VHF Radio Etiquette: Communicating Clearly on the Water
Your VHF radio is one of the most important safety tools aboard. It’s how you coordinate with bridges, locks, marinas, and other vessels… and it’s also how you call for help if things go sideways. However, if you’ve ever listened in on Channel 16, you know that not everyone uses the radio effectively. Clear, professional communication not only makes you a better mariner, it keeps everyone safer.
Here are some simple etiquette tips to keep your radio calls short, clear, and effective.
1. Know Your Channels
Channel 16: Hailing and distress. Always monitor, but move off quickly once contact is made.
Channel 13: Bridge-to-bridge communications (mostly commercial traffic). If you’re in a narrow channel, expect calls here.
Channel 9: Often used for recreational hailing and marinas (check local practices).
Working channels: Bridges, locks, and marinas will usually direct you to a specific channel for instructions.
📌 Tip: Keep a printed list of common channels near your helm so you don’t have to fumble when traffic is heavy.
2. Hailing Another Vessel or Marina
Switch to Channel 16, hold the mic a couple of inches from your mouth, and speak clearly.
State the name of the vessel or facility three times, followed by your own boat name three times, and the channel you’re on.
The repetition helps cut through static and gives listeners a moment to catch up.
Mentioning the channel matters because many boats monitor more than one.
Pause for a response before repeating.
Example: “Miss Liberty, Miss Liberty, Miss Liberty, this is Sailing Vessel Fika, Fika, Fika on one-six.”
Once contact is made, agree on a working channel and switch over to keep 16 clear.
📌 Don’t just say, “Hey white trawler!” Use names if you know them. If not, be specific: “Southbound sailboat off Navy Pier…”
3. Bridge and Lock Calls
Start with the bridge or lock name, then your vessel name.
Keep it short: “Wells Street Bridge, Wells Street Bridge, Wells Street Bridge, this is the southbound sailing vessel Fika requesting an opening.”
Wait for confirmation and follow instructions.
If you’re unsure, ask politely: “What’s your next scheduled lift?”
📌 Tip: Some bridges open on demand, others on a schedule. Ask rather than assume.
4. Quick Safety Chatter
Use Channel 13 to coordinate with commercial vessels.
Standard phrases:
“Request one-whistle pass” (port-to-port).
“Request two-whistle pass” (starboard-to-starboard).
For example, “Northbound tow, this is southbound sailboat Fika on your port quarter, requesting a one-whistle pass.”
On rivers, if you see a tow on AIS (especially near a bend), call them by name, state your direction, and ask where they’d like you. They know the depths and their turning radius, and sometimes they’ll position you to keep everyone safe.
📌 Say what you plan to do, not just what you hope the other boat understands.
5. Mind Your Radio Manners
Keep transmissions under 30 seconds.
Keep chatter off Channel 16. Switch to a working channel for conversations.
Don’t use profanity or sarcasm, or make explicit comments. It’s unhelpful and a headache for parents with kids listening.
End with your boat name to confirm identity: “…Fika standing by on 7-2.”
Bottom Line
Good VHF etiquette is about clarity and courtesy. The goal isn’t to sound like a Navy captain… It’s to get your message across quickly, avoid confusion, and keep the waterways safe. The more you practice, the more natural it becomes.
We’d Love to Hear From You!
👉 What’s the most confusing or funny radio call you’ve overheard on the Loop?
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