Use the normal call and reply procedures for radio checks and follow these steps until you make a successful test radio transmission to
Coast Radio Services.
Step 1
Before transmitting, listen for a period long enough to be satisfied that harmful interference will not be caused to communications already in progress.
Step 2
When establishing communication, calls should be made like this:
- speak the name, call sign or other identification of the station no more than three times
- use the words - “This is …” to identify yourself
- for a second time - speak the name, call sign or other identification of the station no more than three times
- say “This call…” immediately followed with the purpose of the call, and the word “over” (this is the invitation for the Coast Radio station to respond).
For example: “Coast Radio Adelaide Coast Radio Adelaide Coast Radio Adelaide. This is spindrift vlw1234 spindrift vlw1234 spindrift vlw1234 Radio Check requesting acknowledgement on frequency [say frequency].”
Step 3
If the coast radio station being called does not respond:
- wait one minute
- check that your transmission will not interfere with any other communication
- providing the frequency is clear - repeat the test transmission twice.
Step 4
If the coast station still does not reply (to a call sent three times in the space of two minutes) calling should stop and try again after an interval of three minutes.
Step 5
If there is still no response - try another frequency.
Step 6
Should no response be received - check:
- radio and tuning settings
- radio and antenna connections
- then attempt the test transmission again
- repeat these steps process until you are successful.
If you are not successful, you'll need to identify and fix the problem prior to departing on your trip.
More information
More information can be found in the Marine Radio Operator's Handbook.