- 1). Most boaters will continuously monitor, or stand by, on Channel 16. This is the primary channel worldwide for hailing) another party. It is commonly used for distress calls.
- 2). Follow the established etiquette when communicating on VHF. Hail another boat by keying the microphone and calling the name of the boat several times, followed by the name of your own vessel. Example: "Lady KT, Lady KT, this is the Good Life on Channel 16, over."
- 3). Once you raise your party, agree to switch to a a noncommercial channel to allow others use of the hailing channel, as well as keep it free in the event of an emergency. "Good Life, this is Lady KT. Switch and answer 68." Good Life would then respond "Good Life, switching to 68." In the United States, Channels 68, 69, 71, 72, and 78A are common channels used for casual conversation.
- 4). After both boaters switch to the designated channel, one should hail the other and proceed with the conversation. When finished, common practice is for both to then return and monitor Channel 16. Announce your intentions before leaving the current channel: "Good Life out, standing by on Channel 16."
- 5). Most VHF radios have the ability to monitor multiple channels. Many boaters monitor Channels 16 and 9, the latter considered a backup channel for distress calls.
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