I do wish all the bridges monitored the same channel, but they can vary from
state to state.
When approaching a bridge in south Florida there was a "13/16" sign on the
bridge. I called several times on 16 and finally got her on 13. When I told
her I had tried on 16 several times and did not get her attention she replied
that she didn't put the sign on the bridge and that she monitored only 13.
I didn't mean to imply I never use the VHF, I do use it when I think it will
enhance safety, but that it can distract me from paying better attention to my
"situational awareness" and decreasing safety.
When I am in high traffic areas I figure anybody in trouble will be heard by
many people. When I am offshore I do leave the VHF on all the time scanning 13
and 16 just in case there is a distress call nearby.
Norm
S/V Bandersnatch
Lying Julington Creek
30 07.695N 081 38.484W
----- Original Message -----
From: Rick Morel
To: [email protected]
Sent: 10/30/2008 7:27:48 PM
Subject: Re: [Liveaboard] Barges Old(Anchor Light Location)
At 03:37 PM 10/30/2008, Norm wrote:
>From what I understand having the VHF on when underway is a FCC rule, not a
>USCG rule.
Here's what I found:
FCC rules require boaters with a VHF radio to monitor Channel 16 continuously
when their radio is turned on and not otherwise being used for communications.
And:
Further, in certain instances vessels must monitor the international
distress
frequencies while navigating. These rules ensure that compulsory
vessels as well as exempt
vessels are able to exchange distress communications with Coast Guard
stations as well as coast
and vessel stations world-wide.
So recreational boats are not required to have the VHF on, but are required to
monitor CH 16 if it is on and not being used.
BTW, on the ICW and other waterways in Louisiana all the commercial and most
recreational traffic is on CH 13, the Navigation channel. All the bridges also
monitor 13.
Hope this helps!
Rick
SV Valkyrie
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