Marine VHF Radio

Owners Handbook
Document number: 81231-2 Date: July 2004

About this Handbook

Introduction
This handbook describes the Ray54 fixed VHF marine radio. The Ray54 provides two-way communications on all US, Canadian and International marine channels and weather watch on ten weather channels. The Ray54 includes equipment for Class D Digital Selective Calling (DSC).

Conventions Used

Throughout this handbook, the dedicated (labelled) keys are shown in bold capitals (for example: SCAN/SAVE). The LCD indicators and functions are shown in normal capitals (for example: TX).
Operating procedures, which may consist of a single key-press or a
sequence of numbered steps, are indicated by an arrow icon shown in the margin.

Technical Accuracy

To the best of our knowledge, the information in this handbook was correct as it went to press. However, our policy of continuous product improvement and updating may change specifications without prior notice. As a result, unavoidable differences between the product and handbook may occur from time to time. Raymarine cannot accept liability for any inaccuracies or omissions it may contain. For the latest product information visit our website: www.raymarine.com

Warranty

To register your new Raymarine product, please take a few minutes to fill out the warranty registration card found at the end of this handbook. It is very important that you complete the owner information and return the card to the factory in order to receive full warranty benefits.
Raymarine is a registered trademark of Raymarine Limited. Raymarine Limited 2004

Ray54 VHF Radio

Important Information
Raymarine radios comply with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and Industry Canada requirements that regulate marine VHF radio usage for the US and Canada, respectively. Marine VHF radio users in the US must comply with all applicable FCC rules and regulations, some of which are described in this handbook. This information was current at the time this handbook was printed. Up-todate information, including licensing requirements, can be obtained on the FCC website at: www.fcc.gov/wtb/marine Official FCC forms can be obtained on the FCC website at: www.fcc.gov/formpage.html

FCC Notice

This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. Changes or modifications to this equipment not expressly approved in writing by Raymarine, Incorporated could violate compliance with FCC rules and void the operators authority to operate the equipment.

Station License

An FCC Ship Radio Station License and Call Sign are not required for most recreational vessels travelling in US waters. However, you must obtain a license if your vessel travels to foreign ports. Ships that use MF/HF single side-band radio, satellite communications, or telegraphy must be licensed by the FCC. You can obtain a Station License by filing FCC Form 605, which is available from the FCC website listed above.

Operator License

An Operator License is not required to operate a VHF Marine Radio within US territorial waters. However, a license is required to operate the radio if you dock in a foreign port (including Canada and Mexico) or leave a foreign port to dock in a U.S. port. You can request a Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit from the FCC by filing Form 753.

INDUSTRY CANADA

You do not need a license to operate this radio within sovereign waters of Canada or the US. You will need a license to operate this radio outside of Canada or the US. To obtain Industry Canada licensing information, contact the nearest field or regional office, or write: Industry Canada Radio Regulatory Branch Attention: DOSP 300 Slater Street Ottawa, Ontario Canada, KIA OC8 The following information about the radio is required to complete the license application: Industry Canada Certification Number: 4069A-RAY54 D FCC Type Number: PJ5RAY54 FCC Type Accepted: Parts 15 and 80 Output Power: 1 watt (low) & 25 watts (high) Modulation: FM (16K0G3E), DSC (16K0G2B) Frequency Range: 156.025157.425

Equipment Supplied

The following is a list of materials supplied with the Ray54: Table 2-1: Supplied Components
Part Number E43022 ER49108 R49128 R49133 R49093 R49095 R49094 R49096 R49104 R49105 R49109 R49110 Description Ray54, White Ray54, Charcoal Gray Handbook, Ray54 Power Cord, Ray54 NMEA Cable, Ray54 Speaker Cord, Ray54 Mounting Yoke for White Ray54 Mounting Yoke for Charcoal Ray54 Yoke Knob and Spacer for White Ray54 Yoke Knob and Spacer for Charcoal Ray54 Microphone Bracket for White Ray54 Microphone Bracket for Charcoal Ray54 Sun Cover, White Sun Cover, Charcoal Gray Mounting Hardware: Screws (x4) for Mounting Yoke Screws (x2) for Microphone Bracket Screw/Lock Washer (x1) for Grounding
The following is a of optional equipment for the Ray54: Table 2-2: Optional Equipment
Part Number E46034 Description Flush Mount Kit, A Series VHF Radios
2.2 Planning the Installation
When planning the installation of your Ray54, consider the following conditions to ensure dependable and trouble-free operation. Mount the main unit to allow easy access from the location where the boat is normally navigated. The main unit is designed to be mounted horizontally or vertically on a flat bulkhead. Select a location that is non-metallic, dry, protected, wellventilated, and free from high operating temperatures and excessive vibration. Provide sufficient space behind the main unit to allow for proper cable connections to the rear panel connectors. Locate the main unit as near as possible to the power source yet as far apart as possible from any devices that may cause interference such as motors, generators, and other on board electronics. The radio should be protected from prolonged direct exposure to rain and salt spray. The Ray54 is not designed to be mounted in engine compartments. Do not install the radio in a location where there may be flammable vapors (such as in an engine room or compartment, or in a fuel tank bay), water splash or spray from bilges or hatches, where it is at risk from physical damage from heavy items (such as hatch covers, tool boxes, etc.), or where it might be covered by other equipment. Locate the radio at least 1.5 meters from the antenna. Safe Compass Distance is 1 meter for a common mechanical compass; other compass types may require greater distances. To be sure, you should locate the radio as far as possible from the compass. Test your compass to verify proper operation while the radio is also operating.

Antenna Mounting Suggestions
Mounting the VHF antenna properly is very important because it will directly affect the performance of your VHF radio. Use a VHF antenna designed for marine vessels. Since VHF transmission is essentially line-of-sight, mount the antenna at a location on the vessel that is free of obstruction to obtain maximum range. If you must extend the length of the coaxial cable between the antenna and the radio, use a coaxial cable designed for the least amount of power loss over the entire cable length.
For optimal radio performance and minimal human exposure to radio frequency electromagnetic energy, make sure the antenna is: connected to the radio before transmitting properly mounted located where it will be away from people located at least 1.5 meters (5 feet) from the radio
Chapter 3: Getting Started
3.1 Keypad and Rotary Knobs
Several of the keys on the front panel of the main unit serve multiple purposes. For the most part, the function indicated on the first line of the key is accessed by pressing and releasing that key. The function indicated on the second line of the key is accessed by pressing and holding the key for three seconds.
Figure 3-1: Ray54 Keys Layout

Microphone Keys

Key Name 1. PTT 2. UP/DOWN 3. 16/9 Press & Release (<3 sec.) Push-to-Talk Channel increment/decrement and navigating menu item selections Switch between the Priority and Working Channels Press & Hold (>3 sec.) Push-to-Talk Rapid channel change and navigating menu item selections Switch to Secondary Priority CH (9); If already tuned to secondary channel, program a new secondary Priority Channel.

4. HI/LO

TX Power High/Low and ACCEPT key TX Power High/Low and ACCEPT key for menu item selections for menu item selections

Main Unit Rotary Keys

Key Name 5. CH/PUSH 6. PWR/VOL 7. SQ Function Rotate to increment/decrement channels or navigate menu item selections Power radio ON / OFF and adjust volume level Adjust squelch threshold level

Main Unit Push Keys

Key Name 5. CH/PUSH 8. DW/TRI Press & Release (<3 sec.) Press & Hold (>3 sec.) ACCEPT menu item selections ACCEPT menu item selections Dual Watch Mode Tri Watch Mode Activate Menu functions USER (Saved Memory Channel) Mode SAVE/DELETE channel to/from memory Switch to secondary Priority CH (9); If already tuned to secondary channel, program a new secondary Priority Channel. Weather Channel Mode Make Distress Call

9. CALL/MENU Activate DSC functions 10. HL/USER TX Power High/Low
11. SCAN/SAVE Scan ON/OFF 12.16/9 Switch between the Priority and Working Channels Cancel function Designate Distress Type
13. CLEAR/WX 14. DISTRESS

Microphone

1. PTT
Press this Push-to-Talk key to transmit.

2. UP/DOWN

Use the arrow keys to change the active channel number. Press and hold for rapid channel changing. You can also use these keys to scroll through DSC Call and Menu Mode options and make item selections.

3. 16/9

Use this key to switch to the priority channel or to change the value of the Secondary Priority Channel.

4. HILO

Use this key to toggle the transmit power from HIGH to LOW. You can also use it to accept DSC Call and Menu Mode selections.

Main Unit

Rotate this knob to change the current channel number and to change values in Menu mode or during programming. Press the knob to enter values selected in Menu mode or during programming.

6. PWR/VOL

Use this knob to turn the radio ON and OFF and to set the volume.
Use this knob to set the squelch threshold, which cuts off the receiver when the signal is too weak for reception of anything but noise.

8. DW/TRI

Press and release this key to select Dual Watch mode, which monitors the current working channel and CH 16 in cycle. Press and hold to select Tri Watch, which monitors CH 16, the current working channel and the channel you have set as the Secondary Priority Channel in cycle. See Section 4.12.

9. CALL/MENU

Press and release this key to select to enter DSC Call Mode, which is used for making DSC Calls and viewing the DSC Call Logs and the DSC Call Phonebook. A Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) number is required to operate the DSC equipment in this radio. This number directs DSC calls directly to your radio, much like a telephone number. You can program the MMSI number yourself one time only using the Menu Operation described in Section 6.9, DSC Setup. Otherwise, your Raymarine dealer can program or change the number for you. If the MMSI number has not yet programmed, the message DSC IS NOT OPERATIONAL.PLEASE ENTER MMSI ID is displayed in the dot matrix display when you press and release CALL/MENU. DSC Call menu structure is outlined in the following drawing. Full details on DSC call operation are described in Chapter 5.
Press and hold CALL/MENU to select Menu Mode, which is used to set up the radio. The menu structure is outlined in the following drawing. Menu operations are fully described in Chapter 6.

4.4 Setting the Power Output
The choice of power output is dependent upon the distance of transmission and transmitting conditions. Press and release the HL/USER key on the main unit or microphone to toggle the TX power from LOW (1 watt) to HIGH (25 watts). The corresponding LO or HI indicator appears on the LCD.
Initial contact should always be attempted using low power. You should switch to high power only when contact can not be made on low power in emergency situations. This procedure is specified by the FCC but is also part of marine communications courtesy.
Note: Some channels are limited by regulation to be low power only. If the HILO operation request is denied, an error tone beeps.
Overriding the Low Output Power Restriction
In the US, channels 13 and 67 can temporarily override the low power restriction.
To override the LO power restriction on
channels 13 or 67 and transmit at high power: Press and hold the PTT key on the microphone as you press and hold the HI/LO key. The TX power is set to HI power for as long as you hold down the HI/LO key.

4.5 Setting the Channel

On the microphone.
Press and release the UP arrow to increment the channel number. Press and release the DOWN arrow to decrement the channel. Press and hold either key for rapid channel scrolling.

On the main unit.

Rotate the CH knob clockwise to increment the channel number. Rotate the CH knob counterclockwise to decrement the channel number.
4.6 Selecting a Weather Channel
The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) broadcasts continuous weather reports and severe weather alerts, as needed. The Ray54 is programmed to receive 10 weather channels and sound an alarm if a weather alert is received. Press and hold the CLEAR/WX key to enter Weather mode.
The WX indicator appears on the LCD. Rotate the CH knob to select from channels WX01 through WX10. Press and release the CLEAR/WX key again to return to normal operation. Note: 1. WX broadcasts can only be heard in the US and Canada. 2. During Weather mode, the PTT, HILO/USER, SCAN/SAVE and DW/TRI keys are disabled and an error beep sounds if pressed.

Weather Alert Operation

Weather Alert is toggled ON and OFF by pressing and holding CLEAR/WX key in the weather mode. The ALERT indicator illuminates.
When Weather Alert function is enabled and the radio is tuned to the normal working channel, the last-used weather channel is checked every four minutes for weather alert tone. If the alert tone is detected, the WX and ALERT indicators flash and an alarm sounds. The radio automatically turns to the currently-monitored WX channel where the weather alert has been detected. The alert is detected in all modes of operation (Standby, Dual and Tri Watch, Scan, etc.)

4.10 Using the Scan Modes
The Ray54 is equipped with four types of scan options: All Scan, Saved (Memory) Scan, Priority All Scan and Priority Saved Scan. If there are no channels in memory, the default is All Scan. This function automatically searches for broadcasting channels. If a transmission is received, the scan stops on the receiving channel as long as it is present. If the signal is lost for five seconds, the radio resumes scanning. During the Scan Modes: Press the microphone Channel UP/DOWN keys or rotate the CH knob on the main unit to change the scan direction. UP (CH key)/clockwise (CH knob) increments the channel while DOWN (CH key) /counterclockwise (CH knob) decrements it. Press and release SCAN/SAVE to terminate the SCAN mode. Press and release CLEAR/WX to terminate the SCAN mode. Press 16/9 to terminate the SCAN mode and tune to the Priority Channel. DW/TRI and HILO/USER keys are disabled.

All Scan

Press and release the SCAN/SAVE key when no channels are stored in memory to activate the All Scan function.
ALL SCAN appears on the dot matrix display. In All Scan mode, all channels in the channel set are scanned in sequence, assuming no channels have been stored in memory. After the last channel number has been scanned, the cycle repeats. All Scan is demonstrated in the figure to the left. Note: Whenever Weather Alert is activated, the WX Alert channel is also monitored during All Scan. If the WX Alert tone is detected, the scan is halted to receive the Weather Alert broadcast.

Saved (Memory) Scan

Press and release the SCAN/SAVE key when there is at least one channel in memory to activate the Saved Scan function.
SAVED SCAN appears on the dot matrix display.
In Saved Scan mode, only the channels that have been saved in memory are scanned in sequence. After the last saved channel number has been scanned, the cycle repeats. Saved Scan is demonstrated in the figure to the left.
Note: Whenever Weather Alert is activated, the WX Alert channel is also monitored during Saved Scan. If the WX Alert tone is detected, the scan is to halted to receive the Weather Alert broadcast.

Priority All Scan

Press and hold the SCAN/SAVE key while All Scan is active to initiate Priority Scan.
ALL PSCAN appears on the dot matrix display. Priority Scan searches for activity on all channels but alternates scanning the Priority Channel 16 after each channel. Priority Scan is demonstrated in the figure to the left.
Note: Whenever Weather Alert is activated, the WX Alert channel is also monitored during Priority All Scan. If the WX Alert tone is detected, the scan is halted to receive the Weather Alert broadcast.

Priority Saved Scan

Press and hold the SCAN/SAVE key while Saved Scan is active to initiate Priority Saved Scan.

7. Push CH knob again to send the Individual Call. The Individual Call is transmitted on channel 70, and then the radio tunes to the original channel and waits for acknowledgement. During this period you are still able to receive calls.
Note: Pressing PTT at any time before an ACK is received cancels the Individual Call. When the acknowledgement is received, the Ray54 automatically switches to the selected working channel and sounds a DSC Call alert ring. Press any key to mute the alert ring. It shuts off automatically after two minutes. 8. Press PTT to communicate on the specified channel.
If no acknowledgement is received within 3 minutes, the radio prompts you to resend the call. If you do nothing for 2 minutes, the Individual Call is cancelled and the radio reverts to the original channel.
Receiving Individual Calls
When an Individual Call is received, the radio sounds an alert tone and displays the type of call, the name or MMSI number (if the callers MMSI number has not been programmed into your Phonebook) of the caller and the time the call was initiated. When an Individual Call from a station is received, the radio may also ask you to send an acknowledge (ACK) back to the caller. You are prompted to accept or decline the call.
To silence the alert tone:
Press any key. Automatic cancellation takes place after 2 minutes.
To cancel the mode without sending ACK:
Press the CLEAR/WX key. The alert tone is muted, the Individual Call is interrupted and the normal screen appears on the display.
To accept the Individual Call:
Push the CH knob. The tone is muted (if you have not already pressed another key) and an acknowledge (if requested) is sent to the originating station. The LCD indicates a change of working channels has been made. For Routine Calls, the channel changes to the one designated by the caller. For Safety and Urgency Calls, the radio automatically switches to channel 16.
If the caller requests that you change to an unsupported working channel (channel 75, for example) the message INVALID CHANNEL appears on the LCD. If an acknowledge is sent, the originating station is notified you were UNABLE TO COMPLY with the channel change request. Notes: (1) The DSC Call data is stored in the first available slot in the DSC Call Log, regardless of whether the call is acknowledged. (2) Pressing the 16/9 key cancels the channel change request and tunes the radio to channel 16. (3) If 5 minutes elapse before the call is acknowledged or rejected, the radio automatically declines the incoming Individual Call. No Acknowledgement is sent and the radio reverts to the original channel.

5.3 Group Calls

The Group Call feature sends transmissions that are only received by radios that share a common Group MMSI number, such as a flotilla or racing fleet. The Ray54 sends Group Routine calls. As with any DSC operation, the Group Call is made on channel 70.
Transmitting a Group Call
To call another vessel in the group, you must select the Group MMSI number to contact and the working channel to be used for the Group Call. The Group MMSI number is selected from a Phonebook list of preprogrammed numbers specified using the Menu function. Up to three Group ID numbers can be stored. 1. Press and release the CALL/MENU key to enter the DSC menu. The arrow is pointing to INDIVIDUAL.
2. Rotate the CH knob until the arrow points to GROUP.
3. Push in the CH knob to select GROUP. The Group Call menu appears, which displays the Group entries you have saved.
Note: Only the Group IDs that have been programmed into memory appear in the list. If you have not yet programmed any groups into memory, the message NO GROUP IN MEMORY appears. See page 73 for instructions on entering Group ID numbers. 4. Rotate the CH knob until the arrow points to the desired Group name.
5. Push the CH knob to select the desired Group.
6. Rotate the CH knob to select the working channel to be used for the Group Call.
7. Push in the CH knob to accept the selection.
8. Push the CH knob again to send the Group Call. The Group Call is transmitted on channel 70, and then the radio tunes to the designated working channel to be used for the Group Call.
9. Press PTT to communicate on the specified channel.

Receiving Group Calls

The Ray54 can receive Group Routine Calls from anyone in your prearranged group. When a Group Call is received, an alert tone sounds and the LCD alternates screens displaying the group name and MMSI ID of the station initiating the call and that a change of working channels is being requested.
To ignore the Group Call:
Press the CLEAR/WX key. The alert tone is muted, the Group Call is interrupted and the normal screen appears on the display.
To accept the Group Call:
Push the CH knob. The alert tone is muted (if you have not already pressed another key). The LCD indicates that the channel has been changed to the one designated by the caller.
If the caller requests that you change to an unsupported working channel (channel 75, for example) the message INVALID CHANNEL appears on the LCD. The radio is unable to comply with the channel change request but the call is registered in the Call Log. No acknowledgement is sent to the caller. You can establish voice communications on the channel shown in the LCD by pressing the PTT key. Notes: (1) DSC Call data is stored in the first available slot in the Call Log. (2) Pressing the 16/9 key cancels the channel change request and tunes the radio to channel 16. (3) If 5minutes elapse before the Group Call is accepted or rejected, the radio automatically declines the call and the radio reverts to the original channel.

Cancelling a Distress Call Made in Error
I f you should send a Distress Call in error, you should make an announcement as soon as possible that the distress situation does not exist. 1. Immediately power off the radio to cancel the Distress Call. 2. Power the radio back on and set to channel 16. 3. Make a broadcast to all stations giving your ships name, call sign and MMSI number and cancel the false distress alert. Sample Announcement to Cancel a Distress Call Made in Error: All Stations, All Stations, All Stations. This is NAME, CALL SIGN, MMSI NUMBER, POSITION. Cancel my distress alert of DATE, TIME, NAME, CALL SIGN.
Receiving a Distress Call
The Ray54 receives distress messages sent by another vessel and/or acknowledgments (ACK) sent by a coast station to another vessel in distress. The radio also receives distress relays. In such cases you should maintain radio silence and a listening watch on channel 16 and standby to lend assistance if requested. When a Distress Call is received, the Ray54 automatically tunes to channel 16 and sounds the Distress Alarm Tone. (If you have disabled automatic channel changing, as described on page 78, you are first prompted whether to accept the call.)

To silence the alarm:

Press any key. Automatic alarm cancellation takes place after 2 minutes. Two alternating screens appear in the display. When position data and time is included within the signal, it is displayed on the first screen in the text area of the LCD. If invalid GPS or Time data is received, the lat/lon position shows 9 in all digits and the time shows all 8s. The second screen shows the nature of the distress and the time it was sent. The 2 alternating pages of data are recorded in the Distress Call Log. Maintain radio silence and a listening watch on channel 16 and standby to lend assistance if requested.
Note: The AUTO CH CHG option determines whether you want your radio automatically switched to channel 16 to receive the call or instead to be prompted to manually receive or decline the channel change. See page 78.

DSC SETUP

To make Menu selections:
1. Press and hold the CALL/MENU key to enter Menu mode. The list of available functions appear on the dot matrix display.
2. Rotate the CH knob to scroll down the list until the arrow points to the desired function. Push the CH knob to accept.
To exit the Menu mode or sub-mode, press the 16/9 or CLEAR/WX keys, or else select the EXIT option from the menu. Using the Microphone Keys to Make Selections The examples in this chapter describe how to make menu and character selections using the CH knob on the main unit. However, you can also press the microphone UP/ DOWN keys to make selections and then press the microphone HI/LO key to accept.

6.2 DSC Phonebook

The Phonebook stores up to 20 preprogrammed MMSI numbers that you can select for making an Individual Call. The numbers are stored by name and contain the stations MMSI number. You can add, edit and delete entries from the Phonebook, much as you would on a cellular telephone. Rotate the CH knob to make an item appear on the dot matrix display and then press in the CH knob to select that item. Note: The following examples demonstrate making calls to other ship stations. You may also make DSC Calls to shore stations. Shore station MMSI numbers start with 00.

Adding an Entry

1. Press and hold the CALL/MENU knob. The Menu screen appears on the dot matrix display.
2. Press the CH knob to select Phonebook. The Phonebook screen appears.
3. Press and release the CH knob to select <NEW ENTRY>.
4. Using the CH knob, fill in the NAME field one character at a time. The first character space to be modified is highlighted with a flashing underline. All alpha and numeric characters are available, as well as 11 symbols, a blank (space) and a left arrow (<), which represents a backspace. A total of 11 character spaces are available.
i. Rotate the CH knob to scroll through the selections. Note: The last selection in each field is a left arrow (<), which represents a BACKSPACE. Accepting the arrow returns the current character to its default value and moves you back to the previous position. ii. When the desired character appears, push in the CH knob to accept it. The next character to be filled in sequence is underlined (_). iii. Continue this process until all characters have been selected.
Note: Pressing and holding CH indicates you have completed editing the current line and forwards you to the first position of the next line. This eliminates the need to accept each character individually. You can also press the microphone UP/ DOWN keys to select each character and then press the microphone HI/LO key to accept.

Canadian Marine VHF Channels and Frequencies
CH No. 03 04A 04A 05A 06 XMIT Freq 156.050 156.100 156.150 156.200 156.200 156.250 156.300 RCV Freq 160.650 160.700 160.750 156.200 156.200 156.250 156.300 All areas Area of Operation Use PC PC PC PC EC Public Correspondence Public Correspondence Public Correspondence Intership, Ship/Shore and Safety: Canadian Coast Guard search and rescue1 Intership, Ship/Shore and Commercial: Commercial fishing only Ship Movement Intership, Commercial, Non-commercial and Safety: May be used for search and rescue communications between ships and aircraft. Intership, Ship/Shore, Commercial Intership, Commercial and Safety: Also assigned for operations in the Lake Winnipeg area. Intership, Ship/Shore, Commercial, Non-commercial and Ship Movement: May be used to communicate with aircraft and helicopters in predominantly maritime support operations. Intership, Ship/Shore, Commercial, Non-commercial, Safety and Ship Movement: May also be used for communications with aircraft engaged in coordinated search and rescue and antipollution operations. Intership, Ship/Shore, Commercial, Non-commercial and Ship Movement: Also used for pilotage purposes. Intership, Ship/Shore, Commercial, Non-commercial and Ship Movement: Port operations and pilot information and messages. Intership, Commercial, Non-commercial and Ship Movement: Exclusively for bridge-to-bridge navigational traffic. Intership, Ship/Shore, Commercial, Non-commercial and Ship Movement: Port operations and pilot information and messages.

07A 08 09

156.350 156.400 156.450

All areas WC, EC AC

156.500

AC, GL

156.550 156.600

PC, AC, GL WC, AC, GL

156.650 156.700

All areas AC, GL

CH No. 15

XMIT Freq

RCV Freq
Area of Operation Use All areas Intership, Ship/Shore, Commercial, Non-commercial and Ship Movement: All operations limited to 1-watt maximum power. May also be used for on-board communications. International Distress, Safety and Calling2 Intership, Ship/Shore, Commercial, Non-commercial and Ship Movement: All operations limited to 1-watt maximum power. May also be used for on-board communications. Intership, Ship/Shore and Commercial: Towing on the Pacific Coast. Intership and Ship/Shore: Canadian Coast Guard only. Intership and Ship/Shore: Various Government departments. Ship/Shore, Safety and Ship Movement: Port operations only with 1-watt maximum power. Intership and Ship/Shore: Canadian Coast Guard only. Safety: Continuous Marine Broadcast (CMB) service.3 Intership, Ship/Shore, Commercial and Non-commercial: For communications between Canadian Coast Guard and nonCanadian Coast Guard stations only. Ship/Shore and Public Correspondence: Also in the inland waters of British Columbia and the Yukon. Ship/Shore and Public Correspondence Ship/Shore and Public Correspondence: Also assigned for operations in the Lake Winnipeg area. Safety: Continuous Marine Broadcast (CMB) service. Ship/Shore, Safety and Public Correspondence Ship/Shore and Public Correspondence Ship/Shore, Safety and Public Correspondence Safety: Continuous Marine Broadcast (CMB) service.

156.325

156.375 156.375

156.425 156.475 156.475 156.575

CH No. 71 72

XMIT Freq 156.575 156.625

RCV Freq 156.575 156.625

Area of Operation Use Intership, Ship/Shore and Non-commercial: For marinas and yacht clubs on the East Coast and on Lake Winnipeg. EC, PC Intership, Commercial and Non-commercial: May be used to communicate with aircraft and helicopters in predominantly maritime support operations. Intership, Ship/Shore and Commercial: Commercial fishing only Intership, Ship/Shore, Commercial, Non-commercial, Safety: May also be used for communications with aircraft engaged in coordinated search and rescue and antipollution operations. Intership, Ship/Shore, Commercial, Non-commercial and Ship Movement. Intership, Ship/Shore, Safety and Ship Movement: Pilotage on Pacific Coast. Port operations only in the St. Lawrence River/Great Lakes areas with 1W maximum power. EC, PC EC, PC EC, PC Intership, Ship/Shore and Commercial Intership, Ship/Shore and Commercial Intership, Ship/Shore and Commercial Intership and Ship/Shore: Canadian Coast Guard use only in the St. Lawrence River/Great Lakes areas. PC PC Intership, Ship/Shore and Safety: Canadian Coast Guard antipollution. Intership, Ship/Shore and Safety: Canadian Coast Guard use only. Intership and Ship/Shore: Canadian Coast Guard use only in the St. Lawrence River/Great Lakes areas. PC EC AC, GL PC Ship/Shore and Safety: Canadian Coast Guard use only. Intership and Ship/Shore: Canadian Coast Guard and other Government agencies. Safety: Continuous Marine Broadcast (CMB) Service. Ship/Shore and Public Correspondence

156.675 156.675

EC All areas except EC EC, PC

156.725 156.875

78A 79A 80A 81A 81A 82A 82A 83 83A 83B 84
156.925 156.975 157.025 157.075 157.075 157.125 157.125 157.175 157.175 157.225
156.925 156.975 157.025 157.075 157.075 157.125 157.125 161.775 157.175 161.775 161.825

CH No. 87 88

XMIT Freq 157.275 157.325 157.375 157.425

RCV Freq 161.875

Area of Operation Use AC, GL, NL Ship/Shore and Public Correspondence Ship/Shore and Public Correspondence Ship/Shore and Public Correspondence Ship/Shore and Public Correspondence
161.925 PC 161.975 162.025 AC, GL, NL AC, GL, NL

Area of Operation

AC: Atlantic Coast, Gulf and St. Lawrence River up to and including Montreal EC (East Coast): includes NL, AC, GL and Eastern Arctic areas GL: Great Lakes (including St. Lawrence above Montreal) NL: Newfoundland and Labrador PC: Pacific Coast WC (West Coast): Pacific Coast, Western Arctic and Athabasca-Mackenzie Watershed areas All areas: includes East and West Coast areas Notes: 1. The letter A following a channel number indicates simplex use of the ship station transmit side of an international duplex channel. Operations are different from that of international operations on that channel. 2. Channel 16 is used for calling other stations or for distress alerting. 3. The letter B following a channel number indicates simplex use of the coast station transmit side of an international duplex channel. That is, the channel is Receive Only. 4. Channel 70 is used exclusively for Digital Selective Calling (DSC) and is not available for regular voice communications. 5. Channels 75 and 76 are reserved as guard bands for Channel 16 and are not available for regular voice communications.

XMIT Freq 157.175 157.225 157.275 157.325 157.375 157.425
RCV Freq 161.775 161.825 161.875 161.925 157.375 157.425
Single Freq Use x x x x Public correspondence, Port Operations and Ship Movement Public correspondence, Port Operations and Ship Movement Public correspondence, Port Operations and Ship Movement Public correspondence, Port Operations and Ship Movement Port Operations and Ship Movement Port Operations and Ship Movement
Intership channels are for communications between ship stations. Intership communications should be restricted to Channels 6, 8, 72 and 77. If these are not available, the other channels marked for Intership may be used. Channels 10, 67 and 73 should be avoided within VHF range of coastal areas in Europe and Canada. Channel 70 is used exclusively for Digital Selective Calling (DSC) and is not available for regular voice communications.
Notes: 1. Channel 06 may also be used for communications between ship stations and aircraft engaged in coordinated search and rescue operations. Ship stations should avoid harmful interference to such communications on channel 06 as well as to communications between aircraft stations, ice breakers and assisted ships during ice seasons. 2. Channels 10 or 73 (depending on location) are also used for the broadcast of Marine Safety Information by the Maritime and Coast Guard Agency in the UK only. 3. Channel 13 is designated for use on a worldwide basis as a navigation safety communication channel, primarily for intership navigation safety communications. 4. Channels 15 and 17 may also be used for on-board communications provided the effective radiated power does not exceed 1 Watt. 5. The use of Channels 75 and 76 should be restricted to navigation related communication only and all precautions should be taken to avoid harmful interference to channel 16. Transmit power is limited to 1 Watt.
WX Channels (North America only)
Weather Channel WX 1 WX 2 WX 3 WX 4 WX 5 WX 6 WX 7 WX 8 WX 9 WX 10 Frequency in MHz 162.550 162.400 162.475 162.425 162.450 162.500 162.525 161.650 161.775 163.275

Appendix C: Glossary

Appendix C:
Term All Scan Canadian Channels CH DSC Dual Watch Duplex FCC International Channels ITU LCD MMSI NOAA Priority Channel Priority Scan (PSCAN) PTT switch RF RX Saved Scan Simplex Squelch TX Tri Watch US Channels