Radio - how often do you actually USE it?

[tonymac]

How often do people actually use their on-board radios?

is it necessary?

[JSP]

It is necessary for obvious reasons, be a bit silly not to have one.
But unless you uses docks or cruise in congested waters you'll probably only ever use it in an emergency. Which is why it's necessary to have one.

[chewy]

Hardly ever, but then I never use my flares neither.

The one time the VHF was useful was when a the CG put out a mayday relay and the ship was right in front of us. Was a false alarm, someone washing the deck give the EPIRB a good wash.

With no VHF a boat a mile away could be in trouble and you'd never know.

[Mollers]

Eh? I take a radio check from the CG often, when cruising with other boats we select a channel and keep in touch throughout the trip, I use ch16 often. Use it guys, it won't bite you. It's the most important safety feature on your boat.

[m chappelow]

unless i am stopped i cannot hear the thing anyhow ,even with my hard fishing boat its not that often i use it, suppose it depends on which area you live in and how much other traffic there is about ,teesmouth where i operate from is 3rd buisiest port in the uk , so i usually listen on the port frequency and ch 16 ,

[JSP]

Originally Posted by Mollers

Eh? I take a radio check from the CG often, when cruising with other boats we select a channel and keep in touch throughout the trip, I use ch16 often. Use it guys, it won't bite you. It's the most important safety feature on your boat.

Don't get me wrong, mines always on. Have to admit I don't ask for radio checks which I should. As my normal cruising ground around Fleetwood was near a dock I always dual watch CH16 and Ch12.

What I meant was as far as actually using it to communicate with other vessels (unless your in more congested waters) He'll find he hardly ever will.

Agree it's the most important bit of safety kit.

[JSP]

Originally Posted by m chappelow

unless i am stopped i cannot hear the thing anyhow ,even with my hard fishing boat its not that often i use it, suppose it depends on which area you live in and how much other traffic there is about ,teesmouth where i operate from is 3rd buisiest port in the uk , so i usually listen on the port frequency and ch 16 ,

That's the main problem I have. Can't hear the bloody thing due to wind noise/engine. Bought an amplified speaker but it doesn't make much difference. Still thinking about trying headphones no matter how daft I look.

[tonymac]

Originally Posted by tonymac

How often do people actually use their on-board radios?





is it necessary?

Don't get me wrong. Of course I have one on board - and I do listen on Ch 16 but I have never actually used it! My cruising area ranges from Belfast port round the north Irish sea, Lough Neagh and off North Donegal. OK slight need for it around here but to have never used it?


I am indeed being provocative here but it is a good question.

[m chappelow]

thing is you shouldent have the need to use it except for listening on ch 16 or 67 or perhaps listning to a working channel ie fishing trawlers,,unless its importent radio use should be kept to a minimum ,i know in some areas the rubbish chit chat from some certain boating groups [ not ribers or sibbers] is totally unnessesary .i have seen some of the largest ships in the world dock with less fuss than it takes some yotties or motor cruser skippers with the vhf .

[JSP]

Originally Posted by m chappelow

i have seen some of the largest ships in the world dock with less fuss than it takes some yotties or motor cruser skippers with the vhf .

That's true.