In article ,
Dave wrote:

On Thu, 17 Jul 2008 21:20:45 GMT, Bruce in alaska said:

I'm talking real world here. The world of gummint regulations is different.
Do you really use 16 to hail other boats up there?
[snip]

Weekend Warriors are NOT the largest users of Maritime Radios
on this planet, contrary to popular belief

Perhaps I should have phrased the question with more specificity. Didn't
think it was necessary given the name of the group. So let's try again:

Do pleasure boaters generally use 16 to hail other boats up there?

Since "Pleasure boaters" are a small minority of vessels navigating
the alaskan waters, YES, they usually do their calling on VHF Ch 16,
UNLESS it is to call a Traveling Mate vessel on a prearranged Channel,
like VHF Ch 9. All the local Harbor Masters monitor Ch 16, as well
as their working Channel, which in my area is Ch 9. I just spent the
last three days listening to the USCG Cutter Liberty, doing boardings
of "Pleasure boats" out in Icy Straights, and they did ALL their calling
on Ch 16, and working on Ch 22A. Only heard one guy, who couldn't figure
out how to switch to 22A, and they did work him on Ch 9, after convincing
him that Ch 16 was not the place to communicate traffic. He also failed
the Boarding Inspection, and is now tied up to My Dock, as the closest
Port of Call, waiting for a package from town, to fullfill his lack of
Emergency Flares and a Whistle. Amazing for a $250K "Pleasure boat"....
Had a nice chat with the CPO, at the Port Captian's Office for
Southeastern Alaska, about what it would take to send this fellow on his
way. As soon as Possible. Don't want him pumping his bilge at my dock,
either by accident or on purpose.

--
Bruce in alaska
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