When using SSB station on 2182 kHz or VHF-FM on channel 16, which statement is NOT a required action?

When using SSB station on 2182 kHz or VHF-FM on channel 16, which statement is NOT a required action?

• A. Preliminary call must not exceed 30 seconds.
• B. If contact is not made, you must wait at least 2 minutes before repeating the call.
• C. Once contact is established, you must switch to a working frequency.
• D. You must immediately switch to channel 9 when no answer is received.

Answer: (D)

Communicating on the calling channel and then moving to a working channel is how maritime radio dialogue is structured. On SSB at 2182 kHz or VHF on channel 16, you start by making a brief calling attempt to establish contact, and once you have a reply, you switch to a working frequency to carry on the conversation. The brief calling portion should be limited, typically around 30 seconds, so the channel is kept free for others. If you don’t get a response, you should wait at least two minutes before repeating the call, giving others a chance to use the channel and reducing congestion. When contact is established, you move to a working frequency to discuss details and continue the exchange. The action of immediately switching to channel 9 when no answer is received is not required. You aren’t mandated to switch to channel 9; you would generally either retry on the calling channel after the waiting period or coordinate a suitable working frequency with the other station. Channel 9 may be used in some regions for certain purposes, but it is not a universal requirement in this scenario.

Communicating on the calling channel and then moving to a working channel is how maritime radio dialogue is structured. On SSB at 2182 kHz or VHF on channel 16, you start by making a brief calling attempt to establish contact, and once you have a reply, you switch to a working frequency to carry on the conversation.

The brief calling portion should be limited, typically around 30 seconds, so the channel is kept free for others. If you don’t get a response, you should wait at least two minutes before repeating the call, giving others a chance to use the channel and reducing congestion. When contact is established, you move to a working frequency to discuss details and continue the exchange.

The action of immediately switching to channel 9 when no answer is received is not required. You aren’t mandated to switch to channel 9; you would generally either retry on the calling channel after the waiting period or coordinate a suitable working frequency with the other station. Channel 9 may be used in some regions for certain purposes, but it is not a universal requirement in this scenario.