Proper use of the VHF channels is an important safety factor. Channel usage in the Solent and Southampton Water has some differences from that in other areas so we have compiled this guide. VHF call signs are indicated as e.g. "Solent Coastguard". [printer friendly version (A5)]
N.B. Ensure that your VHF is set to "INT(ernational)" not "US(a)"! Radios operating on USA channel settings will not hear the reply from an NCI Station (on ch.65), from a Marina (on ch.80), or receive the new Marine Safety Information channels (ch.62,63,64). New radios are often set to "US" when bought; use the menus to reset them to "INT".
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