20 minutesDigital Selective Calling (DSC)Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI)Automatic Identification System (AIS)Installation of VHF RadiosInstallation of AIS ReceiverWhat Communications Systems are AvailableWhat is AvailableVHF Marine Radio (Very High Frequency)VHF Hand Held RadiosHF/SSB Radio (High Frequency/ Single Sideband)Cell PhoneAIS (Automated Information System)

Satellite Phone also available, but not part of training.

License RequirementsLicense RequirementsVHF Marine Radio None US Operation OnlySince 1996 for recreational boatersIn US only communicating with other US Boaters VHF Hand Held Radios Same as aboveAIS As required by VHF Radio

License RequirementsHF/SSB Radio Ships License or Ham dependent on frequency useShips License and Call Sign covers EPIRB, Radar, HF, AIS, and VHFAlso requires Operators PermitCell Phone None

What Can I Expect when using the different SystemsProspective of the HorizonHorizon in NM= Distance to the horizon in Nautical Miles1.17 X square root Sum of heightsHeight of Self + Height of other So if you are both at 8 feet1.17 X SQRT(8 + 8)1.17 X 4= 4.68 NM A 50 foot Mast at both locations = 11.7 NM

What Can I ExpectVHF Marine RadioLine of site Communications Top of Mast to Radio Tower could be 40 milesBoat to Boat may only be 3-11 milesVHF Hand Held Radios1-3 miles depending on your position and the contact antenna height. HF/SSB Radio - Potentially Around the worldCell Phone Similar to VHF to cell tower, then the world.AIS Similar to VHF, But will work at very low signal levels (digital signal).Why install a VHF Radio?Chances are:You do not have the Cell phone number of the boat 100 yards away.You do not have the Cell phone number of the Coast Guard.You do not have the Cell phone number of the Ship headed your way.Your Cell phone will not work.

VHF Operation

The RadioVolume Level in SpeakerSquelch Threshold to hear16 Over-RidePush To TalkDistressChannel SelectScanDSCWeatherChannel UseChannel 16 Emergency and Hailing Channel.No Radio ChecksCoast Guard: 22ACommercial Operations: 01, 07, 08, 09, 10, 11, 18, 19, 63, 67, 79, 80, and 88. Safety: 06 Used for ship-to-ship emergency comsCoast Guard S&R

Vessel-to-vessel navigational safety: 13 **Noncommercial working channels:09, 68, 69, 71, 72, and 78DSC 70 Port operations: 01, 05, 12, 14, 63, 65, 66, 73, 74, and 77 Not for public use:15, 17, 21, 23, 81, 82, and 83 ** 1W Power OnlyPhonetic AlphabetAlphaBravoCharleyDeltaEchoFoxtrotGolfOscarPapaQuebecRomeoSierraTangoUniform

HotelIndiaJulietKiloLimaMikeNovember

VictorWhiskeyX-RayYankeeZuluRadio UseListen for anyone else using the channelMake Sure the Squelch is not to highHail on Channel 16 to make contact (or use DSC)Then move to another channel (61, 63, 64, 68-72 and 78)

Radio UseWhen Contacting a Commercial vessel or Bridge, Try calling on 13. (Vessel Bridge to Bridge)Vessel Traffic System Commercial Ship routing in Traffic Lanes. Channels 5, 11, 12, 14Good to let them know you are there and where you are going and scan for others being routedMarinas frequently use channel 68 as a contact channelIf you are talking to someone close, reduce powerEmergency Communications1. The boat is in grave and imminent danger Distress (mayday) Calls are used when the boat is in grave and imminent danger and in need of immediate help.That means someone could die or vessel is sinking fast! Rescue authorities can reasonably expect you to leave the yacht if a rescue boat or helicopter arrives. (No arguments)Emergency Communications2. The boat or a crew member needs urgent help Urgency (pan pan) Calls are used when the boat or a crew member needs urgent help The boat is not in grave and imminent danger.No one will die if help is slowThe boat will not sink before help arrivesEmergency CommunicationsExample: On Channel 16Pan Pan, Pan Pan, Pan Pan, This is the vessel Lead Weight. We have a slow leak and the engine has failed. We are at Lat 47.234 Lon 126.234 drifting west at a speed of approximately 1 knot. There are 4 people on board. All have life Jackets on.Lead Weight is a brown vessel with white trim. Standing by on channel 16Emergency Communications3. Safety (SECURIT)securtit Calls are used for navigation or weather warnings. Pronounced say cure it tay.

Example: On Channel 16Securite, Securite, Securite, There is a large log floating under the water at Lat 47.234 Lon 126.234 drifting East at approximately 0.5 knots.

VHF Operation Emergency CommunicationsCall on Channel 16

Listen for Clear Channel

Repeat: Mayday, Mayday, Mayday

Provide Call Sign (3 times) and Name of Vessel

Provide Position information Lat & Lon VHF Operation Emergency CommunicationsState the Nature of Problem Hit underwater Rock Vessel sinking

Number of People on board and Status 4 People on Board, one unconscious

Seaworthiness of Vessel Taking on Water

Describe Vessel Cream Colored 45Sloop

Channel Monitoring Monitoring Channel 16

Repeat until answered

Emergency CommunicationsWhen Reporting a Mayday or Pan Pan:Make Sure all have Life Jackets onMake sure someone is monitoring the radioBe Prepared with Position ReportsBe Prepared to update Personnel StatusFor a Mayday, prepare to leave the boat.

Use of Portable VHFUse of Portable VHFMay be used around the MarinaVHF Not for use in Town as a family radioFamily Radio Service (FRS) is an improved walkie talkie radio system authorized in the US 1996. This personal radio service uses channelized frequencies in the (UHF) band.US FRS radios may not be used in MX. Must buy similar radios in MX certified for MX.Good to have in a Ditch Bag (with Extra Batteries)

20 Minute Break1918171615141312111098765432Time to get back to Class10Digital Selective Calling (DSC)

Digital Selective Calling (DSC)DSC available on MF, HF and VHF DSC is primarily intended to initiate radiotelephone calls. (Emergency and non-emergency) DSC calls can also be made to individual stations, groups of stations, or "all stations" in one's reach. DSC use requires an assigned/unique 9-digit Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI)DistressDigital Selective Calling (DSC)DSC radio - ability to send an automatic "mayday" that identifies the vessel and location.Radio May also send information on Type of IssueMust be set up with MMSI numberMust be tied to GPS position Data to be effective

Digital Selective Calling (DSC)Allows contacting a friend via DSC without hailing on channel 16Like using your cell phone.Private ship-to-ship calls to other vessels equipped with DSC radio. If you know the MMSI number of the radio you are calling only that vessel will receive you message. DSC allows contacting of a Group /Club Privately

Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI)MMSI NumbersUnique nine (9) Digit FCC Identification NumberLike your Telephone Number for RadiosIncluded with Ships License from FCCMay also be Obtained from Boat US and Sea TowMMSI NumbersUS VHF Users Onlyhttp://www.boatus.com/mmsi/http://www.seasmartvhf.com/Those Who Travel/Communicate Outside the U.S.http://wireless.fcc.gov/services/index.htm?job=licensing&id=ship_stations Must apply to the Federal Communications Commission for a ship station license.Ships License includes an MMSIAlso need Operators PermitInstallation of Marine SSB requires Ships License

Automatic Identification System (AIS)AISDigital Communication of Ships informationTransmitted on VHF Radio FrequenciesChannels 87 and 88B

AIS ClassesClass A Marine AIS - Large commercial vessels, is the full specification. May See Class B also

AIS ClassesClass B Marine AIS Lighter commercial and leisure vessels.Must have assigned MMIS Raymarine AIS 500

West Marine AIS 1000AIS ClassesReceive (Rx) Monitors the AIS network Both Class A and Class BReceives positional data reports for on-screen display. Dual Channel reads both frequencies at the same time.Single Channel, reads one channel then the otherSlower to get all the dataCosts less

Stand-Alone AISGraphical heading-up situation display shows all targets and nav aids within the selected range. Dangerous or lost targets are indicated.

Pop-up information box shows details for selected target.Unique CPA plot shows whether target will pass ahead or astern. Helps you determine the best collision avoidance strategy.

Integrated AIS

AIS Type InformationName of VesselCall SignMMSIDraughtLengthBeamPositionLat & Lon Heading

COGSOGCPABearing and RangeTCPADestinationETAStatusVessel Type

Installation of VHSInstallation of VHFSelect a location you can use when driving the boatThe Speaker has a magnet in it so be careful of interaction with compassMake sure the radio is waterproof if in cockpitAn in-line fuse to the radio should be used.Tap off Breaker feeding Cockpit with heavy wire if long run Installation of VHFAntenna should be as high as possibleMax range is proportional to the Antennas Height.Your height plus the height of the other station NMEA 0183 from GPS (NEMA Out Connection)Provides position data to radio for DSCIf two radios are used An antenna switch must be usedOr two Antennas must be installed

Installation of VHF

RG58/RG8/RG213+

-12VDCIn-line fuseNMEA 0183From GPSFor positionAnother Option

Installation of VHF - IssuesHum in the radio can occur when charger is onPoor filtering on charger (Goes away with Charger off)Can add a large capacitor at point of connection to 12V power.Poor connection to antenna can result inMinimal received signalNo transmitted signalBurning out radio output amplifierInstallation of VHF - IssuesSpeaker too close to CompassCompass will mot read properlyLong power run to radio with to small of wirePoor radio operation as battery voltage decreases No static out of radio with squelch lowMicrophone is keyedStatic out of radioTurn squelch control up to quiet radioInstallation of AISInstallation of AIS ReceiverStand-Alone UnitsHave own displayProvides relative position data of Class A&B AIS.Specific Requirements should be listed in Vendor Installation Vendors Include:Furuno AIS FA150VESPER Marine AISWatchMate

Installation of AIS ReceiverIntegrated Receiver and GPS DisplayComponentsAntennaAIS Receiver Connection to Graphical Display or PCMany Vendors of single and dual Channel ReceiversAIS units use a default baud rate of 38400Can connect to NEMA in on Multifunction Display Can be wired to connect to a 9 pin RS232Can then adapt to a USB PortInstallation of AIS Receiver

AIS Class B InstallationVHF RadioTo Keep you Safe at Sea!

West Marine AIS 1000