How do I know if my radio is really working??
Radio checks for your VHF marine radio or hand held VHF Marine Radio are now being answered by the Coast Guard on channel 16 in the Coast Guard First District (New England, south to northern New Jersey). However, the Coast Guard will not answer radio checks when the Coast Guard is busy handling distress communications from another boater.
The purpose of this ruling is to hopefully reduce hoax MAYDAY calls. Believe it or not, a growing number of boaters are resorting to a MAYDAY call if they can’t get the CG to answer a Channel 16 VHF radio check on their marine radios. If caught doing this, a boater would be subject to a $5,000 fine plus CG costs incurred as a result of the boater’s actions. So, as you can see, it’s wise to reduce your radio checks on your VHF Marine Radio to working channels only. Always be aware of the laws applicable to the area in which you are boating.