Marine VHF Transceiver

For father's day I received an Icom M34 Marine VHF transceiver.   

All I know about it is what I've read in the instruction manual which includes such wonderful advice as "Keep antenna at least 2" from head when transmitting" and "Do not transmit for more than 50% of running time".  So I've come here, yet again, seeking knowledge.

Q: Do most of you keep your radios on while paddling/fishing?
Q: Where do you keep your radio when not in use?
Q: Is there a specific channel that yak fishers use/monitor for establishing contact?
Q: Do most owners get the FCC license or let the requirement slide?
Q: If you don't get the license, how do you identify yourself in an emergency?

I'll probably think of more questions later but that should start off the discussion.

What you read the instruction manual?  Hand in your man badge right now!

A: I keep my VHF on the whole time on the water... just in case.

A: I keep my VHF on my life vest.  On my old life vest I had one of these square strap slot things on the front and the belt snap fit perfectly.  On my new life vest, I just keep it in one of the large pockets.  I also use the lanyard cord to clip the VHF to my life vest so that it can't get away from me.  I don't usually hold the VHF up to my head to talk, rather I just push the button at about chest level and talk.

A: I don't know about up here in the Northwest, but the NorCal channel of choice was 69.  Seeing that moderators of this board are all ex-NCKA members, I imagine that 69 will follow us here.

A:  No FCC requirement (since 1996).  Just don't get caught using them on land.

A:  http://www.boatsafe.com/nauticalknowhow/radio.htm#emergency

   1.  If you have a VHF marine radio, tune it to channel 16. Unless you know you are outside VHF range of shore and ships, call on channel 16 first.
   2. Distress signal "MAYDAY", spoken three times.
   3. The words "THIS IS", spoken once.
   4. Name of vessel in distress (spoken three times) and call sign or boat registration number, spoken once.   [[Note: I would describe yourself.. "small gray fishing kayak"]]
   5. Repeat "MAYDAY" and name of vessel, spoken once.
   6. Give position of vessel by latitude or longitude or by bearing (true or magnetic, state which) and distance to a well-know landmark such as a navigational aid or small island, or in any terms which will assist a responding station in locating the vessel in distress. Include any information on vessel movement such as course, speed and destination.
   7. Nature of distress (sinking, fire etc.).
   8. Kind of assistance desired.
   9. Number of persons onboard.
  10. Any other information which might facilitate rescue, such as length or tonnage of vessel, number of persons needing medical attention, color hull, cabin, masks, etc.
  11. The word "OVER"

Brian

Thanks Brian!  Good Info.

Do people ever cold call on 69 to see there are other kayak fishermen around?

What you read the instruction manual?  Hand in your man badge right now!

Brian

I believe I'm eligible for an exemption in that I read it while sitting on the porcelain throne. 

I used to cold call in California all the time.  Now I just call direct on 69 if I know I'm going to meet someone on the water that might have a VHF.  Maybe in a not so distant future there will be enough of us that I'll start cold calling 69 again.

Throne room exemption granted.

Brian