More radio advice required...sorry lol

[Izzetafox]

Guys,
I have just got myself a vhf radio. Being in Leicester it has not been possible to get a course under my belt before going on the water ( 1st 2 weeks of July ).
I intend to carry the radio on the water with me and monitor transmissions and hopefully not use it in an emergency. I feel it is worth monitoring CH16 as if a yakker had been in Aberdaron last week on air they could possibly have saved the RNLI a trip to the islands in the bay to recover some people in a cheap inflatable who had got caught in an offshore wind with no safety gear and 'play' paddles.

A couple of questions:
I know I am ok to use it unlicensed if needed to save life or similar emergency. Would I be advised to do a signals check once on the water, if so would this be on CH16?
I know CH16 should be monitored but out of interest I would like to be 'nosey' and monitor other chat in the area. What channel(s) are popular in the Aberdaron, Pwllheli area.
I intend to carry a laminated copy of the 'Mayday' & Pan Pan' procedures with me.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers Terry

[cjj]

To summerise as best I can as there is alot of info on the subject. Learn how to set up and use your set. If you SCAN this will pick up any active station, including Ch 16. You then TAG the stations that are useful, you will find there are many busy but useless channels. Generally Ch 16 for initial contact, you can ask for a radio check if its not too busy, you may be direced to CH 72 or 67 whatever the routine channel is for you coastguard. Ch 13 for large ships bridge to bridge, good if you have a big 'un heading towards you. Ch 6, 8, 10 for small boats, we use one of these. Weather and Nav warnings have their own Channel. If you listen you will pick this up in a day. M1 M2 are for Yatch racing safety, get to know them call them if you need help, there is a boating community which is more friendly than most other aspects of society. Remember to have a call sign, keep it short and simple you may have to spell it. Finally in this short text, learn the Alphabet, a alpa b bravo c charlie etc. Good Luck.