VHF radio use

[Bentwings]

now you’ll find just how newby I am.

The big miss has numerous locks and dams. So what channel do you monitor? Then what channel do you commonly switch to?

How do you ask permission to lock up or down. In other words what do you say to go into the locks?

Dogone newby’s don’t know even the simplest things.LOL

 

[M Prod]

First off, welcome.

Second, take a VHF radio certification course with your local power squadron.

Third, according to this most locks on the Mississippi use channel 14 and a few use 12. You should say the name of the lock first, 2-3 times ..followed by this is (your boat name) same number of times (you can say channel you're hailing on here ..for example "channel one four alpha" followed by "over." So for example I would say "Lock one, lock one, lock one, this is Paris, Paris, Paris. Channel one four alpha, over." When the lock responds and after they say over, respond with their name once, and then "This is" (your boat name again) and tell them what you intend. Always end with "over". From there you can have a conversation and they can instruct you. Once done, end with "Thanks Lock 1(This is (boat name) out" http://www.mvs.usace.army.mil/Portals/54/docs/recreation/rivers/LockingThruFlier2.pdf

When not talking to a lock, always monitor channel 16.

Hope this helps.

 

[Bentwings]

Thanks a Lot.
I never even had a CB in their day.

I knew there might be some protocol so I want to be sure to follow it.

I assume it’s about the same for the bridges too.

I don’t hear very well so I’ll probably need ear phones.

How about emergency calls like coast guard or 911?

The link is great I’ll save it and print it out. There is lots of barge traffic up here so you do have to stay clear. The boat I’m looking at comes with two binoculars. No night vision however. Both work great.

 

[M Prod]

Channel 16 is the emergency frequency. Here's a good article about protocol. Educate yourself on the DSC functionality. You will need to get an MMSI number for that to work, but I don't know the procedure for that in the states. Here it's Industry Canada. I assume this all can be done online there as well.

https://www.westmarine.com/WestAdvisor/DIY-Making-a-Mayday-Call-on-Your-VHF-Radio

 

[Bentwings]

Thanks. I’m concerned as several of my friends have had serious medical issues. I’m considered a fall risk after sustaining a serious fall last winter. Hard to believe a simple face plant in deep snow could result in hole drilled in head for blood removal and a 6 day stay in ECU.

Should I post a selfie of me looking like Frankenstein’s brother? LOL

 

[Bentwings]

Thanks. I’m concerned as several of my friends have had serious medical issues. I’m considered a fall risk after sustaining a serious fall last winter. Hard to believe a simple face plant in deep snow could result in hole drilled in head for blood removal and a 6 day stay in ECU.

Should I post a selfie of me looking like Frankenstein’s brother? LOL

Thanks. I’m concerned as several of my friends have had serious medical issues. I’m considered a fall risk after sustaining a serious fall last winter. Hard to believe a simple face plant in deep snow could result in hole drilled in head for blood removal and a 6 day stay in ECU.

Should I post a selfie of me looking like Frankenstein’s brother? LOL

Well I was in the hospital again. This time my worst fear happened a stroke while driving. A stroke being a blood clot large or small .anyway

It blocked sensory information from my eyes to my brain. I just did not see it coming I hit a large piece of wood like a RR tie in the middle of the road then hit a large snowmobile trailer and went in the ditch. Totaled my semi classic Buick RoadMaster Estate Wagon. 100k miles never seen a winter.
I hit the steering wheel pretty hard and pulled the seat belt very tight. My dog got a bruised hip but is ok now. The next day I put my brand new custom leash on her . As we were leaving the boat she hooked one of the snaps on the cabin door and the collar clip broke. She jumped out on the dock but slipped and fell in the river. The water is 32-33 deg so very cold. The dock is 18” down to the water but I was able to get a ginger under her collar. I couldn’t lift her as she was struggling and thrashing so I yelled and three guys and a wife came running over. The lady laid across my legs wouldnt go over the edge we finally got three turns of my boat dock line around my dog but she had scrambled up on a dock float under the deck. She is very strong for only 60 pounds and got her rear feet wedged up against the angle irons under the dock. Not coming out.it too us 45 minutes to get her out. I was wet up to my armpits. I took her below and dried her off by the heater then got myself dried off. She is now wiser. “Wait” has a new meaning. It’s amazing how a dog responds when they learn something themselves. A key to dog. Ironically a week before this I had a long talk with the mgr. about cold water training I had years ago. You have about 30 seconds tomplan your actions. Well the day before my dog went in ,he went in up to his neck in the slip behind me. Luckily a friend was there to pull him out. They wrapped him in a tarp and hustled up to his home not far away. He said he remembered our conversation on the way down. Close call. I did have my PFD on when my dog went in too. Next day the stroke thing hit me. Maybe as a result of the rassling around on the dock. I’m on a couple of blood thinners temporarily again. I think I had six different scans ans tw angiograms. One in from the groin the other under the arm pit. The neurologist showed me how it happened and where. I’m no very medical so I don’t really understand much of it. The scary thing is it can happen again. I asked if I’ll probably die from this but she said she didn’t think so as my veins and arteries are very clean as I don’t smoke or drink and maintain excellent physical condition. However you just can’t predict when the last dat will come. I still have a foot surgery due ant time now. That’s going to put me off my feet 3 months at least. I’m making preparations for this. Now. We still have two months of potentially severe weather, then the spring flooding.every boating area has its hard timesso I’m dealing with it the best I can. I have the best sister in the world. She is my second mother and takes care of me when I’m down.im now in a rehab center where I’m getting functional assessments. I passed today’s exercises very well. The therapist was impressed at my condition an ability to get around by my self. I don’t like being here but I have to abide by the rules of the game. Nothing new after years of competitive sports. So that’s the short story forbthe evening.

 

[NorCal Boater]

Well that all sucks. I will be 70 this year and discovering that I am not enjoying the aging process. No real problems yet but taking better care of myself.

Hang in there and get well then take that sister out for a nice dinner. Then you guys should look to moving somewhere warmer. Best of luck....
Shawn

 

[NotHerDecision]

Bentwings

Sounds like you’ve had a few rough lessons in a short amount of time. Maybe you’re just getting it all out of the way so you can have a great boating summer. Definitely take care of yourself and get back in shape. It’s almost like family on CSR so be assured we’re all thinking of you.


Josh

 

[bobeast]

Welcome. Everyone was a newby at some point. Many of us never graduate

To the subject at hand; don't EVER say "Over and out". You are either over (listening) or out (finished)

 

[Bentwings]

Welcome. Everyone was a newby at some point. Many of us never graduate

To the subject at hand; don't EVER say "Over and out". You are either over (listening) or out (finished)