Proper VHF Pre-Trip Test Ediquette?

[SwankBait]

New Boater Question* I'm learning all the features and functions on my new VHF handheld marine radio and I'd like to know the right ediquette on how to do a pre trip test to make sure I'm good to go, but not irritate anyone by doing it incorrectly. Any help is greatly appreciated.

[Gerry Zagorski]

Make a radio call on an open channel, not 16 that’s for emergency use. 68 is popular one here.

Say radio check 3 times and your boats name and location once and await response. Repeat if needed

If you reach someone the typical response will be loud and clear this is boat name and location.

[Capt. Debbie]

Please be mindful that the 5 or 6 watt handheld does not have the range or reception gain of a 25watt fixed station radio with the high gain antenna tip 15 feet above the water.

Usually it's only a mile or two range with a handheld.

[Gerry Zagorski]

Please be mindful that the 5 or 6 watt handheld does not have the range or reception gain of a 25watt fixed station radio with the high gain antenna tip 15 feet above the water.

Usually it's only a mile or two range with a handheld.

Excellent point. For this reason if you make a distress call on 16 you may be able to reach a nearby boat but not to the coast guard so what you can do is ask them to be your relay.

Also people don’t like others clogging up the open channels like 68 with long personal conversations or idle chit chat so it’s common courtesy to move to another channel to carry on those conversations by saying something like let’s go up (or) down 2 meaning go to 66 or 70 or same a specific channel you want to move the conversation to.

[SwankBait]

Excellent point. For this reason if you make a distress call on 16 you may be able to reach a nearby boat but not to the coast guard so what you can do is ask them to be your relay.

Also people don’t like others clogging up the open channels like 68 with long personal conversations or idle chit chat so it’s common courtesy to move to another channel to carry on those conversations by saying something like let’s go up (or) down 2 meaning go to 66 or 70 or same a specific channel you want to move the conversation to.

Thank you guys for the info. I appreciate the help. I try my best to be considerate. This is a great place to ask questions and get answers from people with a lot more experience. Thanks again.