2.7.14 VHF-Radiotelephone (standard)

The VHF device allows communication on channels dedicated to Port Authority, rescue and radio stations.
To ask for rescue it is necessary to use the suitable VHF/FM channel; after each hour, as a legal rule, follow 6 minutes of silence, from minute 0 to minute 3 and from minute 30 to minute 33, so as to enable better listening of the distress communications.
If the VHF is used, the distress call must be preceded and ended by the wording “MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY”.

It is therefore necessary to give your position, the yacht’s name, the kind of damage and the kind of help you require (medical, mechanical, etc..).

CAUTION

Perform the “MAYDAY” rescue call, only in case of real need.

If, listening to the distress channel, a distress call that has not yet received an answer is picked up, if possible send a “MAYDAY RELAY, MAYDAY RELAY, MAYDAY RELAY” forwarding the communication of the person who requested the rescue.
It can in fact happen that the distress call, carried out on the open sea or by means of a poorly powered sender, is not received by the rescue team.
Acting as a spokesman, you can help the message reach its destination successfully.

CAUTION

Perform the call “MAYDAY RELAY” only if there is a reasonable certainty that the message has not been collected by the rescue team so as not to engage the distress channel uselessly.

The use of the standard procedure avoids creating confusion and shortens the transmission time. In case of danger, use only the phonetic alphabet recommended.
The VHF device is a vital and important communication line; please remember some fundamental rules:

• No transmission should be performed without reasons;
• Listen before transmission so as to avoid interference with other senders;
• For distress calls, use and hold the best possible wireless contact;
• Always use your call identification or the name of the yacht in order to make yourself identifiable. The use of names or faily names is not allowed;
• Send short and clear messages;
• For distress calls it is important to give the yacht’s position, the kind of danger, the time passed in water, the kind of yacht and the number of persons involved;
• For other calls, once the contact with the person called has been established,transfer the call on an operation channel;
• Cut out the transmission if required by a coastal station;
• Retune the radio when the call is ended.

CAUTION

For more details on the operating instruction’s VHF, refer to the manual provided by the manufacturer.

MANUAL DISTRESS CALL:

• Select the distress channel by pressing the key 16/9 or by scrolling the channels with the volume keys.
• Press the transmission key "PTT" on the radiotelephone and make the call.

MAYDAY - MAYDAY - MAYDAY THIS IS:
repeat the yacht’s name for 3 (three) times.

MAYDAY THIS IS:
repeat the yacht’s name.

AT POSITION:
specify the position of the yacht.

SPECIFY THE DISTRESS CAUSE.

• Release the "PTT" transmission key.
• Wait for the reply for a few seconds.
• If you do not receive any reply, repeat the message at regular intervals, until receiving a reply.
• When you receive an answer, continue the conversation:
  • Hold down "PTT" while talking.
  • Release "PTT" while listening.
• It may be required to switch to a working channel.

AUTOMATIC DISTRESS CALL:

• Lift the cover and press the DIST key; the display will show the wording “Distress call Undefined”.
• DIST hold for about 3 seconds, then displays the message: “DISTRESS CALL SENDING” and the radio beeps acoustic alarm.
• The distress message will be sent automatically and repeated at irregular intervals on Channel 70. Channel 16 will be available for communication after each transmission.
• If you receive no response after a short time, try to send the distress message manually.

WARNING

After the automatic SOS has been activated, it must be turned off by pressing the ON / C, otherwise the help message continues to be transmitted.
The SOS function is automatically locked until the number of DSC has been entered. Consult the manual provided by the manufacturer for the correct entry operations.

• You can press ▲ or ▼ o scroll through the transmitted Distress call information.
• You now have the following soft-key options:

RESEND
Displays “HOLD DISTRESS 3 SECONDS TO SEND”. You can then:

• Hold down the red "DISTRESS" key for 3 seconds to resend the call, or
• Press the "EXIT" soft key to return to waiting for an acknowledgement.

PAUSE
Pauses the call repeat mode. You can then:

• Press the "EXIT" soft key to resume the same call.

CANCEL
Displays “DISTRESS CALL SEND CANCEL.” You can then:

• Press the "NO" soft key to send the DISTRESS CANCEL signal.
• Press "PTT" and report your situation using the handset.
• When finished talking, press "X" to return to standby mode.