VHF radios and logging reports
Testing your VHF radio
A VHF radio is one of the most important tools on board a boat, but it must be used correctly to be effective.
Someone's life may depend on the ability to communicate via VHF, so ensure that you and your crew are fully trained, licensed and competent in VHF use.
In order to test your radio, you should carry out regular radio checks with us on our working channel VHF 82. This is a simple procedure which only we can hear.
To carry out a radio check:
- select VHF 82
- slowly and clearly call ‘Jersey Coastguard this is vessel ** requesting a radio check on VHF channel 82, over’
- we will then confirm that we’ve received your radio check
Logging a transit report
In 2009, we received 4311 transit reports from local and visiting craft.
When heading to sea on any type of craft, you should always log a transit report with us. This ensures that we are aware that you are at sea.
You should always follow this process to log a transit report:
- log a transit report with us on VHF 82 or by telephoning +44 (0) 1534 447705. Your information should include the departure and destination ports, number of persons aboard and an estimated time of arrival
- call us again to confirm your safe arrival
Don’t be afraid of using your VHF. VHF 82 is a duplex channel, so only we can hear you. The more you use your radio, the more confident you will become.
Incident reporting
Any incident should be reported as soon as possible to St Helier VTS or the coastguard
The problem will then be dealt with swiftly ensuring safe, efficient operation of the port.
If you wish to log an incident please use the Mail2Us service, or alternatively call St Helier VTS on +44 (0) 1534 447722.
Mail2Us