Routine calls follow one pattern, the same in every port and every language. It keeps transmissions short and tells each station when to speak. The rest is manners: the channel belongs to everyone in range.
1 · Making a call
Who you want, who you are, OVER
What is the correct way to call another yacht on VHF?
Say the name of the station you are calling, then THIS IS, then your own name, and end with OVER. Say each name once, or twice when reception is poor; three times is for distress, urgency and safety.
A call has three parts in a fixed order: the name of the station you are calling, the words THIS IS, and your own name. Say each name once, or twice when reception is poor; three times is for distress, urgency and safety calls. You end with OVER.
Calling a yacht on 16
Blue Star, Blue Star, Blue Star, this is Aurora, Aurora, Aurora, OVER
To answer a call, turn it round: the caller's name, THIS IS, your name, OVER. "Blue Star, this is Aurora, OVER."
If you do not know a vessel's name, describe her so that she recognises herself, by type and position: "Motor yacht anchoring north of me in Vathi Bay, this is Aurora, OVER."
2 · Changing channel
Meet on 16, talk on a working channel
After making contact on channel 16, how do I switch to a working channel?
Propose an intership working channel digit by digit, "channel seven two", confirm the agreed one in a word and switch. On the new channel listen first, then call the station again before your message.
On 16 you only make contact. As soon as the other yacht answers, you propose an intership working channel, digit by digit: "channel seven two". She may propose another one instead. Whichever is agreed, confirm it in a word and switch.
1 · Make contactcall, answer, agree a channel
2 · Talklisten first, then call again
Aurora and Blue Star
16 · Aurora, this is Blue Star, OVER
16 · Blue Star, this is Aurora, channel seven two, OVER
16 · Aurora, this is Blue Star, seven two
72 · Blue Star, this is Aurora, OVER
72 · Aurora, this is Blue Star, OVER
On the new channel listen for a moment to make sure it is free, then call the station again before you give your message. If she does not come up after a call or two, go back to 16, where you last had contact, and call her once more.
3 · OVER and OUT
Whose turn it is
Is it correct to say "over and out" on the radio?
No, the two never go together: OVER means you have finished and expect a reply, OUT that the exchange is finished and no reply is expected. "Over and out" asks for a reply and refuses it.
Only one station can speak at a time, so every transmission ends with a word that says what comes next.
Word
Means
Then
OVER
I have finished and I expect your reply
the other station speaks
OUT
the exchange is finished, no reply expected
back to watching 16
The two never go together: "over and out" asks for a reply and refuses it in one breath. When the other station ends with OUT, say nothing more.
Rule
OVER: your turn. OUT: we are done. Never both.
4 · Marinas and ports
A short call on their own channel
How do I ask a marina for a berth on the VHF?
Call it on its own working channel, not 16, with a short call, and wait for the answer. Then give the whole request in one message: the boat, her length, how many nights.
A marina or a port authority is called on its own working channel, the one in the pilot book, not on 16. Make a short call and wait for the answer. Then give the whole request in one message: the boat, her length, how many nights.
Asking for a berth
Vega Marina, this is Aurora, OVER
Aurora, this is Vega Marina, OVER
Vega Marina, this is Aurora, a berth for one night, 12 metres, OVER
Aurora, berth B 14, stern to, OVER
Berth B 14, stern to, thank you, OUT
When a station calls you, answer that station and give exactly what it asked for. A port authority that asks for your name and intentions hears: "Port Authority, this is Aurora, mooring at the town quay, OVER."
5 · Radio discipline
The channel belongs to everyone
What should I do if nobody answers my VHF call?
Wait a few minutes before calling again. If the station is far off or behind a cape, try later, when you are closer, not more often: radio discipline keeps the channel usable for everyone in range.
Listen before you transmit. If others are talking, wait until they finish; never talk over them.
Low power in port. 1 W reaches the fuel dock across the marina and does not block the channel for boats miles away.
Keep it short. One message with everything in it: others are waiting to call.
No answer? Wait a few minutes before you call again. If the station is far off or behind a cape, try later, when you are closer, not more often.
Nothing private. Everyone in range hears you: no card numbers on the air.
No needless transmissions. Channel 16 stays clear for distress and calling, and the radio is not a toy.
Rule
Listen, think, then press: short, clear, and off the air.
Practice questions
Questions from this topic, as the app asks them. Open one to see the answer.
Arriving at Vega Marina
Pilot book lists the marina's VHF channel
You are 1 mile off the entrance
Radio set to 1 W
You want a berth for tonight. How do you make the first call?
On 72: "Any marina staff, this is Aurora, OVER"
On 16, giving your whole request in one transmission
On the marina's channel: "Vega Marina, this is Aurora, OVER"
On 70 by voice, as marinas keep watch on it
Show the answer
C. On the marina's channel: "Vega Marina, this is Aurora, OVER"
Call a marina on its own working channel with a short call; the request follows once it answers.
All 20 questions of this topic are in the app: practice by topic with the reason after every answer, your mistakes brought back, and a timed mock exam. Free, no sign-up, in the browser or in Telegram.
