The use of marine radios is now common and, although the quality of transmissions has become relatively very good, there is still a strong need for all users to apply a professional approach when using the radio(s). Some facts about radio transmissions are worthy of mention.
     1.  There are a limited number of frequencies or channels available.
     2.  Unlike a phone, radio transmissions have no privacy - absolutely none unless encryption is possible.
     3.  Compared with a phone, pure radio transmissions normally have a more limited range - but varying            depending on prevailing factors and conditions. (e.g. Frequency, Antenna Heights, Transmission Power,            Atmospheric Conditions). In normal circumstances, range in the 27M and VHF bands is limited to line of            sight between antennas. Once a phone transmission reaches an antenna its theoretical range is unlimited.
     4.  The quality of the received transmission might be unknown to a sender and be badly degraded.
     5.  Given more than two separate transmitters it is quite common for receiving stations to be "out of range" to            one or more of the transmitters - resulting in stations being able to receive only half of a two way exchange.

As well as standard formal procedures that should be followed there should also be good etiquette when using the radio. The following guidance will allow the best use of the available frequency spectrum for the benefit of all users.
     1.  The radio is an emergency and business tool - it is not a social device like a phone can be.
     2.  Never conduct business that is not of an emergency nature on any distress channel. Distress channels are              only for emergencies and initiating contact. Get off emergency channels to conduct business.
     3.  On working channels keep business to a minimum so as to allow others to also conduct their own business.
     4.  Speak clearly and slowly and be careful not to transmit until sure the other party has finished speaking.
     5.  Although the use of the word "Over" might be a formal requirement there is normally no practical need to              use it - the exception is when reception is poor.
     6.  Don't use non standard phrases or radio slang. e.g. In using such phrases there is often a risk that the                          same meaning is not taken by all relevant parties.
     7.  When initiating a call to a shore station or to an operator who might be monitoring several frequencies it is a              good idea to specify the channel being used at the end of the initiating call.
     8.  In an emergency situation where you are not directly involved keep off the air on that channel except for              advising that you (callsign) are on a listening watch if needed. Remember too that you will often be only              hearing half, or less, of the total R/T traffic - so be cautious of over transmitting and causing blockage of              another transmission that may be more important.
     9.  When trying to make radio contact with another station near the range limit there is no point in calling more              than about twice. Remember that the other station may be hearing you and is responding but you are not              receiving their transmissions. So, if your message is important, transmit it once "in the blind" in the hope              that the intended recipient can hear it or a third party might relay it for you. The only other sensible choice               is to wait until you are significantly closer before further attempts are made.
     10. Be polite and courteous - especially when dealing with those considered to be transgressing or lacking in              etiquette.

Standard Initiating-Call Procedures
     Whether calling on 27Mhz or VHF the procedures are the same.  Remember that the initiating call is made on either one of the designated Emergency / Calling channels (Ch88 or 16 for VHF) where it is important to use the correct procedures for the sake of all listening vessels and Coast Radio Stations. The procedure is
     1.   Name of the station being called - spoken clearly and not more than 3 times
     2.   "This is"
     3.   Callsign of the calling station - spoken clearly not more than 3 times.
     4.   "Over"
     When there is a lot of radio traffic remember that Coast Stations may be dealing with traffic on both 27Mhz and VHF - some of which won't be heard when the initiating station has only one radio. Furthermore the Coast Station may be monitoring 4 or more radios and in these circumstances it can be helpful to specify what channel number the initiating call is being made on.
      EXAMPLE   "Coastal Patrol Sydney,  Coastal Patrol Sydney, Coastal Patrol Sydney  this is Windsong,                             Windsong, Windsong, Channel One Six Over"
      Note that the relevant Coast Station needs to be properly specified - that is the geographic name followed by the generic agency name.  It is incorrect to address just 'Coastal Patrol' because there will likely be more than one Coastal Patrol station who can hear the transmission - resulting in confusion about the one best placed to deal with the vessel.
     The station being called will then direct the caller to an operating channel where business can be conducted - usually on a less formal basis.  Although not mandatory, it is a good practice to acknowledge in some way that this channel change direction has been heard by saying something like "Going up" or "Going down" - depending on whether the operating channel has a higher or lower number. If there is no contact on the operating channel return to the previous channel - usually 88 or 16. It is usual to use the term "Over" to signify that the other party should now speak. This is much more important when the quality of the communication is degraded in any way. To signify the conclusion of business, end the transmission with the word "Out".  Note that the use of "Over & Out" is rather ludicrous because this would mean that 'it is your turn to speak but all business is concluded'.
     When communications are good and there is very little radio traffic the initiating call is often abbreviated to saying the relative callsigns only twice. When on an operating channel in these conditions the callsigns are often reduced to once only.