Talk radio

Radio speak for VHF and SSB radio

When speaking on VHF or SSB radio, use the phonetic alphabet to avoid mistakes caused by words, letters and numbers being distorted over the air. The phonetic terms below are internationally recognized. Speak slowly and clearly, emphasizing syllables when spelling out words or numbers.

Use procedure words as shorthand for radio communication.
Over: Signifies that you have ended your transmission but expect a reply.
Out: Indicates that you have completed your communication.
Roger: Acknowledges that a message was received and understood.
Affirmative: Indicates agreement. Alternatively, say “yes.”
Negative: Indicates disagreement. Alternatively, say “no.”
Say Again: Requests the sender to repeat the last transmission.
This is “name of boat”: Used to identify you.
Wait: Indicates that you must pause but want the other station to continue listening and is followed by “wait out” to resume communication.
I Spell: Precedes phonetic spelling.
Break: Marks a change in the message.
Word after (or before): Points to a specific word.
Silence (see-lonce): Spoken by the U.S. Coast Guard three times to keep routine traffic off an emergency frequency during a mayday situation. The state is maintained until lifted with “silence fini” (see-lonce fee-nee). –Bob Sweet

Take the Using VHF and SSB Radio seminar to learn more about VHF radio operation, emergency procedures and EPIRBs. Find a seminar near you.

True lover’s knot

Also called the clover or cross knot, this knot has three loops at right angles to one another. It’s stable only if the load is equally distributed on all three loops with the working part and bitter end leading away in the fourth direction.

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