The Sanctity of 16
There’s probably only one major commandment for , though there may be many corollaries: Channel 16 is sacred. There are many “working” channels to choose from, so before hailing another station on 16, check your options (there’s a list below) beforehand to make sure that the channel you have in mind is free of traffic. Hail, and right after hearing a response, ask to move your radio traffic to the working channel. Channel 16 needs to stay free for emergency communications and hailing.
Semaphore, signal flags, Morse code, flashing lights, and very-high-frequency (VHF) radio have something in common: Within range of sight or signal, communication can happen even if you don’t know or can’t yet identify the person at the other side of the conversation. Despite the ubiquity of cell phones, VHF remains the most reliable way to get in touch with people on the water. After all, cell phones are only useful if you know the phone number of the person you’re trying to reach. A cell phone’s limitations become very clear when you’re looking to speak with that blue-hulled sailboat over by can 21—whether to warn them of imminent danger or to connect over the familiar burgee they are flying.