Re: [Paddlewise] placing a VHF call from a kayak

From: Michael Daly <mikedaly_at_magma.ca>
Date: Fri, 19 Nov 2004 02:06:16 -0500
On 18 Nov 2004 at 16:10, Victor Okunev wrote:

> The Canadian (and perhaps international) marine radio communication
> protocol requires the calling party to supply own call sign and the
> boat name.  I am not sure what should I use when calling from a kayak
> using a handheld VHF radio. I don't have a call sign and the name of
> my kayak (White Fang) is not registered anywhere.

As others have said - any name is suitable.  The Canadian regs allow 
you to use any name if you are calling from an unregistered vessel.  
If you have a station license (i.e. for commercial or large vessels) 
then you supply a registered name.  If you have a licensed boat, you 
can use the boat's name.

White Fang sounds reasonable.  I think that if you are going to make 
a call, it should be an important one.  In that case. use a brief 
name that is recognizable and easy to remember.  White Fang, at two 
syllables fits that - plus lot's of Canadians are familiar with the 
Jack London story and will recognize the name.

Be consistent as well - always use the same name and don't make up a 
different name every time you make a call.

Mike
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Received on Thu Nov 18 2004 - 23:06:09 PST

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