CHECK YOU ARE NOT TRANSMITTING BY ACCIDENT


At 7:49am on 14 August 2013, Thames MRCC picked up a continuous transmission on VHF channel 16, blocking the channel for others who may have been in distress.  Thames MRCC began investigations on the broadcast and found it was coming from the Sheerness area, and asking those nearby to check their radios to narrow down the search.

As the transmission was moving, Thames Coastguard was able to track the progress of the unknown yacht as it moved into Dover MRCC’s area of responsibility.  Other ships in the area assisted and the transmission was identified as coming from a yacht off the coast fromMargate, Kent. 

A nearby tug blasted its horn at the yacht and was able to see people on deck, but was unable to make contact.  Another yacht nearby offered to help and was able to make direct contact and the transmission ceased around 1:00pm.

Dover MRCC was then unable to make any contact with the yacht to find out if they were in difficulty or experiencing radio problems.

Paul Evans, Watch Manager at Dover said:

“It is important when you are sailing or at sea to check your radio as part of your normal passage checks.  Make sure that handheld VHF radios and fixed VHR microphones are stowed correctly and that they are not inadvertently transmitting. An open microphone can render all communications on channel 16 impossible.

“Channel 16 is vital for those in distress at sea as when you are in an emergency situation, you need to be able to call the Coastguard and also let others in the area know you are in trouble, even if you can’t see them.  As well as having a VHF radio fitted with DSC, you should also consider a registered EPIRB/PLB as part of your emergency communications.” 

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