Marina Radio Assistance: Docking Your Boat Safely

Docking a boat can be a challenging task, even for experienced sailors. It is important to take it slow and be aware of your surroundings, including other boats, wind speed and direction, and current. Before approaching the dock, it is advisable to stop the boat and prepare the dock lines and fenders. When ready, the boat should be driven slowly towards the dock at a 45-degree angle or less, ideally with the bow pointing into the wind or current for better control. Once close to the dock, shift out of gear, turn the wheel towards the dock, and alternate between forward and reverse gear to stop forward momentum and pull the stern towards the dock.

If you are new to sailing or are facing challenging conditions, it is a good idea to radio the marina for assistance before attempting to dock. In this case, a VHF marine radio is the best option for communication. Channel 16 is the international hailing and distress frequency, so it is important to use this channel responsibly. It is recommended to first call the marina on Channel 16 and then switch to a different channel for further communication. When calling, state the name of the marina three times, followed by the name of your boat, also repeated three times, and the channel you are using. For example, Marina Name, Marina Name, Marina Name, this is Boat Name, Boat Name, Boat Name, Channel 16, over.

It is also important to note that different marinas may have specific channels they monitor, so checking a cruising guide or the marina's posted signs for the correct channel is advisable. Additionally, some marinas may prefer a phone call or may not monitor VHF channels at all, so having their contact number handy is always a good idea.

VHF radio etiquette

VHF radio is the primary way to send and receive distress calls when you're out at sea. It's also the preferred communication method for boaters, so it's important to know the correct etiquette. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

Always Have a VHF Radio Onboard:

VHF radios are more reliable than cell phones at sea. They can withstand rough weather, stay charged, and provide better reception. They can also reach a larger audience, and you don't need to memorise phone numbers.

Get Certified:

It's best if all operators of a VHF radio are trained. In some places, such as Canada, it's required by the Radio Communications Act for all VHF marine radio operators to have a Restricted Operator Certificate (Maritime).

Keep Chatter to a Minimum on Open Channels:

Channel 16 is an open channel, and all conversations are public. Keep casual conversations to specific channels like 68 or 72, or use your cell phones.

Be Aware of Working Channels:

Know the working channels for your area and keep them clear. Commercial craft and drawbridge operators have dedicated channels. Channel 16, for example, is for international distress, safety, and calling.

Use "Over" Correctly:

Say "over" when you're done speaking and awaiting a response. Don't say "over and out" together, as their meanings are mutually exclusive.

Properly Hail Another Vessel:

When hailing another vessel, say their boat name three times, followed by your boat name three times, and the channel you're using. For example, "Annabelle, Annabelle, Annabelle, this is Christine, Christine, Christine, channel 1-6, over." After being hailed, respond with their boat name, then yours, e.g., "Christine, this is Annabelle. Over."

Use the NATO Phonetic Alphabet:

When communicating single letters, use the NATO phonetic alphabet ("Alpha", "Bravo", "Charlie", etc.) to ensure clarity.

Read Numbers as Single Digits:

Read out single digits for clarity. For example, say "six-eight" for channel 68 instead of "68".

Know the Types of Calls:

Understand the difference between safety, urgency, and distress calls. Safety calls, indicated by "securité", are informational. Urgency calls, indicated by "pan-pan", signify an emergency but not a life-or-death situation. Distress calls, indicated by "mayday", are for catastrophic events and require immediate assistance.

Watch Your Language:

Remember that your conversations on VHF radio are public, so it's best to be respectful and avoid foul language.

Docking techniques

Docking a boat can be intimidating and stressful, especially for beginners. However, with a few simple techniques, anyone can master the task. Here are some essential docking techniques to help you dock like a pro:

• Prepare your boat: Before heading out, ensure your boat is prepared for docking. Have your fenders and lines rigged, and communicate your plan to your passengers. Make sure they keep all limbs inside the boat during the docking process.
• Approach at an angle: Approach the dock at a 45-degree angle to make it easier to aim for a specific spot. When you're about 100 feet out, turn the controls away from the dock and use the boat's momentum to push along the dock.
• Slow down: The golden rule of docking is to never approach a dock faster than you'd be willing to hit it. Reduce your speed as you get close to the dock, and use short bursts of power to manoeuvre through the wind and current.
• Use the wind to your advantage: Look at nearby flags to gauge the wind direction. If possible, choose the side of the dock the wind is blowing towards, as it will help push your boat towards the dock.
• Be in control: Always be slow and in control during docking. Keep your boat in reverse as you get close to slow things down, and let the water and forward momentum carry you into the dock without extra throttle.
• Prepare your lines and fenders: Have your docking lines and fenders ready ahead of time on both sides of your boat. You'll typically need at least two or three fenders, positioned above the waterline on the side of the boat you intend to dock.
• Know your boat: Understand how your boat moves in different weather patterns and environments. Practice docking in different weather conditions to get a feel for how your boat handles.
• Ask for help: Don't be afraid to ask for assistance. Many marinas have experienced staff who are happy to help with docking.

By following these techniques and practising, you'll be able to dock your boat confidently and safely.

Marina radio channels

When docking a boat, it is important to be aware of the correct radio channels to use. Here is a comprehensive guide to marina radio channels:

VHF Radios

VHF stands for Very High Frequency, and a VHF radio is the primary way to send and receive distress calls to and from the Coast Guard and other boaters. It is the preferred communication method for boaters due to its reliability and wide reception range.

Radio Etiquette

Before using VHF radio channels, it is important to familiarise yourself with some basic radio etiquette:

• Keep chatter to a minimum on open channels.
• Be aware of the working channels in your area and keep them clear.
• To indicate that you have finished speaking and are awaiting a response, say "over".
• When finished with the conversation, do not say "over and out".
• When calling another boat, repeat the name of the boat three times, followed by your boat's name three times, the channel you're using, and conclude with "over".
• When responding to a call, state the other boat's name, then your boat's name, and conclude with "over".
• Learn and use the NATO phonetic alphabet for communicating single letters.
• Read numbers as single digits for clarity.

VHF Channels

Now, let's explore the different VHF channels and their designated purposes:

• Channel 6: Used for intership safety communications.
• Channel 9: The primary calling channel for communications between vessels (commercial and recreational) and ship-to-coast communications. It is also used as the hailing channel in some regions, such as the Northeast.
• Channel 13: Strictly for navigational purposes by commercial, military, and recreational vessels at bridges, locks, and harbors.
• Channel 16: The international hailing and distress channel. It is used for emergency and safety calls to the Coast Guard and others, and to initiate calls to other vessels. After hailing on this channel, switch to a different channel for further communication.
• Channel 22: The Coast Guard working channel, used for communications between the Coast Guard and the maritime public (recreational and commercial). Severe weather warnings, navigation hazards, and other safety warnings are broadcast on this channel.
• Channels 24-28: Used for public telephone calls (to marine operators).
• Channels 68, 69, 71, 72, and 78A: Recreational vessel radio channels and ship-to-coast communications. These are the only channels available to non-commercial vessels for ship-to-ship and ship-to-shore communications.
• Channel 70: A dedicated Digital Selective Calling (DSC) "alert channel".

Marina Docking Procedure

When docking at a marina, the standard procedure is to first call the marina on the designated hailing channel (Channel 9 or Channel 16, depending on the region). Once contact is established, suggest a specific working channel to continue the conversation and provide any additional information they may need, such as your boat's length, desired time to stay, and any special requirements.

Marina radio calls

Radioing ahead to a marina is a good idea if you are looking to dock your boat. It is also a good idea to call ahead to find out their procedures. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to radio a marina for assistance with docking your boat:

Step 1:

Before you leave shore, ensure you have a VHF-FM radio on board your vessel. This is the primary way to send and receive distress calls to and from the Coast Guard and other boaters. It is also more reliable than a cell phone as it is always charged and provides more reception.

Step 2:

Get a Restricted Operator Certificate (Maritime) (ROC(M)) through the Canadian Power & Sail Squadrons (CPS). This will ensure you are trained and certified to use the VHF radio.

Step 3:

Find out which channel the marina uses. Channel 16 is the international hailing and distress frequency, so you should call the marina on this channel first and they will tell you their working frequency.

Step 4:

When you are ready to radio the marina, follow this standard procedure:

• Call the marina three times, e.g. "Marina XYZ, Marina XYZ, Marina XYZ"
• Then say "THIS IS", once
• State your boat's name once, e.g. "This is the SV Hungry Hippo"
• Wait for the marina to answer. They should respond with their name, then your boat's name, e.g. "SV Hungry Hippo, this is Marina XYZ"
• Suggest a specific working channel to continue the conversation, e.g. "Please switch and listen to Channel 68"
• Wait for confirmation from the marina, e.g. "Switching to Channel 68, OUT"

Step 5:

Now that you are on the working channel, repeat the process and conduct your business. Remember to keep the conversation short and to the point.

Step 6:

If you are finished with the conversation, do not say "over and out". Only use "out" when you are finished speaking and leaving a specific channel.

Step 7:

If you are new to boating, it is a good idea to practice docking in different conditions to gain skill and confidence.

Marina radio distress calls

When to Make a Distress Call

A distress call should be made when there is an emergency situation that threatens the well-being of people or property. It is important to note that a distress call should only be made when there is an imminent danger or a life-threatening situation. If the situation is not immediately life-threatening but could become worse, a different type of call, known as an urgency call, should be made.

Types of Marina Radio Calls

There are three main types of marina radio calls: safety, urgency, and distress calls. Understanding the differences between these calls is crucial for proper etiquette and efficiency:

• Safety calls, indicated by the phrase "securité" (pronounced "securitay"), are used to alert nearby boaters to informational or navigational messages. For example, a commercial ship entering a narrow channel or an upcoming storm may warrant a safety call.
• Urgency calls, indicated by the phrase "pan-pan" (pronounced "pahn-pahn"), are used when there is an emergency on board that is not life-threatening but could escalate. For instance, if you have lost power and are drifting towards a busy shipping lane, an urgency call is appropriate.
• Distress calls, indicated by the phrase "mayday", are reserved for situations requiring the most urgent attention. This includes events such as a rapidly sinking boat or a life-threatening medical emergency on board.

How to Make a Marina Radio Distress Call

When making a marina radio distress call, follow these steps:

• Tune your VHF radio to Channel 16, which is designated for emergency and distress calls.
• Set your radio to full power (typically 25 watts for fixed-mount units) and ensure the antenna is fully upright.
• Key the microphone and begin by slowly and clearly repeating the distress term ("Mayday") three times, followed by "This is (name of your boat spoken three times)".
• Provide your position, including GPS coordinates if possible. You can also give your bearing and distance to a well-known landmark to assist rescuers in locating you.
• Briefly describe the nature of your distress, such as sinking, fire, or medical emergency.
• Indicate the number of people on board, their ages (especially if children or elderly), and any injuries sustained.
• Describe your vessel, including its length, colour, and any other identifying features.
• Specify the type of assistance needed, such as pumps, medical assistance, or a tow.
• Stay by the radio if possible, as the rescue team can locate you more quickly if you can transmit a signal.
• Repeat the distress call at intervals until an answer is received.

Additional Considerations

• It is important to obtain proper training and certification in operating a VHF marine radio. This will ensure you are confident and proficient in using the radio and following the correct etiquette.
• Remember that conversations on Channel 16 are essentially public, so keep chatter to a minimum on this channel. Use other channels for general conversations or cell phones for more private discussions.
• Always listen before transmitting to avoid interrupting other transmissions.
• Keep conversations concise and to the point, as other boaters may need to use the channel.
• Avoid foul language, as it is illegal and disrespectful to other boaters.

Frequently asked questions