VHF radio 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.

Ensure that you and your crew are fully trained, licensed and competent in VHF use, as you and your crews lives may depend on the ability to communicate via VHF.

Licensing ensures that radio equipment is regulated and used in the correct manner by competent persons. You can find more information about licensing on the Ofcom website.

Radio checks

You should carry out regular radio checks in order to test your radio. To carry out a radio transmission check:

  1. select VHF channel 82
  2. slowly and clearly say ‘Jersey Coastguard, this is vessel (name of vessel) requesting a radio check on VHF channel 82, over’
  3. we will then confirm we have received your radio check

Logging a transit report

You should always log a transit report with Jersey Coastguard when heading to sea on any type of craft. This ensures that we are aware that you are at sea.

Trace is a free web app created by the team at Jersey Coastguard. It’s a simple way to submit transit reports, as an alternative option to calling Jersey Coastguard over VHF radio. It also includes a range of useful tools and safety reminders not only for mariners, but anyone heading out to sea, including kayakers, canoeists and paddle boarders.

Alternatively, you can call Jersey Coastguard to log a transit report:

  1. call Jersey Coastguard on VHF channel 82 or by phoning +44 (0) 1534 447705
  2. provide your departure and destination ports
  3. say how many people are on board
  4. tell us your estimated time of arrival
  5. when you’ve arrived at your destination, call Jersey Coastguard to confirm your safe arrival on VHF channel 82 or by phoning +44 (0) 1534 447705

Don’t be apprehensive when 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 Jersey Coastguard either by completing the online incident reporting forms, or by calling St Helier VTS on +44 (0) 1534 447722. The problem will be dealt with swiftly ensuring safe, efficient operation of the port.

Accident and incident reporting​