(Photos courtesy of ICOM)
Port Washington Sail and Power Squadron, Inc. is a nonprofit organization that conducts boating safety courses. They will hold a two-hour seminar on very high frequency (VHF) and single sideband (SSB) marine radios on Tuesday, Sept. 29, at 7:30 p.m., at the Port Washington Yacht Club, 1 Yacht Club Dr.
“The reason for learning how to effectively use a VHF or SSB radio while boating on the water is because it is the most effective way to communicate with the Coast Guard or other boaters in case of an emergency,” said Gar Comb, treasurer of the Port Washington Sail and Power Squadron. “Cell phones do not always work because you may be out of range of a cell phone tower.”
Do you know how to use the red button on your VHF radio? “[It] could save your life,” said Frank Schreitmueller, U.S. Power Squadrons educational officer. “It can automatically send a distress call to the U.S. Coast Guard and other boats. The call can identify your boat, its position and the type of distress, [whether it be] sinking, on fire, etc.” Learn about the red button and other features in this seminar. There is no exam and attendees will get a certificate.
(Photo courtesy of ICOM)
VHF radio is the mainstay for coastal communication and is an essential communications tool. This seminar explains its operation along with the operation for the new digital selective calling (DSC) radios, maritime mobile service identity (MMSI) numbers and making emergency calls. A CD is included with a DSC simulator that allows students to practice on their computer at home. The McGraw-Hill Captain’s Quick Guide to Using VHF disk and student manual are included with essential information that everyone should have.
Learning boating safety is more important than ever. “There have been several boating accidents in the waters surrounding Long Island,” Comb said.
Cost to attend is $30 for materials. Preregister by contacting SEO Frank Schreitmueller at rfschreit@aol.com or at 516-625-0347.
The organization will also conduct an eight-week boating safety class starting on Oct. 6, which offers a certificate upon the passing of a test.
