11. (WX) Weather Channel

Weather channel mode is active. US and Canada only.
12. (ALERT) Weather Alert
Monitoring for weather alert broadcasts. US and Canada only.

13. (U I C) Channel Set

Indicates which channel set is selected: US, International or Canadian. Note: Special licensing is required to receive the US and Canadian channel sets.

14. (A) Simplex Channel

Indicates that the currently-selected channel is simplex; you transmit and receive on the same frequency. Used with US and Canadian channels only.
15. (B) Receive-only Channel
Indicates that you cannot transmit on the currently-selected channel; it is receive-only. Used with Canadian channels only.

16. Channel Number

Displays the current channel number.

17. Dot Matrix Display

Indicates radio functions or special conditions. The type of information displayed depends on the situation. Figure 3-3 demonstrates a typical screen in normal operating mode. The screen is different when sending/receiving a DSC Call (see Chapter 5:) or setting up a Menu item (see Chapter 6:). Note: In the following sample: (1) The Channel Name is editable (see page 70). (2) Valid position data received from a GPS or manually entered (see page 64). (3) Last line may contain COG/SOG data instead of time (see page 68).
Figure 3-3: Typical Dot Matrix Display Data
Chapter 4: General Operations
4.1 Turning the Power ON and OFF
Turn the PWR/VOL knob clockwise until it clicks. When the unit powers up in Normal mode it: 1. Beeps, illuminates the backlight at full brightness, and displays all segments and indicators for 2 seconds. 2. Displays the software version number on the dot matrix display. 3. Recalls the last CH number, TX power settings and operation mode. If no last-used setting data exists, goes to CH 16 and high TX Power. When GPS Data is available, extended position data is also displayed with the offset time on the dot matrix display. This information will be displayed when display option for the position and time is enabled on the Menu. See Section 6.5. To turn the unit OFF, rotate the Volume knob completely counter clockwise until it clicks.

Weather Alert Operation (If Available)
Weather Alert is toggled ON and OFF by pressing and holding CLEAR 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.) Note: The Ray54E can receive weather alert broadcasts in the US or Canada only if the unit has been programmed by the distributor to use WX Channels.
Selecting the Priority Channel
The Ray54E provides you with a dedicated key for switching to the Priority Channel 16. If not already tuned to the Priority Channel 16, press and release the 16/ PLUS key to switch to CH16 at high power. PRIORITY CH appears in the dot matrix display. If already on CH 16, press and release the 16/PLUS to return to the last-used working channel. Note: When the priority channel is selected, it is always set to HIGH transmit power. You may reduce power if desired by pressing the HI/LO key. The 16/PLUS key also can be used to cancel all modes and switch to CH 16.
Note: When you press the 16/PLUS key, the radio always switches to HIGH power. You can use the HL/USER key to change to LOW power.
Selecting the Secondary Priority (PLUS) Channel
The Ray54E enables you to program the 16/PLUS key to store a Secondary Priority or Favourite (PLUS) Channel. The default is CH 9. If on a working channel, press and hold the 16/PLUS for greater than 3 seconds to switch to the Secondary Priority (PLUS) Channel at high power. The default is CH 9. PRIORITY CH appears in the dot matrix display.
If on primary Priority CH16, press and hold the 16/PLUS for greater 3 seconds to switch to the Secondary Priority (PLUS) Channel at HI power. The default is CH 9.

Sending a Distress Call

Open the spring-loaded door on the front panel of the main unit.
Note: To conform with regulations of the Basel Agreement for radiotelephone service on inland waterways, DSC functions are disabled when ATIS is active. See ATIS Function on page 79.
Undesignated (Quick) Distress Call
1. Press and hold the red DISTRESS key for 3 seconds to initiate the call. During this time, the radio beeps, the display flashes and a timer counts down 3.2.1.

Designated Distress Call

1. Press and release the red DISTRESS key. The Distress Call screen appears.
2. Rotate the CH knob until the arrow points to the type of Distress you wish to designate.
3. Push in the CH knob to select that type of Distress.
4. Press and hold the DISTRESS key for 3 seconds to initiate the call. During this time, the radio beeps, the display flashes and a timer counts down 3.2.1.
To cancel the Distress Call: release the DISTRESS key before the countdown has completed. After the 3 second countdown is completed, the call is sent and the radio waits for acknowledgement. The display stops flashing and the alarm sounds continuously until muted or an ACK is received. To mute the alarm: press CLEAR.
After the Distress transmission, the radio is automatically set to channel 16 at high power to listen for and respond to voice replies from SAR authorities or other vessels that may have received your Distress Call. The Distress Call is resent randomly every 3.5 4.5 minutes until an acknowledgement is received or the call is manually cancelled. To cancel the automatic Distress resend: press CLEAR.
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 Ray54E 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 Ray54E automatically tunes to channel 16 and sounds the Distress Alarm Tone. (If you have disabled automatic channel changing, as described on page 82, 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 82.
Receiving a Distress ACK Sent from a Coast Station
When a Distress ACK is received from a Coast Station (Coast Guard or Search and Rescue) the Distress alarm sounds. The LCD displays the Name/ MMSI ID of the vessel in distress. Maintain radio silence and a listening watch on channel 16 and standby to lend assistance if requested.
Receiving a Distress Relay Sent by Another Station
When a Distress Relay is received from another station, an alarm sounds and the LCD displays two alternating screens. The first page displays the Name/ MMSI ID of the station sending the message. The second page displays the Name/MMSI ID of the vessel in distress and its lat/lon position. Your radio does not re-send a distress relay message. Maintain radio silence and a listening watch on channel 16 and standby to lend assistance if requested.

5.6 Position Request

With this option you can request GPS position information from any station capable of responding to this type of call and for which an MMSI number is known. You can specify the target station either by selecting it from your MMSI phonebook or by manually entering its MMSI number.
Specifying the Target Vessel
2. Rotate the CH knob to select POS REQUEST.
3. Push in the CH knob to select POS REQUEST. The Position Request menu appears.

4. Push the CH knob again to select SEND. Choose the target vessel from the phonebook.
5. Rotate the CH knob until the arrow points to the desired name.
If using MANUAL MMSI ID entry: Enter the MMSI number using the CH knob. Rotate the CH knob to select each character and then push in the CH knob to accept. A full description of manual character entry can be found in Adding an Entry on page 59.
6. Push in the CH knob to select the desired name/MMSI ID.
7. Press the CH knob again to send the Position Request Call. The 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.
Notes: (1) Pressing PTT at any time before reply is received cancels the Position Request. In this case, you must resubmit the request. (2) To conform with regulations of the Basel Agreement for radiotelephone service on inland waterways, DSC functions are disabled when ATIS is active. See ATIS Function on page 79.
When the Position Request is accepted by the receiving station: When the position request is received, the Ray54E shows that the call has been accepted by the requested station. The radio sounds a Call Alert tone. Press any key to mute the alert tone. It shuts off automatically after two minutes.
Push in the CH knob to view the data. The radio automatically jumps to the the LAST RECVD log, where the data is displayed. Exit the log by pressing CLEAR. Press CLEAR to exit to normal radio operation. You can retrieve the position information later using the LAST RECVD option. When no reply is received within 3 minutes: The radio prompts you to resend the call. After a total of 5 minutes of inactivity, the Position Request Call is cancelled and the message NO REPLY POS REQUEST ABORT is displayed. The message disappears after pressing PTT.
Retrieving the Last Received Position Data
1. From the Position Request screen, rotate CH to select LAST RECVD.
2. Push the CH knob to select. The last received position request data is displayed.
Note: Only the last position is saved. The next received position will overwrite the existing position data. Press the CLEAR key to exit the LAST RECVD window.
Receiving a Position Request From Another Station
If you receive a position request from another station, how the Ray54E responds depends on the option you have set in the Position Reply menu item (see page 81). OFF will not send position data under any circumstances. AUTOMATIC sends out your vessels position data as soon as it is requested. MANUAL sends out the data only after you respond to the request. When a Manual Position Reply is received, the requesting stations MMSI number or station name (if entered in the Phonebook) is displayed.

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.
5. Continue this process until all NAME characters are selected. Press and hold the CH knob to accept the name and move on to the MMSI ID.
6. Use same procedure to enter the MMSI characters.
7. When all characters have been selected, press the CH knob to SAVE. The new entry appears in the Phonebook.
Editing an Existing Entry
1. From the Phonebook, rotate the CH knob until the arrow on the dot matrix display points to the entry you wish to edit.
2. Push in the CH knob to select the name.
3. Push the CH knob again to select EDIT.
4. Make your changes to the NAME and MMSI ID, using the CH knob.
5. When finished, push the CH knob to SAVE. The revised name appears in the list.
Deleting an Existing Entry
1. From the Phonebook, rotate the CH knob until the arrow on the dot matrix display points to the entry you wish to delete.
2. Push the CH knob to select the name.
3. Rotate the CH knob until the arrow is pointing to DELETE.
4. Press and hold the CH knob. The entry is removed.

6.3 Backlight Adjustment

This setting adjusts the backlight brightness for the LCD, microphone keypad and main unit keypad. Choose from 8 brightness settings or OFF.
To adjust the backlight setting:
1. Rotate the CH knob until the arrow points to BACKLIGHT. 2. Push the CH knob to accept. The Backlight screen appears. 3. Rotate the CH knob to select the desired backlight level. The number of blocks illuminated on line 3 of the dot matrix display indicate the level, one through eight. For HI all eight are illuminated; for OFF none are illuminated. Push the CH knob to accept.
The Distress key backlighting is never turned OFF.

6.4 Contrast Adjustment

This setting adjusts the levels of LCD contrast. Choose from 8 settings.
To adjust the contrast setting:
1. Rotate the CH knob to scroll until the arrow points to CONTRAST. 2. Push the CH knob to accept. The Contrast screen appears. 3. Rotate the CH knob to select the desired contrast level. The number of blocks illuminated on line 3 of the dot matrix display indicate the level, one through eight. A larger number of blocks indicate a darker LCD. For HI all eight blocks are illuminated; for LO none are illuminated. 4. Push the CH knob to accept your selection.

6.5 GPS/Time Setup

By default, the Ray54E auto-detects NMEA strings and decodes appropriate latitude/longitude position and time. If the GPS navigation receiver is not connected or is not functional, a manual latitude/longitude position and UTC time can be entered and used in the DSC distress transmitted message.
When GPS Information Not Available
If no GPS data is available, the NO GPS icon appears, POS DATA REQ is displayed on the dot matrix display, followed by NO POS DATA. An alarm sounds for 5 seconds or until you acknowledge by pressing any key.
The position (lat/lon) fields are set to all 9s and time field is set to all 8s. The alert repeats every four hours as long as no position information has been entered manually. If position data is entered manually but has not been updated during the previous 23.5 hours, all the position fields are set to 9s and the display reverts to NO POS DATA. Note: The Manual Lat/Lon function is valid only when your radio is not connected to a GPS receiver.
To manually set the GPS position and time settings:
1. Rotate the CH knob to scroll down the list until the arrow points to GPS/ TIME.
2. Push in the CH knob. The arrow is pointing to MANUAL POS.
3. Push CH again to accept. The Manual Position screen appears.
4. Using the CH knob, fill in the Lat/Lon information, one character at a time. The first character space is highlighted with a flashing underline. 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 latitude data been selected.
You can also press the microphone UP/ DOWN keys to select each character and then press the microphone HI/LO key to accept.
5. Use the same process to complete longitude information.
6. Push in the CH knob to accept and move onto UTC time. Select the time characters in the same manner. Note: You must enter the TIME parameter in UTC time and not in local time.
When time data is entered manually, the NO GPS indicator remains illuminated and the UTC designator appears following the time.
Note: When the final selection is made the radio returns to the previous Menu Selection. To exit this sub-mode, select BACK or else press the 16/ PLUS or CLEAR keys.

6.6 Settings

You can also set how some time and position information is displayed on the screen: whether Lat/Lon data is displayed whether the Time is displayed whether a Time Zone Offset is used how the Time data is formatted whether COG/SOG data is displayed

To adjust these Settings:
1. Press and hold the CALL/MENU key to enter Menu mode.
2. Rotate the CH knob until the arrow points to GPS/TIME.
3. Push the CH knob to accept. The GPS/Time screen appears.
4. Rotate the CH knob and scroll down the list to SETTINGS.
5. Push the CH knob to accept.
Make your selection from the options on the list, which are described as follows.
Latitude/Longitude Display
The LL/DISPLY setting indicates whether Latitude and Longitude position data are displayed on the screen in normal mode.

Time Display

The TIME DISPLY setting indicates whether time information is displayed on the screen in normal mode.
When manual time is used, it is always displayed as UTC time, even if you have entered an offset. The NO GPS icon remains until valid GPS information is available. Note: If TIME DISPLY is set ON, COG/SOG is automatically set to OFF. Because they occupy the same line on the LCD, only one of these two settings can be displayed at a time.

Time Offset

The TIME OFFSET setting indicates the amount of time to add or subtract from UTC time to equal your local time. Note: The Time Offset setting is valid only when GPS data is available. When manual time is used, it is always displayed as UTC time, even though you have entered an offset.

Time Format

The TIME FORMAT setting indicates whether the time is displayed in 12 hour or 24 hour format.

COG/SOG Display

This setting determines whether Course Over Ground and Speed Over Ground (COG/SOG) data is displayed on the bottom line of the dot matrix display instead of the time of day. The letter T is always appended to the COG, indicating that this is a True (and not Magnetic) heading.
Note: If COG/SOG is set ON, TIME DISPLY is automatically set to OFF. Because they occupy the same line on the LCD, only one of these two settings can be displayed at a time.

6.7 Radio Setup

The Radio Setup menu item is used to determine four separate settings: Frequency Band Channel Name Ring Volume Key Beep
To adjust these settings:
2. Rotate the CH knob to scroll down the list until the arrow points to RADIO SETUP.
3. Push the CH knob to accept. The Radio Setup screen appears.

3. Push the CH knob to accept. The DSC Setup screen appears.
Make your selection from the following options: MY MMSI ID GROUP SETUP MY ATIS ID ATIS FUNC POS RPLY AUTO CH CHG

My MMSI ID

This operation stores the MMSI number required for DSC communications. If you try to access a DSC function before entering the MMSI number, an error message appears and you are prompted to enter the MMSI ID. Note: You can request an MMSI number from the same agency that issues radio or Ship Radio licences in your area. If regulations in your area do not permit you to program the MMSI number yourself, your Raymarine dealer/ distributor can program the number for you. This is a one time operation. After the MMSI number is programmed: you will not be able to change it only your dealer/distributor can change it after entering your MMSI ID, accessing this menu item will merely display the programmed number
To enter or view the MMSI ID number:
1. From the DSC SETUP menu item described on page 71, rotate the CH knob until the arrow points to MY MMSI ID.
2. Push the CH knob to accept. If an existing MMSI ID is stored, the value appears. If the MMSI ID is blank, dashes appear, indicating that one has yet to be entered.
3. To enter the MMSI ID number, rotate the CH knob to select the digits using the same technique described in Adding an Entry on page 59.
4. When all digits are selected, press and hold the CH knob to accept.
5. Re-enter all nine MMSI digits.
6. When complete, press and hold the CH knob to accept.
7. Press the CH knob one last time to save the MMSI ID number. If the second entry does not match the first entry, the radio exits MY MMSI ID and returns to the previous menu. Note: You cannot begin the MMSI ID number with 0 (single zero), as this prefix indicates a GROUP ID. You cannot begin the MMSI ID number with 00 (double zero), as this prefix indicates a COAST STATION. The Ray54E is designed to be used as a recreational Ship Station only.

Group MMSI Setup

This operation sets up the MMSI number that is used for DSC Group Calls between radios that share a common Group MMSI number. You can program up to three Group MMSI ID numbers and associated Group names, which can be up to 11 characters long. Group MMSI ID numbers always begin with a zero (0). You only enter the last 8 digits of the Group I D number; the initial 0 is automatically entered for you.
Adding a New Group 1. From the DSC SETUP menu item described on page 71, rotate the CH knob until the arrow points to GROUP SETUP.
2. Press the CH knob to accept. If an existing Group name and MMSI ID number are already stored, those values appear. If blank, <EMPTY 1>, <EMPTY 2>, and <EMPTY 3> are shown to indicate that the Group IDs have not yet been programmed into the radio.

If you ignore the call, after 5 minutes the radio declines the call, records the call in the Call Log and maintains normal operation.
6.9 Resetting Factory Defaults
This feature returns all radio settings to their factory defaults, including BACKLIGHT, CONTRAST, RING VOLUME, KEY BEEP and manual GPS/TIME settings. MY MMSI ID number, MY ATIS ID number, CH NAME and the PHONEBOOK are not affected.

To perform the reset:

2. Rotate the CH knob to scroll down the list until the arrow points to RESET.
3. Press the CH knob to accept. The Reset screen appears.
4. Rotate the CH knob until arrow points to YES.
5. Press the CH knob to accept.
Chapter 7: Customer Service
This chapter provides information on service for your Ray54E.
7.1 How to Contact Raymarine

On the Internet

Visit the Raymarine World Wide Web site for the latest information on Raymarine electronic equipment and systems at: www.raymarine.com

Customer Support

Navigate to the Customer Support page for links for: Finding Factory Service locations and Authorized Dealers near you Registering your Raymarine products Accessing handbooks in Adobe Acrobat format Downloading RayTech software updates Accessing the Raymarine solution database
Clicking the Find Answers link routes you to our solution database. Search questions and answers by product, category, keywords, or phrases. If the answer you are seeking is not available, click the Ask Raymarine tab to submit your own question to our technical support staff, who will reply to you by e-mail.
Product Repair and Service
In the unlikely event your Raymarine unit should develop a problem, please contact your authorized Raymarine dealer/distributor for assistance. The dealer is best equipped to handle your service requirements and can offer timesaving help in getting the equipment back into normal operation. Alternataively, you can contact Raymarine directly: Raymarine plc Anchorage Park Portsmouth, Hampshire England PO3 5TD Tel: +44 (0) 3611 Fax: +44 (0) 4642

Technical Support

The Technical Services Department handles inquiries concerning installation, operation, fault diagnosis and repair. For technical helpdesk contact: Tel: Fax: +44 (0) 4713 +44 (0) 1228

Accessories and Parts

Raymarine accessory items and parts are available through your authorized Raymarine distributor. Please refer to the lists of component part numbers and optional accessories in the Installation chapter of this manual and have the Raymarine part number ready when speaking with your dealer. If you are uncertain about what item to choose for your unit, please contact our Customer Services Department prior to placing your order.

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.
European Private Channels and Frequencies
Country Belgium Denmark Denmark, Finland, Norway & Sweden Finland, Norway & Sweden Netherlands UK Channel Number L1 L2 F1 F2 F3 L1 L2 L37 M1 M2 TX Freq 157.550 162.425 155.500 155.525 155.625 155.775 155.825 155.500 155.525 155.650 157.550 157.850 157.850 161.425 RX Freq 162.150 162.425 155.500 155.525 155.625 155.775 155.825 155.500 155.525 155.650 162.150 157.850 157.850 161.425 Channel Use n/a n/a Pleasure Boat Pleasure Boat Fishing Boat Fishing Boat Fishing Boat Pleasure Boat Pleasure Boat Pleasure Boat n/a n/a Pleasure Boat Pleasure Boat
Note: A licence may be required to operate the radio on the private channels. It is your responsibility to obtain the proper licence to operate the radio on these frequencies.
WX Channels (North America only)
Weather Channel WX 1 WX 2 WX 3 WX 4 WX 5 Frequency in MHz 162.550 162.400 162.475 162.425 162.450 Weather Channel WX 6 WX 7 WX 8 WX 9 WX 10 Frequency in MHz 162.500 162.525 161.650 161.775 163.275
U.S. Marine VHF Channels and Frequencies
CH. No 01A 03A 05A 06 07A 16 XMIT Freq 156.050 156.150 156.250 156.300 156.350 156.400 156.450 156.500 156.550 156.600 156.650 156.700 156.800 RCV Freq 156.050 156.150 156.250 156.300 156.350 156.400 156.450 156.500 156.550 156.600 156.650 156.700 156.750 156.800 Single Freq Use x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Port Operations and Commercial, VTS. Available only in New Orleans / Lower Mississippi area. 1 U.S. Government only Port Operations or VTS in the Houston, New Orleans and Seattle areas. Intership Safety Commercial Commercial (Intership only) Boater Calling. Commercial and Non-Commercial. Commercial Commercial. VTS in selected areas. Port Operations. VTS in selected areas. Intership Navigation Safety (Bridge-to-bridge). Ships >20meters in length maintain a listening watch on this channel in US waters. 2, 6 Port Operations. VTS in selected areas. Environmental (Receive only). Used by Class C EPIRBs. 3 International Distress, Safety and Calling. Ships required to carry radio, USCG, and most coast stations maintain a listening watch on this channel. 4 State Control 5 Commercial Commercial Port Operations (duplex) x x x Port Operations U.S. Coast Guard only Coast Guard Liaison and Maritime Safety Information Broadcasts. Broadcasts announced on channel 16.

156.750 156.750

156.800 156.850

All areas All areas

18A 19A 19A 20 21A 21B 22A
156.900 156.950 156.950 157.000 157.050 157.100
156.900 All areas 156.950 156.950 161.600 All areas except PC PC All areas
157.050 All areas 161.650 157.100 All areas All areas

25 25B 28 28B

157.150 157.200 157.250 157.300 157.350 157.400 -
161.750 161.800 161.850 161.850 161.900 161.950 162.000 162.000
PC All areas PC AC All areas AC, GL, PC PC AC
CH No. 60 61A 61A 62A 62A 64 64A 65A
XMIT Freq 156.025 156.075 156.075
RCV Freq 160.625 156.075 156.075
Area of Operation Use PC PC EC PC EC PC Ship/Shore and Public Correspondence Intership and Ship/Shore: Canadian Coast Guard only. Intership, Ship/Shore and Commercial: Commercial fishing only. Intership and Ship/Shore: Canadian Coast Guard only. Intership, Ship/Shore and Commercial: Commercial fishing only. Ship/Shore and Public Correspondence Intership, Ship/Shore and Commercial: Commercial fishing only. Intership, Ship/Shore, Commercial, Non-commercial, Safety: Search & rescue and antipollution operations on the Great Lakes. Towing on the Pacific Coast. Port operations only in the St. Lawrence River areas with 1W maximum power. Pleasure craft in the inland waters of Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba (excluding Lake Winnipeg and the Red River). Intership, Ship/Shore, Commercial, Non-commercial, Safety and Ship Movement: Port operations only in the St.Lawrence River/Great Lakes Areas with 1-watt maximum power. EC All areas except EC All areas All areas except EC EC PC 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 and Non-commercial: For marinas and yacht clubs. Intership, Ship/Shore, Commercial and Non-commercial Intership, Ship/Shore and Commercial: Commercial fishing only Intership, Ship/Shore, Commercial, Non-commercial, Safety and Ship Movement
156.125 156.125 156.125 156.225 156.225 156.275 156.125 160.825

156.225 EC 156.275

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

16. Channel Number

Displays the current channel number.

17. Dot Matrix Display

Indicates radio functions or special conditions. The type of information displayed depends on the situation. Figure 3-3 demonstrates a typical screen in normal operating mode. The screen is different when sending/receiving a DSC Call (see Chapter 5:) or setting up a Menu item (see Chapter 6:). Note: In the following sample: (1) The Channel Name is editable (see page 70). (2) Valid position data received from a GPS or manually entered (see page 64). (3) Last line may contain COG/SOG data instead of time (see page 68).
Figure 3-3: Typical Dot Matrix Display Data
Chapter 4: General Operations
4.1 Turning the Power ON and OFF
Turn the PWR/VOL knob clockwise until it clicks. When the unit powers up in Normal mode it: 1. Beeps, illuminates the backlight at full brightness, and displays all segments and indicators for 2 seconds. 2. Displays the software version number on the dot matrix display. 3. Recalls the last CH number, TX power settings and operation mode. If no last-used setting data exists, goes to CH 16 and high TX Power. When GPS Data is available, extended position data is also displayed with the offset time on the dot matrix display. This information will be displayed when display option for the position and time is enabled on the Menu. See Section 6.5. To turn the unit OFF, rotate the Volume knob completely counter clockwise until it clicks.

4.2 Setting the Volume

Adjust the PWR/VOL knob to control the loudspeaker volume level. Turn clockwise to increase the volume; counter clockwise to decrease the volume. Note: Key press beep volume is also controlled by the VOL level.

4.3 Setting the Squelch

The Squelch circuit sets the threshold for cutting off the receiver when the signal is too weak for reception of anything but noise. To properly set the squelch, rotate the SQ knob counter clockwise until audio is heard. Then rotate clockwise until background noise disappears.
4.4 Setting the Power Output
The choice of power output is dependent upon the distance of transmission and transmitting conditions. International Regulations state you must use the minimum power possible for satisfactory communication.
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. As a part of marine communications courtesy, 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.

Selecting the Secondary Priority (PLUS) Channel
The Ray54E enables you to program the 16/PLUS key to store a Secondary Priority or Favourite (PLUS) Channel. The default is CH 9. If on a working channel, press and hold the 16/PLUS for greater than 3 seconds to switch to the Secondary Priority (PLUS) Channel at high power. The default is CH 9. PRIORITY CH appears in the dot matrix display.
If on primary Priority CH16, press and hold the 16/PLUS for greater 3 seconds to switch to the Secondary Priority (PLUS) Channel at HI power. The default is CH 9.
If already on the Secondary Priority (PLUS) Channel, press and release the 16/PLUS key to switch to Priority Channel 16 at high power.
Reprograming the Secondary Priority (PLUS) Channel
1. Press and hold the 16/PLUS key for greater 3 seconds to switch to the Secondary Priority (PLUS) Channel. 2. Press and hold the 16/PLUS key for greater 3 seconds again to switch to Reprogram mode. The current Secondary Priority (PLUS) Channel flashes. 3. Change the channel number with the CH key. 4. Push the CH key to ACCEPT the new Secondary Priority (PLUS) selection. An alert tone sounds to indicate that the Secondary Priority (PLUS) Channel has been changed. Note: During the reprogramming of the Secondary Priority (PLUS) Channel, the PTT and DW/TRI keys are disabled and an error beep sounds if pressed.

4.9 Transmitting

Press and hold the Push-to-Talk (PTT) key on the microphone to transmit on the selected channel, then release to receive. The TX indicator appears during transmission. Note: International regulations and good communications practice dictate that you not interfere with other communications. Before transmitting, listen to make sure the channel is clear. The radio is equipped with a timeout timer in the event of a stuck key. After PTT has been held continuously for 5 minutes, transmission is discontinued and the radio automatically returns to receive mode. An Error beep is emitted 10 seconds before the time out is triggered and TX flashes on the display until PTT is released. The TX time out timer is reset once the PTT key is released. Note: If the current channel is receive-only, an alert tone sounds when PTT is pressed, indicating such a transmission is not permitted.
4.10 Using the Scan Modes
The Ray54E 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) /counter clockwise (CH knob) decrements it. Press and release SCAN/SAVE to terminate the SCAN mode. Press and release CLEAR to terminate the SCAN mode. Press 16/PLUS to terminate the SCAN mode and tune to the Priority Channel. DW/TRI and HILO/USER keys are disabled. Note: Scan modes are disabled when the ATIS operation is active.

4. Push in the CH knob to select the desired individual name/MMSI ID.
5. Rotate the CH knob to select the working channel to be used for the Individual Call.
Note: Individual Calls to a Coast Station remove this step from the operating procedures. The Coast Station controls and indicates the subsequent working channel within its acknowledgement.
6. Push in the CH knob to accept the selection.
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 Ray54E 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 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.

2. Rotate the CH knob until the arrow points to ALL SHIPS.
3. Push in the CH knob to select ALL SHIPS. The All Ships menu appears, which displays the categories from which you can select.
4. Rotate the CH knob to select URGENCY or SAFETY.
5. Press the CH knob again to send the call.
6. Push CH one more time to reconfirm the All Ships Call. The call is transmitted on channel 70, and then the radio tunes to channel 16 at high power.
7. Press PTT to communicate on the channel 16.
Receiving an All Ships Call
When an All Ships 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 All Ships Call was initiated. You are prompted to accept or decline the call. For Urgency Calls, the prompt appears only if you have disabled automatic channel changing (see page 82).
Press any key. Automatic alert tone cancellation takes place after 2 minutes.
To decline the All Ships Call:
Press the CLEAR key. The alert tone is muted, the All Ships Call is interrupted and the normal screen appears on the display.
To accept the All Ships Call:
Push the CH knob. The alert tone is muted (if you have not already pressed another key) and the radio switches to channel 16.
If the caller requests changing to an unsupported working channel, 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. Notes: (1) For All Ships Urgency Calls, the AUTO CH CHG option (see page 82) determines whether your radio automatically switches to channel 16 to receive the call or instead prompts you to manually accept or decline the channel change. (2) Pressing the 16/PLUS key cancels the channel change request and tunes the radio to channel 16. (3) If 5 minutes elapse before the All Ships Call is acknowledged or rejected, the radio automatically declines the incoming call and the radio reverts to the original channel. (4) DSC call data is stored in the first available slot in the Call Log, regardless of whether the call is acknowledged. (5) To conform with regulations of the Basel Agreement for radiotelephone service on inland waterways, DSC functions are disabled when ATIS is active. See ATIS Function on page 79.

Receiving a Distress Call
The Ray54E 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 Ray54E automatically tunes to channel 16 and sounds the Distress Alarm Tone. (If you have disabled automatic channel changing, as described on page 82, 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 82.
Receiving a Distress ACK Sent from a Coast Station
When a Distress ACK is received from a Coast Station (Coast Guard or Search and Rescue) the Distress alarm sounds. The LCD displays the Name/ MMSI ID of the vessel in distress. Maintain radio silence and a listening watch on channel 16 and standby to lend assistance if requested.
Receiving a Distress Relay Sent by Another Station
When a Distress Relay is received from another station, an alarm sounds and the LCD displays two alternating screens. The first page displays the Name/ MMSI ID of the station sending the message. The second page displays the Name/MMSI ID of the vessel in distress and its lat/lon position. Your radio does not re-send a distress relay message. Maintain radio silence and a listening watch on channel 16 and standby to lend assistance if requested.

5.6 Position Request

With this option you can request GPS position information from any station capable of responding to this type of call and for which an MMSI number is known. You can specify the target station either by selecting it from your MMSI phonebook or by manually entering its MMSI number.

Specifying the Target Vessel
2. Rotate the CH knob to select POS REQUEST.
3. Push in the CH knob to select POS REQUEST. The Position Request menu appears.
4. Push the CH knob again to select SEND. Choose the target vessel from the phonebook.
5. Rotate the CH knob until the arrow points to the desired name.
If using MANUAL MMSI ID entry: Enter the MMSI number using the CH knob. Rotate the CH knob to select each character and then push in the CH knob to accept. A full description of manual character entry can be found in Adding an Entry on page 59.
6. Push in the CH knob to select the desired name/MMSI ID.
7. Press the CH knob again to send the Position Request Call. The 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.
Notes: (1) Pressing PTT at any time before reply is received cancels the Position Request. In this case, you must resubmit the request. (2) To conform with regulations of the Basel Agreement for radiotelephone service on inland waterways, DSC functions are disabled when ATIS is active. See ATIS Function on page 79.
When the Position Request is accepted by the receiving station: When the position request is received, the Ray54E shows that the call has been accepted by the requested station. The radio sounds a Call Alert tone. Press any key to mute the alert tone. It shuts off automatically after two minutes.
Push in the CH knob to view the data. The radio automatically jumps to the the LAST RECVD log, where the data is displayed. Exit the log by pressing CLEAR. Press CLEAR to exit to normal radio operation. You can retrieve the position information later using the LAST RECVD option. When no reply is received within 3 minutes: The radio prompts you to resend the call. After a total of 5 minutes of inactivity, the Position Request Call is cancelled and the message NO REPLY POS REQUEST ABORT is displayed. The message disappears after pressing PTT.
Retrieving the Last Received Position Data
1. From the Position Request screen, rotate CH to select LAST RECVD.
2. Push the CH knob to select. The last received position request data is displayed.
Note: Only the last position is saved. The next received position will overwrite the existing position data. Press the CLEAR key to exit the LAST RECVD window.

To manually set the GPS position and time settings:
1. Rotate the CH knob to scroll down the list until the arrow points to GPS/ TIME.
2. Push in the CH knob. The arrow is pointing to MANUAL POS.
3. Push CH again to accept. The Manual Position screen appears.
4. Using the CH knob, fill in the Lat/Lon information, one character at a time. The first character space is highlighted with a flashing underline. 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 latitude data been selected.
You can also press the microphone UP/ DOWN keys to select each character and then press the microphone HI/LO key to accept.
5. Use the same process to complete longitude information.
6. Push in the CH knob to accept and move onto UTC time. Select the time characters in the same manner. Note: You must enter the TIME parameter in UTC time and not in local time.
When time data is entered manually, the NO GPS indicator remains illuminated and the UTC designator appears following the time.
Note: When the final selection is made the radio returns to the previous Menu Selection. To exit this sub-mode, select BACK or else press the 16/ PLUS or CLEAR keys.

6.6 Settings

You can also set how some time and position information is displayed on the screen: whether Lat/Lon data is displayed whether the Time is displayed whether a Time Zone Offset is used how the Time data is formatted whether COG/SOG data is displayed
To adjust these Settings:
1. Press and hold the CALL/MENU key to enter Menu mode.
2. Rotate the CH knob until the arrow points to GPS/TIME.
3. Push the CH knob to accept. The GPS/Time screen appears.
4. Rotate the CH knob and scroll down the list to SETTINGS.
5. Push the CH knob to accept.
Make your selection from the options on the list, which are described as follows.
Latitude/Longitude Display
The LL/DISPLY setting indicates whether Latitude and Longitude position data are displayed on the screen in normal mode.

Time Display

The TIME DISPLY setting indicates whether time information is displayed on the screen in normal mode.
When manual time is used, it is always displayed as UTC time, even if you have entered an offset. The NO GPS icon remains until valid GPS information is available. Note: If TIME DISPLY is set ON, COG/SOG is automatically set to OFF. Because they occupy the same line on the LCD, only one of these two settings can be displayed at a time.

8. Press the CH knob to save. The revised entry appears in the list.

My ATIS ID

If you purchased your Ray54E to include use on the inland waterways of the contracting governments of the Basel Agreement, your Ray54E has been programmed by your dealer to include Automatic Transmitter Identification System (ATIS) functionality. The Basel Agreement includes Germany, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, France, Hungary, Luxembourg, Moldova, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Russian Federation, the Slovak Republic, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, Ukraine and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. ATIS includes data at the end of radio transmission that identifies your station. Your ATIS ID number is derived from your vessels call sign. Your authorized Raymarine dealer can assist you in decoding the number. You can then program the ATIS number into your Ray54E using the operation described in this section. If regulations in your area do not permit you to program the ATIS number yourself, you can have your dealer program the number for you. Note: The ATIS ID number is a ten digit number, beginning with a 9. The MY ATIS set up process has you input only the last 9 digits. The leading 9 is automatically input for you. This is a one time operation. After the ATIS number has been programmed: you will not be able to change it, only your dealer/distributor can do this accessing this menu item will display the programmed ATIS number
To enter or view the ATIS ID number:
1. From the DSC SETUP menu item described on page 71, rotate the CH knob until the arrow points to MY ATIS ID.
2. Press the CH knob to accept. If an existing ATIS ID is stored, the values appear. If the ATIS ID is blank, dashes appear, except for the initial 9.
3. Rotate the CH knob or use the microphone UP/ DOWN keys to scroll through the digits for entry into the ATIS ID field. The final available character is an arrow, which serves as a backspace. The initial character position is indicated by a blinking underline. When the desired character appears, press and release the CH knob or the microphone HI/LO key to accept it. The next position now has the blinking underline, indicating it is ready to be selected. Continue in this manner until all nine digits have been selected.
4. When complete, press and hold the CH knob to accept.
5. Re-enter all nine ATIS digits.
7. Press the CH knob one last time to save the ATIS ID number. If the second entry does not match the first entry, the radio exits MY ATIS ID and returns to the previous menu for you to retry.

ATIS Function

This operation enables or disables the Automatic Transmitter Identification System (ATIS) feature in the radio. This feature accommodates users who travel outside the inland waterways and wish to disable the ATIS function at that time. Note: If you purchased your Ray54E to include use on the inland waterways of the contracting governments of the Regional Arrangement Concerning the Radiotelephone Service on Inland Waterways also known as the Basel Agreement your Ray54E has been programmed by your dealer to include ATIS. If ATIS is enabled, certain programming steps have been implemented to protect the integrity of this agreement, including the blocking of DSC functions when ATIS is active.

When ATIS is enabled, the following occurs: DSC functions are disabled. Dual Watch, Tri Watch and all Scan functions are disabled. The following International Channels are limited to 1 watt output power: 6, 8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, 71, 72, 74, 75, 76, 77 (and 31, if enabled).

To enable/disable ATIS:

1. From the DSC SETUP menu item described on page 71, rotate the CH knob until the arrow points to ATIS FUNC.
3. Rotate the CH knob to select between switching the ATIS function ON or OFF.
4. Press the CH knob to accept. If enabled in the previous step, the ATIS icon appears.

Position Reply

This option enables you to determine how your radio responds to a request for your GPS position information (lat/lon) from another station.
To enable/disable Position Reply:
1. From the DSC SETUP menu item described on page 71, rotate the CH knob until the arrow points to POS REPLY.
3. Rotate the CH knob to select the desired setting and push to accept.
AUTOMATIC sends out your vessels position data as soon as it is requested. MANUAL sends out the data only after you respond to the request. OFF will not send position data under any circumstances, nor notify you that the request has been made. The default setting is MANUAL, which is described in Receiving a Position Request From Another Station on page 53. Note: The Position Reply function is only available when a working GPS is connected to the radio.
Automatic Channel Changing for Incoming Calls
For incoming Distress and All Ships Urgency Calls, this option determines whether your radio automatically switches to Priority Channel 16 to receive the call or prompts you to manually accept or decline the channel change. The default setting is to ENABLE the auto channel change. This feature is useful for preventing your radio from automatically switching channels while you are maintaining a continuous watch on a certain channel (for example, in a VTS controlled area) or working with other vessels (for example, for towage). Note: This feature can disable automatic channel switching for incoming DSC Distress and All Ships Urgency Calls. If enabled, you are responsible for determining whether manually declining the call is appropriate. By regulation, this feature cannot disable the automatic switching of Individual Distress and Individual Urgency Alerts.

Note: A licence may be required to operate the radio on the private channels. It is your responsibility to obtain the proper licence to operate the radio on these frequencies.
WX Channels (North America only)
Weather Channel WX 1 WX 2 WX 3 WX 4 WX 5 Frequency in MHz 162.550 162.400 162.475 162.425 162.450 Weather Channel WX 6 WX 7 WX 8 WX 9 WX 10 Frequency in MHz 162.500 162.525 161.650 161.775 163.275
U.S. Marine VHF Channels and Frequencies
CH. No 01A 03A 05A 06 07A 16 XMIT Freq 156.050 156.150 156.250 156.300 156.350 156.400 156.450 156.500 156.550 156.600 156.650 156.700 156.800 RCV Freq 156.050 156.150 156.250 156.300 156.350 156.400 156.450 156.500 156.550 156.600 156.650 156.700 156.750 156.800 Single Freq Use x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Port Operations and Commercial, VTS. Available only in New Orleans / Lower Mississippi area. 1 U.S. Government only Port Operations or VTS in the Houston, New Orleans and Seattle areas. Intership Safety Commercial Commercial (Intership only) Boater Calling. Commercial and Non-Commercial. Commercial Commercial. VTS in selected areas. Port Operations. VTS in selected areas. Intership Navigation Safety (Bridge-to-bridge). Ships >20meters in length maintain a listening watch on this channel in US waters. 2, 6 Port Operations. VTS in selected areas. Environmental (Receive only). Used by Class C EPIRBs. 3 International Distress, Safety and Calling. Ships required to carry radio, USCG, and most coast stations maintain a listening watch on this channel. 4 State Control 5 Commercial Commercial Port Operations (duplex) x x x Port Operations U.S. Coast Guard only Coast Guard Liaison and Maritime Safety Information Broadcasts. Broadcasts announced on channel 16.
17 18A 19A 20 20A 21A 22A
156.850 156.900 156.950 157.000 157.000 157.050 157.100
156.850 156.900 156.950 161.600 157.000 157.050 157.100
CH. No 23A 28 61A 63A 64A 65A 66A 78A 79A 80A 81A 82A 83A
XMIT Freq 157.150 157.200 157.250 157.300 157.350 157.400 156.075 156.175 156.225 156.275 156.325 156.375 156.425 156.475 156.575 156.625 156.675 156.725 156.875 156.925 156.975 157.025 157.075 157.125 157.175

RCV Freq 157.150 161.800 161.850 161.900 161.950 162.000 156.075 156.175 156.225 156.275 156.325 156.375 156.425 156.475 156.575 156.625 156.675 156.725 156.875 156.925 156.975 157.025 157.075 157.125 157.175
Single Freq Use x U.S. Coast Guard only Public Correspondence (Marine Operator) Public Correspondence (Marine Operator) Public Correspondence (Marine Operator) Public Correspondence (Marine Operator) Public Correspondence (Marine Operator) x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x U.S. Government only Port Operations and Commercial, VTS. Available only in New Orleans / Lower Mississippi area. U.S. Coast Guard only Port Operations Port Operations Commercial. Used for Bridge-to-bridge communications in lower Mississippi River. Intership only. 6 Non-Commercial Non-Commercial Non-Commercial Non-Commercial (Intership only) Port Operations Port Operations Port Operations (Intership only) 5 Non-Commercial Commercial. Non-Commercial in Great Lakes only. Commercial. Non-Commercial in Great Lakes only U.S. Government only Environmental protection operations. U.S. Government only U.S. Coast Guard only

CH. No 88 88A

XMIT Freq 157.225 157.275 157.325 157.375 157.425 157.425
RCV Freq 161.825 161.875 161.925 161.975 162.025 157.425
Single Freq Use Public Correspondence (Marine Operator) Public Correspondence (Marine Operator) Public Correspondence (Marine Operator) Public Correspondence Marine Operator) Public Correspondence only near Canadian border x Commercial, Intership only
Recreational boaters normally use channels listed as Non-Commercial: 68, 69, 71, 72, 78A. Channel 70 is used exclusively for Digital Selective Calling (DSC) and is not available for regular voice communications. Channels 75 and 76 are reserved as guard bands for Channel 16 and are not available for regular voice communications.
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 13 should be used to contact a ship when there is danger of collision. All ships of length 20 meters or greater are required to guard VHF channel 13, in addition to VHF channel 16, when operating within U.S. territorial waters. 3. Channel is Receive Only. 4. Channel 16 is used for calling other stations or for distress alerting. 5. Output power is fixed at 1 watt only. 6. Output power is initially set to 1 watt. User can temporarily override this restriction to transmit at high power.

156.750 156.750

156.800 156.850

All areas All areas

18A 19A 19A 20 21A 21B 22A
156.900 156.950 156.950 157.000 157.050 157.100
156.900 All areas 156.950 156.950 161.600 All areas except PC PC All areas
157.050 All areas 161.650 157.100 All areas All areas

25 25B 28 28B

157.150 157.200 157.250 157.300 157.350 157.400 -
161.750 161.800 161.850 161.850 161.900 161.950 162.000 162.000
PC All areas PC AC All areas AC, GL, PC PC AC
CH No. 60 61A 61A 62A 62A 64 64A 65A
XMIT Freq 156.025 156.075 156.075
RCV Freq 160.625 156.075 156.075
Area of Operation Use PC PC EC PC EC PC Ship/Shore and Public Correspondence Intership and Ship/Shore: Canadian Coast Guard only. Intership, Ship/Shore and Commercial: Commercial fishing only. Intership and Ship/Shore: Canadian Coast Guard only. Intership, Ship/Shore and Commercial: Commercial fishing only. Ship/Shore and Public Correspondence Intership, Ship/Shore and Commercial: Commercial fishing only. Intership, Ship/Shore, Commercial, Non-commercial, Safety: Search & rescue and antipollution operations on the Great Lakes. Towing on the Pacific Coast. Port operations only in the St. Lawrence River areas with 1W maximum power. Pleasure craft in the inland waters of Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba (excluding Lake Winnipeg and the Red River). Intership, Ship/Shore, Commercial, Non-commercial, Safety and Ship Movement: Port operations only in the St.Lawrence River/Great Lakes Areas with 1-watt maximum power. EC All areas except EC All areas All areas except EC EC PC 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 and Non-commercial: For marinas and yacht clubs. Intership, Ship/Shore, Commercial and Non-commercial Intership, Ship/Shore and Commercial: Commercial fishing only Intership, Ship/Shore, Commercial, Non-commercial, Safety and Ship Movement

156.125 156.125 156.125 156.225 156.225 156.275 156.125 160.825

156.225 EC 156.275

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.