Chapter 4 · Lesson 1Practical demonstration · about 5 minutes
Radio calls people can use
Choose the correct radio and channel, listen first and pass useful information without delivering a small podcast over the air.
Video coming soon
Radio calls people can use
In the video
- One short call, the reply and the read-back
- An unclear location, corrected calmly
From the captain
Before you start
A good radio call is wonderfully boring. The right person hears it, understands it and gets on with the job. Nobody asks you to repeat your life story.
By the end of this lesson
Give a concise internal call and close the communication with an understood response.
See it
See it for yourself
One useful call, then give the air back
Right radio, listen first, a short call, release, then read back what matters.
- 1Choose the radioThe vessel's assigned radio, channel and call signs.
- 2Listen firstCheck the channel is clear. Think through the call.
- 3Press, let it open, then callKeep the message short and specific.Who you are calling[station]Who you are[your call sign]Message[one short, specific message]
- 4Release fully and listenSilence after transmission is not proof of receipt.
- 5Read backRead back critical details as instructed. If it was not heard, ask for it again.
Spell it so it cannot be misheard
D DeltaE EchoC CharlieK Kilo
VHF Channel 16 is used for distress, safety and calling in line with radio procedure. Routine crew chat does not belong there.
Draft technical visual · example layout only · the vessel's radios, channels, call signs and call format govern
What to look for
Decide the message before transmitting
Use the vessel's assigned radio, channel and call signs. State the observation or request briefly, then release the transmit button and listen.
Correct ambiguity immediately
If a number, location or instruction was not heard, ask for repetition. Do not turn broken audio into a guessed command. Use the phonetic alphabet where letters could be confused.
The lesson
The lesson
- 01
Know which radio you are holding
The vessel may use VHF, UHF or another approved system for different jobs. Learn the call signs, assigned channels and who monitors them. Do not assume an internal radio is private simply because only crew normally use it.
- 02
Listen, think, transmit
Check the channel is clear. Press the button, allow the radio to open, name who you are calling and identify yourself as the vessel requires. Release the button fully to listen. Keep the message short and specific.
- 03
Channel 16 and clear spelling
VHF Channel 16 is used for distress, safety and calling in line with radio procedure. Routine crew chat does not belong there. Move to the directed working channel when required, and use the phonetic alphabet when a letter, name or code could be confused.
Where it goes wrong
A crew member uses the wrong channel for a long internal conversation during an approach. Other traffic is blocked and the bridge has to correct them while already busy. The content was harmless; the channel choice was not.
Your call
What would you do?
Pick one, then read the feedback on all three.
The situation
You hear a broken instruction which could mean port or starboard. The operation is about to start.
Take it aboard
Call, reply, read back
Do this during your induction or first weeks, with the person responsible for your work.
Unloaded practice
Use powered-off radios or an authorised practice arrangement; a partner supplies a deliberately unclear location.
- 01Identify the correct system and assigned channel.
- 02Speak the sample call without transmitting.
- 03Ask for repetition and read back the location.
- 04Spell one confusing word using the phonetic reference.
What a useful result looks like
- The call is brief and addressed.
- You release to listen.
- An unclear instruction is clarified before action.
Stop: Do not transmit practice distress, urgency, safety or DSC alerts. Live practice requires the vessel's authorised arrangement.
Deckhand Foundation · Job card
Internal radio call
From the lesson: Radio calls people can use
- Right radio and assigned channel.
- Listen before transmitting.
- Call the intended station and identify yourself.
- One clear message.
- Release, listen and clarify.
- Read back critical details as instructed.
Call signs / channel from induction
Practice phrase / feedback
Your vessel's procedures and senior crew come first. Nothing on this card is stored.
Quick check
Four decisions, then move on
This check confirms the principle. Your vessel's own induction still comes first.