GSL Slip Renters and Marina Users; Just a reminder of proper VHF Marine Radio etiquette. On Memorial Day we had a boater quite concerned with another boater who's motor gave out approaching the Antelope Island Marina in some strong wind. While we were communicating with the boater we had another person talking over them. We also had another person calling for a radio check during this same time. Both these issues made it difficult to talk to the boater in distress and created confusion. So I have listed a few radio protocol rules taken from a Coast Guard handout. Now that the boating season is about to pick up, it is important we all act appropriately on the marine band. Safety is the primary function of a radiotelephone (VHF Marine Radio) At a minimum, you should: . MAINTAIN A WATCH while radio is turned on, even though you are not communicating. Monitoring the Calling and Distress Channel 16 is compulsory when the radio is on and you are not communicating on another channel . CHOOSE THE CORRECT CHANNEL when communicating either ship-to-ship or ship-to-shore. . LIMIT THE PRELIMINARY CALL to 30 seconds. If there is no answer, you must wait 3 minutes before repeating the call . LIMIT SHIP-TO-SHIP CONVERSATIONS TO THREE MINUTES and the content to ship's business. Be considerate of others, they may want to use the line. . NEVER USE PROFANE OR OBSCENE LANGUAGE or transmit fraudulent messages. Penalties include fines of up to $10,000 or imprisonment or both. . AVOID RADIO CHECKS as most are unnecessary. Do not call the US Coast Guard (if in their jurisdiction). If a check is really necessary, call a vessel that you know is listening. Radio checks are prohibited by law on Channel 16. . To request a radio check you must call a specific station, and switch to a working channel. A call to the US. Coast Guard or ranger is not permitted. . Channel 16 is for emergency and initial contact ONLY. Ship-to-ship channels (public channels) are 68, 69, 71, 72, 78 . Set your radio to the low power setting whenever possible. You don't need the high power setting to talk to someone across a marina . Speak CLEARLY and SLOWLY with the microphone about one inch from your mouth. There is no need to shout. It distorts your transmission. . Keep all communication as brief as possible . When you have completed your conversation on the working channel, you do not need to say that you are switching back to Channel 16. This is actually required by law. Remember, all vessels are required to monitor Channel 16. . Do not use the VHF radio for transmitting on land . Do not monopolize any channel with long conversations or idle chatter. . DO NOT let children use the radio or think it's a toy. . Do not broadcast a Mayday call unless there is immediate danger to life or property . Do not attempt a voice broadcast on Channel 70 as it is reserved for Digital Selective Calling (DSC) only . Before making a call on Channel 16 or any working channel LISTEN FOR 30 SECONDS to make sure others are not already talking to each other or that emergency communication is occurring on Channel 16. The above information was taken from Coast Guard and State Parks handouts on proper radio use. Unlike what the pamphlet says, we will handle radio checks at the Great Salt Lake State Marina. Please keep them very brief. And make sure they are necessary. IT IS NEVER A PROPER TIME TO DO A RADIO CHECK when emergency communication is going on with another vessel. Thank you Harbormaster