Steve wrote:

I agree, VHF has become very much like the CB for the unlicensed users.

I predicted this would happen when they dropped the license requirement in
the early '90s.


As more people USE their VHF, of course there will be more that don't
know how to use it until they learn.

But I really like that more people are using their VHF! Cells and such
are fine for some purposes, but a properly working VHF and the knowledge
to use it are vital in an emergency.

Now I hear of a local pizza place on the waterfront (in Seabeck, WA) that
monitor and operates on Marine VHF, to take your pizza order and has it
delivered via boat. This is a case where the Cell Phone should be used.

If they switch to a working channel after initial contact, I have no
problem with using the VHF. I'd of course prefer that they use 9 or
their working channel, but that doesn't seem to be going over so well on
the Chesapeake. A very few marinas only monitor 9 and only water taxis
stick to their working channel.

--
Jere Lull
Xan-a-Deux ('73 Tanzer 28 #4 out of Tolchester, MD)
Xan's Pages: http://members.dca.net/jerelull/X-Main.html
Our BVI FAQs (290+ pics) http://homepage.mac.com/jerelull/BVI/