princewilliammarina-blog
Prince William Marina's Boating Lifestyle Blog
When you purchase a boat from us, you don't just get a boat, you get a part of us because "We Care". We are actively involved in every aspect of the business and we try to make your boating experience happy and trouble free. The Prince William Marina family looks forward to showing you how "We Care".
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Fredericksburg Boat Show and Water Lifestyle Expo is set for January 24-25-26-27
Can you believe boating season is about to start? That’s right, it kicks off at the 8th Annual Fredericksburg Boat and Water Lifestyle Expo at the Fredericksburg Expo Center Thursday, January 24th through Sunday, January 28th.
We’ll have more boats and pontoons than ever before at the show - 29 in all! Plus, Sea Ray’s New Resolutions Sales Event is making now the perfect time to purchase the Sea Ray you've been dreaming of.
Not only will the expo center be packed with all the different models from Sea Ray and Harris Flotebote, there is a lot more to see and do. Get info on boating safety, financing, insurance, repairs, electronics and on-water restaurants like The Electric Palm - so you can have a great boating season.
Do you have boating questions? Our boating experts will be at the show to answer all your questions. They're happy to share their knowledge about boats, our local waters and their favorite on-water places to visit. When you buy a boat at the show you can also take advantage of some amazing promotions, such as: Coast Guard Package or On-Water Orientation. See our professional staff at the show to learn more.
Power on over to the Fredericksburg Boat and Water Lifestyle Expo, starting Thursday, January 24th (first ever special preview night) and going through Sunday, January 27th at the Fredericksburg Expo Center - Exit 130 B off 95. Parking is always FREE at the Expo and tickets for the show are good for the entire weekend; Adults: $9, Seniors: $6, Kids 12 and Under: FREE. For additional information and to get a money saving admission coupon, Like Us on Facebook!
#Fredericksburg Boat Show#Sea Ray#Boats#Yachts#Harris Flotebote#Pontoons#Boat Show#Used Boats#New Resolutions Sales Event
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Cold Water Safety
This time of year most boaters are off of the water and have their boats winterized for the winter months, but many of you still like to be on the water no matter how cold it is outside. There’s something about being on the open water in the crisp cool air, no other boaters cramping your style. But let’s not forget how extremely ‘crisp and cool’ the water is as well. There are many precautions you should take during these cold months on the water. Air temperatures and water temperatures are completely different – water can bring your body temperature down 25 times faster than regular air temperatures.
Dress for the water, not the weather
Getting dressed is clearly the first thing that happens before getting on a boat. With that said, make it a top priority – don’t just dress for the weather, dress for the water. While the air might feel like it’s 50 degrees, the water can be well below 50 and even below 40. Should you fall in, your body temperature would change dramatically, and even if there are other people around, they may not be able to help you before the cold water consumes you.
Which brings me to my next dress code for cold water boating – don’t wear cotton. Yes, it’s nice and comfy on land, but it’s a definite no-no on a boat in 40 degree weather. Cotton might seem ‘warm and comfy’, but in all reality, it is the worst material to wear when boating in cold weather/water. Cotton absorbs water and can reduce your body temperature much more quickly than other materials. Wear materials that are water resistant or that repel water. Wear layers with a waterproof top layer.
The last part of our cold water dress code, don’t forget to wear your life jacket! When your body is shivering and stiff from being in freezing water, you won’t have the time (nor the ability) to swim efficiently – a life jacket will help you stay afloat and give you that extra ‘lightness’ to try and swim back to the boat.
Be prepared
We never want to think of the “what if’s��� when on board, but it’s wise to be prepared for them, whether they happen or not, especially in cold water. Before you set off onto the water, double check that you have your GPS, VHF radio, food, water, blankets, extra clothes and a tool kit. Call a friend or family member (that will not be on board) to let them know what your plans are for the day, where you’ll be going on the boat, when you should be back on land, etc. If you’ll have passengers, go over all of the boating safety rules with them and also tell them the procedures that they should take in case of an emergency. Ensure that everyone has a life vest and knows the importance of wearing it.
Check and double check your local weather while on land and on your boat. You never know when the winter wind might blow harder than normal or an unexpected storm may pop up.
Bonus Blog Post: VHF Marine Radio - The Basics
Cell phones don’t always work on board, but preprograming your cell phone with emergency numbers will help put your mind at ease should you ever need them. Also, dialing 911 on your cell phone sends you to a land based emergency response – make sure you know what the local coast guard response number is in your area and preprogram it into your cell phone. You should also have a list of these emergency numbers written on paper, laminated, and stored in a dry place – just in case you lose your phone or the battery dies. Someone else may have a working cell on board but they may not have the needed numbers in their phone.
No alcohol
It’s easy to enjoy the cold air when you have a nice warm drink in hand, but let’s not forget the consequences of bringing alcohol on board. Even if you, as captain of the boat, don’t have a drink yourself, you are still putting other members on board in a potentially life threatening situation. As if moving waters and a moving boat aren’t enough to cause you to lose your balance -- adding any kind of mind altering substance to the mix is just asking for a mishap to happen. Be responsible.
Enjoy your time on the water during these cold months – or dreaming of warm weather and de-winterizing your boat.
#Cold Weather Boating#Boating#Cold Water Boating#Sea Ray Sundancer#Potomac River#Lake Anna#Dewinterize Boat#Fredericksburg Boat Show#Chantilly Boat Show
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Sea Ray 370 Venture - You're Going to Love This
Sea Ray has created a 2013 sleek bodied beauty with their 370 Venture model – not only is it gorgeous, it has an exciting innovative twist. The 2013 Sea Ray 370 Venture is a new express cruiser powered by Twin Mercury Verado 300 hp outboards. Yes, you read that right, outboards. With the 370 Venture’s outboards, you’ll enjoy expanded living spaces, a larger cockpit, and a quieter ride. In fact, the 370 Venture is said to be the quietest express cruiser currently available.
See Our 370 Venture Photo Album
This new model comes standard equipped with Twin Mercury Verado 4 stroke outboard engines (with a three-year limited warranty), a full beam mid-master stateroom, reverse-cycle heating/air system, and so much more – the inside is equally as captivating as the outside. With the cockpit being quite a few feet longer than other comparable cruisers, and the innovative outboards, located in wells with sound proof hatches hidden beneath the aft lounge, you’ll be able to enjoy a larger cabin area and better access to the water heater, generator and reverse-cycle air conditioning unit. The expanded cockpit allows room for a pair of large loungers, convertible sun pads, a dinette table, a stove, sink, refrigerator, and an optional grill.
The outboard motors can be tilted completely out of the water which is a definite bonus for boat owners with docks that have very low water on moon tides. It also minimizes corrosion issues. With the outboard capabilities, it allows the boater to cruise in very shallow water, giving you endless possibilities to new adventures. The 370 Venture’s extended lower swim platform reaches significantly beyond the propellers, allowing a safe environment for those fun filled summertime swims.
The 370 Venture tops out at about 42-43 mph while still humming and gliding gently across the water. The Venture also offers impeccable gas mileage when sized up to other power packed cruisers of its same size and speed.
While the innovative outboards are certainly the most amazing part of this new model, the outboards allow for some pretty cool standard luxuries and open living areas. The full beam mater stateroom offers a diagonal queen size bed and a long sofa for lounging or to sleep a third person. Large windows offer an even better open feeling and a fantastic view on the port and starboard sides of the master. Surrounding windows offer light and a view around the u-shaped dinette in the cabin. The galley area is spacious and has adequate counter space for a cocktail party or just a family day on the water. The dinette offers storage below the seating area and also converts into a bed with filler cushions.
The Sea Ray 370 Venture is every boater’s dream -- a dream that is finally a reality!
For more detailed information on the Sea Ray 370 Venture, click here to view the Sea Ray website.
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How-to Prepare Your Battery for Long-Term Storage
There are so many important processes that you need to remember when winterizing your boat (boat parts here), and making sure your battery is ready for long-term storage should be at the top of your list. It’s easy to forget about your boat’s battery, but it is your boat’s lifeline, and it would be a shame to have your boat clean, pristine, and ready to go in the spring, only to find that you have a dead or dying battery.
Here are a few things you’ll need to remember when preparing your battery for the long winter months (and to help you maintain it through those months as well).
Inspect your battery’s cables and connectors. If anything needs to be replaced, do it now, so that you don’t have to worry about it come spring time.
Keep your battery dry and clean. Clean the dirt, grime, and corrosion build up from your battery now rather than in the spring -- this will ensure the longevity of your battery life and save you time when it gets warm. Keep your battery in a cool, well ventilated, dry place. If you’re leaving your boat on/near the water, check on it frequently, or have a friend check on it often to ensure your battery isn’t getting moisture on it.
Make sure your battery is completely charged. Charge your battery to its fullest extent, then remove the negative cable, allow it to rest for several hours, and check to make sure it is completely charged. Never overcharge your battery – excessive overcharging can cause loss of electrolyte and interior plates to shed their active material, which will actually result in reducing your battery’s lifetime and capacity.
Don’t allow your battery to remain in below freezing temperatures. Bringing the battery inside, even in your garage, will allow your battery to stay cool but not frozen (don’t get it too hot, either!). Your garage, near an inside door, is the perfect place. If you plan to leave it on your boat, make sure you read the next point, below.
Keep it charged, on shore and off. If you are leaving your battery on the boat, make sure you plug it into an onshore power source. Or, if you don’t have an onshore power source, you can invest in a “smart” battery charger. These chargers are equipped with microprocessors that recharge a battery according to its own needs. It has an automatic setting which will charge your battery and then revert to a 2-amp maintenance setting which will keep your battery warm and charged.
Check your battery acid levels. Top off each cell with distilled water or de-ionized water, enough to cover the plates. Do not overfill. Do not use tap water or well water as they could contain minerals or chlorine that could damage the battery. Check your water levels monthly as they could decrease.
Don’t forget to properly dispose of any rags that you use while cleaning or preparing your battery for winter. Make sure you wear old clothes during this process, as battery corrosion and other elements could find their way to your clothes and cause stains and other unwanted issues.
Taking care of your battery now will allow you to have a quick and easy spring on the water when you take these necessary steps in the winter! And remember, our Parts Associates can match or beat our competitor's pricing for your winterization items.
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Shrink Wrapping Your Boat
It’s time to start thinking about winterizing and taking care of your boat during the quickly approaching winter months, and shrink wrapping is something you should certainly consider. While taking the basic steps to winterizing are a great start, shrink wrapping your boat gives you that extra security and is less risky during the frigid weather – snow, freezing rain, high winds, hail, and more.
What is shrink wrap?
Shrink wrap is a polymer plastic film material that shrinks when it is applied. This wrap shrinks tightly over whatever it is covering (example, your boat). Heat is applied to the material with a hand held heat gun, in most cases. While shrink wrap has many uses, it is commonly used to help protect and winterize boats.
The benefits of shrink wrapping
There are many benefits to shrink wrapping your boat. During the cold months, water can seep into cracks and crevasses in your boat’s fiberglass. This constant freezing and melting process can cause unwanted damage to your boat and can also compromise your boats hardware and other components. Shrink wrap can protect your fixtures, canvas/vinyl, and other things on board from harsh UV rays, wind damage, and cold temperatures.
Many boaters use tarps and other materials to cover their boat up during the winter time, only to come back to their boat and find that the tarp has blown away or has been torn to shreds. Shrink wrap stands tough against strong winter winds, where tarps do not. Tarps and other loose fitting covers can also cause damage and scratching to your boat, where shrink wrap fits snugly and hugs your boat with no movement for the entire season.
There’s nothing worse than getting ready to head out on to the water in the spring time, only to find that your wires and other elements in your boat have been chewed through by annoying rodents. Shrink wrap will eliminate that worry for you. Since shrink wrap is tightly fitted to your boat, bugs, mice, birds, and other nesting animals will not be able to make their winter home inside of your home away from home!
If you don’t have the budget to store your boat inside, shrink wrapping will help you cut that cost. You can easily store your boat outside of your home once it has been shrink wrapped – no need to pay an indoor storage fee during the cold months!
Mold & Mildew are another huge issue when storing your boat in the winter. Shrink wraps allow ventilation so that mold & mildew are not able to grow.
You may be wondering, since shrink wrap fits so tightly, what happens if you need to get inside of your boat? Well, no worries! Shrink wraps can be customized to have zippered access doors. The cover remains snugly on the boat, but you can get inside if the need arises. And on larger cruisers and yachts that stay in the water, easy access is required to have.
One of the biggest benefits is the prevention of theft. We all know that not everyone in this world is good and honorable, as much as we want them to be, and some may be looking for things to dabble around with. Shrink wrap will help prevent theft of things on your boat as well, as your boat itself, so that you can rest easy at night.
When spring time comes
Once the winter months are over, taking the shrink wrap cover off of your boat is even easier than putting it on. You can let out a sigh of relief when you see that your boat is exactly the way that you left it just a few months before. When your shrink wrap is taken off it is always recycled the proper way. No need to worry about it being tossed into a trash can for animals and other living things to get caught in it. Don't worry, we can take care of this for you.
There’s something to be said about having to work less on winterizing and de-winterizing your boat. It gives you more time to enjoy the last few days of boating season, and gain a few extra days in early spring. So, think about shrink wrapping your boat this year – clearly the benefits are amazing, and it does the soul some good too.
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Birthday Wishes Do Come True
Sean wanted to surprised his wife Connie with an amazing gift this year, a new boat. Sean and Connie worked with Jed (a salesman at Prince William Mairne) to find the perfect boat for their family to enjoy. Keeping the purchase a surprise was a very difficault task, but one that Sean want to do.
On the day of the birthday surprise, Sean was able to bring his wife Connie down to Prince William Marine without her knowing what awaits. When Connie walked into the Boatel and rounded the corner, to her surprise, awaited a 2012 Sea Ray 260 Sundeck with a big red bow and an extra large box of chocolets. Connie's eye's opened wide with a big smile on her face. Connie's surprise was indeed priceless. Connie thanked the entire crew at Prince William Marine and could not believe everyone was able to keep this a secret and pull it off.
Everyone here at Prince William Marine welcomes Sean, Connie and their family to the Prince William Mairne family. And we wish them well as they now start creating many more wonderful memories on-the-water in their 2012 Sea Ray 260 Sundeck, just like their latest memory, the birthday surprise.
As you can see, birthday wishes do come true, and we are always ready to help make sure they do. Because when you purchase a boat from us, you don't just get a boat, you get a part of us because "We Care".
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Tips For Using Your Boats Trim
One of the biggest questions that boaters ask is “how do I use the trim on my boat properly?” Learning how to properly use the trim on your boat is a very important thing. The difference between a well trimmed boat and one that isn’t can be quite dramatic, and can ultimately become a safety issue while out for a day on the Potomac River.
Weight Distribution
First of all, let’s talk common sense. In order to make any boat ride smoothly, each boat captain needs to make sure that the weight of passengers, coolers, and other heavy gear on the boat is distributed evenly. If not, it really won’t matter how you trim your boat, you’re still going to have a bumpy ride. Having the weight in your boat distributed evenly creates static (stationary) trim – it is simply about balancing the boat by distributing weight evenly to keep the hull floating level in the water.
Inboards, Outboards, and Trim Tabs
Speed can change everything when it comes to a well trimmed boat. Water conditions, waves, and wind can also change how you should use your trim. Every condition is different, which means your trim will be different in every condition.
With an outboard (or sterndrive), you can trim the drive unit which allows for better take-offs and a smoother ride when at speed. Trimming in raises the transom and pushes the bow down. Trimming out is when you adjust the leg away from the transom, which lowers the stern and raises the bow.
With an inboard you will use your trim tabs. Trim tabs work by adjusting the tab (usually electronically with a switch) away from contact with the water (switch up) or further into the water (switch down). When adjusting the tabs down, you have harder contact with the water – the stern lifts and the bow lowers. When adjusting the tabs up, you ease the contact with water – the transom goes lower and the bow rises.
Trim tabs can also be on inboard/outboard boats and provide the same benefits; however, you can trim the drive shaft. Trim tabs can normally be adjusted independently which allows you to change the longitudinal trim and lateral trim. While trim tabs can help balance out a boat, they should never take the place of even weight distribution on your boat. Even weight distribution is key.
How-To Tips
Practice makes perfect, so the best way to learn about proper trim is to get in your boat and onto the water. Find a nice patch of open water with little to zero other boats around. You’re going to be learning how to use your trim which means you need to keep yourself (wear your life jacket!) and others around you safe.
Some basics you should know:
If your bow is too low, trim up. The bow should never be lower than the stern as it can take a head dive into waves.
If the bow is too high, trim down – a high bow can be very dangerous and can cause the boat to capsize.
Keep your boat as level as possible, a bow that is too high or too low can cause a lot of drag on your boat which makes your engine work harder, causes less gas mileage and horrible performance.
If your boat has trim gauges, pay attention to them! However, if you feel that the boat isn’t level, double check your engine or have a friend/spotter tell you if the engine is moving when you adjust your trim.
An indication of good calm water trim is when your steering goes light. Try adjusting your trim until you feel ‘lightening’ or freeing in the steering. When playing with the adjustments, if you were to keep trimming out, the propeller would eventually reach a point where it loses grip and your speed will decrease. Remember where this happens as it is important to know when adjusting your trim for different water conditions.
When in choppy or rough surface water, your boat ride can become uncomfortable and bumpy if you leave your trim set on ‘calm water’ trim. You can ease the ride by trimming in, lowering the bow and using the sharpest part of the hull to slice through the waves rather than crashing into them. If you’re running into big swells, it might be best to accelerate up the face of the swell and ease off for the crest so that the bow drops gently on the backside of the wave. In down swell conditions, it is just the opposite. You’ll want to trim out when traveling down so that the hull can recover as it comes into contact with the back of one swell after coming down the previous one.
Once you’re comfortable with knowing where your trim is light and where your trim taps out -- how to trim in calm water and how to trim in rough water -- it’s time to try out a few tight turns. Trimming in prior to turning gives you a tighter turn before the propeller loses grip. Trimming out for straight running gives you more speed without applying more throttle. If you begin trimming down as you enter a turn, you’ll be able to accelerate more through the turn. Maximum down trim (not absolute maximum) should occur at the peak of the turn – you can add throttle as you feel the boat slowing. In all conditions, begin trimming up as you leave the peak of the turn and start straightening the wheel. With an outboard or drivestern, trim down on the inside of the turn and trim up on the outer side of the turn to alleviate ‘flat turns’.
Safety First
In closing, knowing how to use your boats trim properly (in every water condition) can help keep you and others safe. There is more awareness now than ever before about properly trimming your boat, however, even experienced boaters can get distracted and lose track of their trim in waters that are constantly changing. It’s best to practice adjusting your trim in different water conditions, but never put anyone’s life at risk while learning. Always pay attention, and when in doubt, make sure your engine and/or trim tabs are doing their job. Know your boat, know your trim, have fun and happy boating!
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Best Stadium For Boatgating
So, what's "Boatgating"? Only the latest trend. Boatgating is a unique way for boaters & sports fans to experience the tradition of tailgating with an extra element of fun.
Game day starts and ends with a relaxing cruise on the water, much more enjoyable than sitting in pre- or post-game traffic. For those with boats furnished with access to a grill, refrigerator and ample seating area, boatgating becomes even more convenient. No lugging of grills, chairs or other cooking gear when it’s all on board. Here's the best local stadium for Boatgating.
Nationals Park (Washington, DC)
Gangplank Marina provides more than 300 slips in the protected waters of the Potomac River’s Washington Channel giving baseball fans a perfect spot for that nautical tailgate. When boatgating festivities wrap up at Gangplank Marina, catch the first pitch by hopping aboard the water taxi, which drops off at Diamond Teague Park, the closest location to the ballpark.
For the Captain: Gangplank Marina offers limited transient slips for boats up to 125 feet. To reserve, boaters must submit an application form and follow up by phone to confirm the reservation at least two weeks before game day. Contact the dockmaster by phone at 202-554-5000 or [email protected].
Now, shine up your boat and get your tickets, the next Nats game starts soon.
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VHF Marine Radio - The Basics
VHF radios are essential to all boaters. This radio could potentially save your life or help you save the life of another. VHF radios are used for emergency and non-emergency situations, however, they are also used to alert boaters of information on the water – be it an approaching storm or a sinking vessel. Whether you're a first time boater, or a veteran, it's always good to know your way around a VHF Marine Radio.
There are two main channels you’ll need to remember when on your boat — channel 16 and channel 9 (note: channel 9 is only available in waters off of the northeastern shore—New York, Northern New Jersey, and New England). These channels are used for emergency and non-emergency calls. All boaters are required to keep a constant watch on channel 16. Many boaters simply turn their radios off because they wish not to listen to static, etc. — this is a major issue. Your radio should remain on and turned up at all times. There have been many situations where boaters did not have their radios on and as a consequence, were not aware and could not out run storms, or did not know about a sinking vessel close to them. In both situations, casualties could have been prevented if the captain would have simply left their VHF radio on.
Radio channels 9 & 16 may be used to hail other vessels or to make the first initial contact with a marina or restaurant when wondering where to tie your boat up when coming into dock. However, you’ll need to switch over to another channel once you make contact with your party so that you’re not jamming up the main channels. At no point should you use your radio as a ‘telephone’ to chit-chat with other boaters or someone on shore.
Channels 6, 13, and 22A are also important channels for boaters to remember.
Channel 6 is reserved for intership safety use and is mainly used during search and rescue operations.
Channel 22A is reserved for communications with the Coast Guard and should be for Coast Guard use only (not open to other vessels). This channel is used by the US Coast Guard when relaying marine information broadcasts. Since not everyone is interested in these broadcasts, the US Coast Guard will make their first initial contact on channel 16, letting all boaters know that they will make their announcement (that may or may not be important to each boater) on channel 22A, and that interested boaters should switch over to that channel immediately for more info.
Channel 13 is for navigational use between vessels. Large vessels us channel 13 (no need to use channel 16 for this situation first, channel 13 is both a calling and working channel) when relaying their intentions to one another and when they arrive at bridges and locks. Channel 13 is restricted to 1 watt, so be sure to switch your radio to low power when using this channel.
Channels 68, 69, 71, 72, 78A are all used as “working” stations and are available for you to use at any time (as long as no one else is using them) when you switch your conversation over from channel 9 or 16.
For a complete listing of all boating channels (including those in international waters), click here.
If you are trying to communicate with a boat that is nearby, make sure you set your radio on low power so that your signal will not carry further than it needs to. If you’re trying to communicate with a boat or location that is further away, you can use high power. In all situations, use kind language and no profanity. Vulgar language is illegal and can also offend other boaters, especially those with small children.
Now that you know the important radio channels, you may be wondering, “how on earth do I use this thing?!” The basics — be sure to adjust the “Squelch” control as low as possible so that you don’t hear static or ‘white noise’. In order to make a call, hold the button on the microphone down, speak, and then release to hear the other boat or location’s reply.
Believe it or not, there IS a proper way of calling another vessel or on shore location.
First of all, make sure you are making your first contact on either channel 16 or channel 9. You’ll also want to listen in for a couple of minutes to make sure the channel is not tied up with another conversation.
Say the name of the vessel or location that you’re calling three times. Ex: Prince William Marine, Prince William Marine, Prince William Marine.
The words “THIS IS”, spoken once, and then the name of your vessel, also spoken once. Ex: THIS IS the motor vessel (insert name of vessel)
Say the word “OVER”, and then await the station being called to reply.
The station will reply in the same manner that you called them. You should then designate a new channel to switch over to and continue the conversation. Once establish, speak the word “OVER”. Ex: Please switch and listen to channel 68, OVER
Wait for the station to confirm the channel. They will then say “OVER” and you’ll both need to switch over to the new channel and continue your conversation by first contacting them in the same way as you initially did, but this time, on your designated channel.
Always move your conversations to a different channel in a non-emergency situation. If you are using channel 16, no one else can use it until you are off of that channel, which means any emergencies that need to be called in will have to wait.
In a distress and emergency situation, your call will be very similar to a non-emergency call, but much more complex. However, if the only thing you have time to say is MAYDAY, the name of your vessel, and what type of distress you’re in, that is fine as well. The key is that you give enough information so that the Coast Guard knows how to best respond to your call. You’ll need to stay by the radio and repeat this call periodically until you receive a response. You should also stay close to your radio incase more information is needed once someone replies to your call.
First, make sure you’re on channel 16.
Say “MAY DAY”, spoken three times
Speak the words “THIS IS”, once
Proceed to say your vessel name (spoken three times)
Give the position of your vessel by latitude and longitude or by bearing (true or magnetic) and the distance to a well known landmark which will help a responding station located your vessel. Be sure to include all vessel movement such as course, speed and destination.
Speak what the nature of your distress is (sinking, fire, etc.), and the kind of help you require.
Speak the number of people on board.
Give any other information which might help in the rescue, such as length or tonnage of vessel, the type of vessel, the number of people onboard needing medical attention, color of the vessel, etc.
The word “OVER”, spoken once.
If you are potentially in distress but are currently not yet in distress, then you can say “Pan-Pan” (pronounced “Pahn”) instead of “Mayday”. This should be used when referring to a controllable leak in your boat or something that is most likely fixable, but you may want to alert someone in case you do eventually need help or incase your situation goes bad.
If you hear a distress call in your area, you are required to respond to it. If you hear a distress call that is not in your vicinity, but that you could potentially get to, then wait several minutes to see if there are other boaters in the area that respond (if there are even any boaters in that area). If they do not respond, you are required to respond.
In summary:
Always make sure you keep your conversations short and to the point when using a channel. Keep in mind that you may not be the only person who needs to use that particular channel.
In non-emergency situations, make sure you switch over to a working channel (as listed above) once you make initial contact on channel 9 or 16.
Remember that ALL radio conversations are public and anyone on that channel can hear your conversation, including young children. Radios are not to be used for ‘chit-chat’.
Always speak slowly and clearly so that the responding station can understand you.
The more information you can provide when speaking with another vessel or the coast guard, the better.
When speaking to a vessel nearby, switch your radio to low power. When speaking to a vessel further away, you may use high power.
Always have your radio turned on and turned up. You never know when you or someone else may need information or help.
Have you even used your VHF Marine Radio? Tell us your story in the comments below.
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