Sailing School
Marine Communications (MCOM - TW 134)
Prerequisites
Description
The goal of this class is to provide enough information and practice so the student will feel comfortable in making VHF radio calls on the correct channels using efficient communication methods.
The Marine Communications class introduces students to the methods of communications while underway. This class focuses on VHF communications but includes an introduction to HF and Internet while aboard the vessel. Students will be taught proper radio channel usage, radio range, communication’s best practices, FCC regulations, USCG regulations and how to make calls such as “Mayday”, “Pan Pan”, and “Security”. Students will learn how to make an emergency antenna should they lose the ship’s VHF antenna. There will be a discussion on the differences in VHF radios and how to make a decision on  best suited VHF ships radio and hand held radio.
HF Single Side Band {SSB} radio will be briefly covered and methods of connecting to the internet when at sea [additional handouts will be provided].
The VHF class is especially important for mariners on San Francisco Bay that may find themselves in restricted visibility [fog]. The class will provide information and examples on whom and how to call for traffic advisories and what channels to monitor, in addition to channel one six.
Suggested background reading is Chapman’s Piloting and Seamanship, by Elbert S Maloney, (Hearst Books), the chapter on communications.
|
