Thread: Coastguard - Yes. VHF & Day Skipper - Maybe????

from memory ( i could be wrong) those handhelds have pretty hopeless coverage in the sounds - i think our first trip there we had almost no coverage so upgraded to a fixed unit with a decent antenna

Originally Posted by uk_exile

Currently doesn't have one so will be purchasing new. Any advice on handheld vs fixed?

Fixed...............or both if you have spare $$ but fixed is better. Buy an antenna which can be removed from the base and removed when towing the boat. When you remove it fit a cap over it to keep water out.
Antennas folded down bouncing up and down when boat towed get rooted real quick.
Look for water proof vhf not "water resistent" of "splash proof when buying.
VHF operators course of any description is well worth it especially learning about what channels to use and when. Most boaties buy one because "thats what you do" but ask them to test it or use it and they are stumped.

Just in case the fixed one goes underwater with the boat it's fixed to, I'd get a handheld too. Perhaps keep it secured in a floating container with the EPIRB

Originally Posted by OPO

from memory ( i could be wrong) those handhelds have pretty hopeless coverage in the sounds - i think our first trip there we had almost no coverage so upgraded to a fixed unit with a decent antenna

I cant comment on the sounds, but can on Nelson region.
Part of my job entails interacting with shipping via vhf on a daily basis, and I have to say that the coms with known handhelds are very average at best.
Having said that, Nelson rec boaties very very rarely file a TR, by radio at least. Maybe they all do it on line (insert Tui Ad)

@Pengy TR?

Originally Posted by uk_exile

@Pengy TR?

Trip report. Legal requirement in some parts now I believe.
Idea is you let a base station know time out and number of persons, then let them know when you return.

@Pengy good idea. Like leaving trip plan with someone when hunting, tramping etc. Problem is domestic boating unlicensed so will be super low compliance. Still find it surprising anyone can just buy a boat or jetski and go.....

Small boat rego will happen one day buy I recon it'll be a few decades yet

Originally Posted by No good names left

Small boat rego will happen one day buy I recon it'll be a few decades yet

Many locations (most?) now require boat ID to be clearly visible. Helps for after the incident identification but doesn't stop or even reduce the stupid uneducated behaviour to start with :-(

and unfortunately instead of being a safety issue it will be another tax

TR usually filed with Maritime Radio.
Specific format to follow as regards required info and you have to cancel it when you are back onshore too.

As mikee mentioned, you are restricted to CH16 and emergency use without the restricted RT operator's certificate - and a lot of the local TR receiving places (coastguard usually but there are local specific ones in some parts) run off other channels not CH16. Basically for the cost and minimal hassle I'd just get the operator's cert.

With the VHF fixed antenna's - one of the commercial survey RT inspector's went into a local retailer and asked to test all of their stock after having a surprising number of failures from brand new antennas. I mean brand new, replaced in front of the inspector right there! Virtually all of a certain type failed - I think only one of that style passed and it was marginal. If I have this correctly, it was the sealed type with the connection built into the bottom of the housing that connects to the base - the other main style that has an external cable coming out of it was better. It was a point for me as with commercial survey that is one pain in the arse that we just don't need. I have no idea if it was a dud batch, or if they are still having issues with the connection in the bottom of that style antenna but if there is a problem I'm just going to roll the other type with the cable coming out and try and avoid any issues...

Did the day skippers course years ago, waste of time but for practise letting of flares.

Originally Posted by No.3

........................ I'm just going to roll the other type with the cable coming out and try and avoid any issues...

On a proper boat definitely the way to go but on a trailer boat not so much as when folded down and the boat towed the antenna wobbles up and down like a porn stars enhanced .............well you know what and eventually lets go at the Ferrel (be it stainless, better or plastic) and then water gets in and then the antenna is ........buggered but you never know until the day you want to use your radio.

Do the Day Skipper and VHF courses then get some water time.
After getting some experience, do a Boat Master course, it just goes into so much detail and really ups your knowledge.
The old man made me do it when I was 15 and I still reference the course work