Proper way to radio a bridge to request opening

[rlb81]

Hi,

Been spending more time on the water with my dad lately (Raritan Bay). There is a particular rail bridge (Morgan bridge) that we can go under w/o issue during low tide, but high tide will require the bridge to be open. The sign on the bridge states to radio via channel 13 per USCG protocol or something to that effect (should have taken a picture...).

So is there a particular way you're supposed to contact the bridge? Any advice is appreciated!

 

[Mischief Managed]

Know your ETA, set your power to 1 watt, key the mic and say "Morgan Bridge, Morgan Bridge, (your boat name) requesting opening". That will start the conversation and you can just answer the questions/follow the orders of the bridge operator. Keep your answers short.

 

[Mischief Managed]

Wanted to add, the bridge operators are human, no need to be terribly concerned about perfect radio protocol. It's no big deal of you screw up. just don't hog air time.

 

[shrew]

http://www.boatus.com/boattech/casey/vhf-basics.asp

<Hailee>; <Hailee>; <Hailee>, this is <Vessel Name>

"Morgan Bridge; Morgan Bridge; Morgan Bridge; this is Joe Bagodonutz"

 

[rlb81]

Great, thanks for the info and quick replies!