If anyone wants to keep in touch, have us send any reports when we're out fishing or in general private message me your mobile number, forum name, first name and if you like what boat you're on. I'll compile a list and keep it on the boat.
Skip
Hi Skip,
I've sent you a pm as I'm interested.
Chris 8)
PM received. Will start to build the list.
You can count me in too. I'm out on different boats (mainly sailing boats and on a Buccanner fast fisher in the local fishing competitions for alungi, tumbrell, etc). I'm out on the sea practically every weekend throughout the year, and every day from July till the end of the Summer - as when I'm not fishing I'm still out giving sailing courses. My no is 99882615 - If anyone needs anything whilst on the water feel free to give me a ring. I'm usually around the Msida - Mellieha coast, or on the west coast in the alungi season and I keep my VHF on ch 6.
hi nick,i think you have my mobile no. if not its 99848267.
Hi Skip - My mobile number is 99475278 - My boat is a an open fletcher 15 with a 90hp outboard and normally moored at st paul's bay (although I just bought a mooring in b'bugia). Anyone needs anything don't hesitate to call. Bryan
Hi Guys,
79880331 is mine. We're more in the eastern/western part of malta, from Sliema to dingli. (Marsascal, B'Bugia, Marsaxlokk, Zurrieq etc) Sometimes we make a visit to the Gozitan seas aswell.
(http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j228/gazzettaoffroad/y1pT-_848PyblwHcP-UvRrb5-U41aaUflZE.jpg)
Chris 8)
Hi Guys,
My mobile is 79441203. VHF callsign is The_gaffer, I monitor ch. 6 and 10 simultaneously. Anybody needs anything, just give me a shout or call. Even if I'm not out at sea, and God forbid you need help, just call me. I'm moored at Msida marina, so in 20min I can be out on the sea.
Hey friends,
My mobile number is 99385795. Vhf call sign Ondiella. I am usually on channel 6 and when with 2 raios on channel 12 aswell.
It seems the most used channel is Channel 6. Any particular reason ? I'm still new to Vhfs and still on the way of buying one.
Chris 8)
I'm wondering myself, technically every vessel should be monitoring channel 16 at ALL times, it's a legal requirement. You can sit on your own channel but you must have dual watch enabled to be monitoring 16.
In any case, we may as well make channel 6 the forum hailing channel!
Its like this. Historically, ch.6 and 10 are the 2 frequencies widely used by fishermen. Unofficially that is. The official monitoring channel is ch.16, only to be used in case of an emergency. Ch. 12 is the official calling channel when contacting Valletta Port control/Valletta radio. All sea faring vessels are obliged to contact Valletta port control on Ch12 when entering or leaving port, whether for fishing purposes or just for local cruising. When going abrod with your vessel, you must contact valletta port control, stating name of vessel, and destination, you cannot proceed until such time that valletta prot control give the go ahead to do so. Normally/usually clearance is given there and then. Do not be surprised when contacting Valletta port control to announce that you are leaving the harbour for fishing or local cruising that you do not get an immediate reply back. Wait a few moments, then contact VPC again. It is always a good idea to let VPC know you are leaving the harbour for for cruising or fishing. That way, someone in authority has logged the details of the vessel and if you state the ETA (estimated time of arrival back in port) they can always raise the alert. Make sure that you contact VPC on entering the harbour again, or if yyou intend to stay out longer then the time indicated.
If I'm not mistaken ch 6 should be used only by the authorities when coordinating rescue operations. I'm not 100% sure as it's been some time that I had the course. Will check and get back.
Shanook mob 79881114 moored bugibba, B,Bugia. either channel 6 or 10 (dual 16).
my number is 99472943 i am always gnejna/imtahleb/qammieh area when the weather is good
DJS - mobile number 99432162. Moored in Msida usually go out south or north-east. Will start listening in on Channel 6 if it's been pronounced as MFF hailing channel.
Quote from: The_Gaffer on April 25, 2008, 12:18:28 CET
The official monitoring channel is ch.16, only to be used in case of an emergency.
Technically 16 is known as the official hailing channel for all vessels, due to the fact that it's also the channel used for emergencies. As all vessels are supposed to monitor Ch.16, so vessels use it to make initial contact and then immediately move to another agreed channel. Land Stations like Malta Radio, VPC etc usually have their own channels as you mentioned.
For what i know channel 16 can only be used on emergencies as it is the mayday/ emergency channel. Last summer we were out at sea and someone used the channel 16 to speak. they were immediatly told not to use channel 16 as it must be used only for emergencies.
If you start having a conversation on Ch. 16 yes you will be told off. You are supposed to hail a vessel on Ch. 16 and as soon as they make positive contact, then say switch to ch. xx
Monitor 16 for a while and you will hear various boats doing the above procedure. It is known as the hailing and distress channel.
http://www.uaeyachting.com/training/53410697290908805/index.html
http://www.uscg.mil/d8/vts/houston-galveston/localknowledge.htm
QuoteIf I'm not mistaken ch 6 should be used only by the authorities when coordinating rescue operations. I'm not 100% sure as it's been some time that I had the course. Will check and get back.
yesterday I found some time to dig back into the notes we were given when taking the Mcast course - Ch 6 should actually be avoided as it is used in emergency/rescue operations... Suggest we find another channel then!
I am really puzzled about channel 6 as all the fishermen i know use it to communicate on.
True, though doesn't mean it's right! It's probably become a habit!
I sent an email to MMA requesting a list of the working channels in Malta. As soon as I get a reply (if I do) I'll post!
Quote from: benri on May 30, 2008, 08:40:17 CET
I sent an email to MMA requesting a list of the working channels in Malta. As soon as I get a reply (if I do) I'll post!
That would be great benri. in fact yesterday i opened a new thread requesting a list of channels :)
Ramio, Mob 7970 2496. Boat name CLARA We usually keep Ch 10 as base, but will monitor Ch 6 when fishing. We usually fish south side. Mooring at B'Buga unless you are stuck in St.Pauls bay waiything to sail to home base.
Just to give an update on the VHF channels.... So far I received an acknowlegement from the Technical Specialist (Maritime Communications) within the Malta Communications Authority who informed me that they will give me the necessary information in due course. It looks like we have to wait a bit more!
I received the hereunder from Mr. Alan Cassar within the Mata Communications Authority which is quite interesting. Mr Cassar was very helpful and the links he refers to also contain the info many were looking for.
"Please find hereunder some information regarding VHF radios:
As you may be already aware, the licensing process for VHF radios has
changed. As from 1 January 2008, Government has adopted a General
Authorisation (GA) regime for marine VHF radios installed on board
vessels. Consequently, the licence fee for those vessels having only a VHF
radio installed on board will not need to be paid anymore. The hard copy
licence has also ceased to exist. In last January, we have sent a letter
to each licensee in order to inform them with the applicable changes.
It is very important to remember, that when a boat owner purchase a VHF
radio from a local dealer / from abroad, he/she must get in touch with
this office in order to apply for a Call Sign and an MMSI number, if
applicable. There is a one-time fee of ?55.00 for the assignment of
maritime identities. These identities are being assigned on the condition
that the VHF radio is type-approved by MCA. It is important to note that
if the vessel in question is "Valletta" registered (i.e. with the MMA
Merchant Shipping Directorate), the vessel owner shall contact the MMA on
21250360 to apply for a call sign and/or MMSI number. Until further
notice, the MCA will be responsible to assign maritime identities for
fishing vessels (under 6 metres) and "S" registered vessels. It is always
advised that vessel owners contact the MCA/MMA prior going to apply for an
identity.
Please note that those boat owners who are in possession of an MF/HF
transceiver and/or Satellite terminal will still be required to pay and be
issued with a radio licence. In this case, the licence will be issued by
the Merchant Shipping Directorate of the Malta Maritime Authority.
You may get more information (including the GA regulations and a set of
FAQs) on the above matters by accessing the following link ->
http://www.mca.org.mt/newsroom/openarticle.asp?id=571
With regard to usage of marine VHF channels, please be reminded that the
main purpose of a VHF radio installed on board a vessel is for emergency
and search and rescue communications only. This can be done through
Channel 16 (voice) and Channel 70 (DSC). The latter channel is used for
Digital selective calling for distress, safety and calling - this option
may only be found into DSC-enabled VHF radios.
The MMA has recently published a "Notice to Mariners" related to the
services offered by the new Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) and use of
international marine VHF channels. Further information may be obtained
from the following link ->
http://mma.gov.mt/notice_mariners_detail.asp?i=867
If you need any additional information, please do not hesitate to contact
me.
Best regards,
Alan Cassar
Technical Specialist - Maritime Communications
Malta Communications Authority
Valletta Waterfront, Pinto Wharf, Valletta, FRN 1913, Malta.
Tel: +356 21 336 840
Fax: +356 21 336 846
E-mail: alancassar@mca.org.mt
Web: www.mca.org.mt
My mobile number is 99451683. I'm moored in Birzebbuga and my boat is a Kaptan Trend with a 115HP outboard. I'm always fishing from M'skala upto Gnejna. and sometimes we go to our neighbours in Gozo ;D
me and my friend we always use CH6 and CH10 on the VHF.
Hi guys... i'm new in this Forum .... I've heard quite a few of you on the VHF these last couple of weeks , I hope we can get in touch sometimes ... and if anyone is out there in need of help dont hesitate you 'll find me on channel 6 or 10 , cya out there and happy fishing . Thanks
Hi ForTuna, welcome to the forum. What's your callsign or will you respond to MFF ForTuna!?
I think most of us now are going to be using Channel 6 for hailing each other as it seems to be the most popular.
I will make a tripple watch now 6, 10 and 16..............mind u after 9am the Italians come on channel 10 and when they start talking WOW they just keep at it.
normally i am on 10 and callsign is Nelson.
Hi Skip , thanks a lot mate, yes my call sign is ForTuna, and i'd be very glad to reply :)
Hi Guys,
My call sign is Scorpion and I am always scanning the channels to try and find someone from the forum.
I will be watch channel 6,10 and 16 from now on.
Have a nice Alungi season.
:D :D :D :D :D :D