VHF Refresher for Ontario Boating
This is a practical refresher for VHF radio use in Canada, based on ROC-M procedures. Our goal is simple: be confident with everyday calls, and be ready to communicate clearly if something goes wrong.
Before you transmit
- Turn the radio on and set volume so you can hear weak signals.
- Set squelch: lower it until you hear hiss, then raise it just until the hiss stops.
- Select the correct channel for what you need to do.
- Listen for 5 to 10 seconds before keying the microphone.
Channel 16 rules
- Channel 16 is used for distress, urgency, safety, and calling.
- Keep Channel 16 transmissions short.
- Once contact is made, switch to a working channel right away.
Normal calling procedure
Use Channel 16 to make contact, then move to a working channel to talk.
Call on 16:
Vessel Name, Vessel Name, Vessel Name, this is Lucky Enough, Lucky Enough, Lucky Enough, over.
If they answer:
Vessel Name, this is Lucky Enough. Switch and answer channel 68, over.
Once both vessels switch to the working channel, keep the conversation brief and professional.
Calling a marina or lock area
If you know the working channel for a marina or local service, use it. If you do not, call on Channel 16, make contact, then switch to a working channel. Keep the first call short: who you are calling, who you are, and that you are on one six.
Example:
Lens Cove Marina, Lens Cove Marina, this is Lucky Enough on one six, over.
Switch and answer six eight, over.
Distress, urgency, and safety calls
MAYDAY
Use MAYDAY only for grave and imminent danger, when life is at risk or the vessel is at risk of being lost.
MAYDAY script:
MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY
This is Lucky Enough, Lucky Enough, Lucky Enough
MAYDAY Lucky Enough
My position is: (location)
I am: (nature of distress)
I require: (assistance needed)
Persons on board: (number)
Description of vessel: (type, length, colour)
Over
PAN-PAN
Use PAN-PAN for urgent situations that are serious but not immediately life threatening.
PAN-PAN script:
PAN-PAN, PAN-PAN, PAN-PAN
All stations, all stations, all stations
This is Lucky Enough, Lucky Enough, Lucky Enough
My position is: (location)
Situation: (what is happening)
I require: (assistance needed)
Persons on board: (number)
Over
SECURITE
Use SECURITE to broadcast safety information, such as a hazard to navigation.
SECURITE script:
SECURITE, SECURITE, SECURITE
All stations, all stations, all stations
This is Lucky Enough
Safety information: (hazard) at (location)
Out
If you hear a MAYDAY
- Stop transmitting and listen.
- Write down who is calling, where they are, what is happening, and how many people are involved.
- If an authority station answers, stay clear unless asked to assist.
- If nobody answers and the situation appears real, you can transmit a MAYDAY RELAY with the details you recorded.
DSC and the red distress button
Digital Selective Calling (DSC) distress alerts can transmit a vessels identity and, if GPS is connected, its position. If you press the distress button, you should also make a voice MAYDAY call on Channel 16 right after, because not every boat will receive or notice DSC alerts.
- Confirm your MMSI is programmed into the radio.
- Confirm the radio is receiving GPS position data.
- A quick check is whether the radio displays a current position and time.
A quick practice drill
Once per season, practise saying these out loud at home:
- A normal call on 16 and a switch to a working channel.
- A PAN-PAN scenario (engine failure drifting toward danger).
- A MAYDAY scenario (taking on water or fire onboard).
Being calm on the radio is not about experience. It is about having the right words ready when you need them.