MTX-120 VHF Marine Transceiver
(190-1050)                 Operation                  Faxback Doc. # 39323

Calling Procedures

When making a call using a marine radio, you must use the following calling
procedures.  If you are already familiar with marine radio calling proced-
ures, proceed to "Hints and Tips" on Faxback Doc. # 39324.

    Channel 16 is the universal calling and safety channel.  Your radio
    goes to this channel automatically when you set the OUT/CH16 switch to
    CH16.  Set the radio to Channel 16 unless a call is in progress on a
    different channel.

    Listen to Channel 16 for at least two minutes before making a call to
    be sure the channel is not already in use.

    Make sure that either the supplied flexible antenna or a suitable
    external antenna is connected before attempting to transmit.  Pressing
    the talk button when no antenna is connected can damage the radio.

    Press the talk button to transmit; the TX/BATT indicator should light.
    Release the button to listen. If the TX/BATT indicator does not light
    when you press the button, you need to recharge the battery pack.

    When you are ready for the other party to talk during a call, end your
    transmission by saying "Over."

    When you are ready to end communication, say "Name of your boat, your
    call sign, out."

    When in a marina or harbor, try first to make calls using the 1-watt
    power setting.  If you do not receive a response, switch to the 5-watt
    setting.

    If you do not receive a response to a call after 30 seconds, wait at
    least two minutes before trying again. If you receive no response after
    the second try, wait at least fifteen minutes before trying again.

    After making contact on Channel 16, switch to a different channel to
    continue the call.  Channel 16 must be left open for other calls.  See
    "Channel Assignments" on Faxback Doc. # 39326.

CALLING ANOTHER BOAT

1.  Turn on the radio and select Channel 16.  (Set the OUT/CH16 switch to
    CH16.)

2.  Hold the radio so that the microphone almost touches your lips, and
    press the talk button.

3.  Say, "Name of boat you are calling", this is, "Name of your boat, your
    call sign."

4.  Release the talk button and listen for a response.

5.  After establishing communication, switch to a ship-to-ship channel. Set
    the OUT/CH16 switch to OUT, and select a channel using the CHANNEL
    switches.  See "Channel Assignment" on Faxback Doc. # 39326.

6.  When the call is complete, switch back to Channel 16.

Making a Ship-To-Shore Call

1.  Turn on the radio and select the channel used by the shore station.
    You must set the OUT/CH16 switch to OUT.

2.  Hold the radio so that the microphone almost touches your lips, and
    press the talk button.

3.  Say, "Name of shore station", this is "Name of your boat, your call
    sign."

4.  Release the talk button and listen.

5.  When the shore station answers, say "This is name of your boat, your
    call sign, your billing number", placing a call to "City, telephone
    number."

    If you do not have a billing number, tell the operator how you want
    the call billed.

6.  At the end of the call say, "Name of you boat, your call sign, out."

7.  Set the OUT/CH16 switch to CH16.

Making an Emergency Call

Emergency calls are made on Channel 16 because it is monitored by most
marine radio owners.  In many areas, the Coast Guard monitors Channel 16
twenty-four hours a day.

There are three levels of emergency calls:

    Mayday is for the most severe situations - when there is grave and
    imminent danger to people and/or a vessel.  Mayday has priority over
    all other calls.

    Pan-Pan is the second level of emergency, when people or vessels are
    in jeopardy.

    Security is used for messages about the safety of navigation or impor-
    tant weather warnings.

To make an emergency call:

1.  Turn on the radio, and set the OUT/CH16 switch to CH16.

2.  Set the output power to 5 watts.

3.  Hold the radio so that the microphone almost touches your lips, and
    press the talk button.

4.  Say, "Mayday, Mayday!  This is name of your boat, your call sign, name
    of your boat, your call sign, name of your boat, your call sign."

5.  Then, give the following information:

    Your location, including any navigational aids or landmarks.

    The nature of your emergency.

    The number of people on the boat and the condition of any injured.

    The estimated seaworthiness of your boat.

    A brief description of your boat - length, type, color, and so on.

6.  To end the message, say "I will be listening on Channel 16.  This is
    name of your boat, your call sign, over."

7.  Release the talk button and listen.

8.  Someone should answer.  If not, repeat the call beginning with Step 3.



(br/EB 5/6/97)

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