RADIOS. !!!!

[nigel]

Please can you CHECK THAT YOUR RADIO IS TURNED   OFF   AFTER RETURNING FROM A ROW.
Checking for battery usage (need for a recharge) on Friday in the cabinet I found one still on, on channel 8.
Checking the cabinet after rowing on Saturday I found another vhf still switched on!
If you don't do this the next outing will suffer a dead vhf.

THE "OFF" / on"  button is the SMALL BLUE ONE on the left hand side of the vhf (with the display side towards you) - NEXT TO THE LONGER BLUE " PUSH-TO-SPEAK" BUTTON  also on the left hand side.
 
If you aren't sure how to operate it - just ask another rower. They will probably be able to help, and if not will know someone who does!

🗣👀 On a personal note may I encourage you all to use your radios, ( so that you are confident in using them in an unexpected situation), BUT .....[having experienced an overwhelming example of verbal diarrhoea on the vhf when out rowing on Saturday] PLEASE TRY TO STICK TO THE PROTOCOLS AND KEEP CONVERSATIONS INFORMATIVE, SHORT AND SWEET!
If you wish to practice then use the walky talkies until you are confident. They are locked to a private channel which is for LCRC use.
Many thanks.
Nigel.

[Chris Partridge]

I know I get boring about this but it is technically illegal to use a VHF radio unless you have a certificate or are under the direct supervision of someone who has a certificate. Please ensure that is the case before using the radio - if you do not have a certificate many members of the club do, including Nigel and me.
The maximum penalty for non-compliance is a £5,000 fine or six months in chokey (though it has to be admitted this is hardly ever enforced.)
Using your mobile phone, on the other hand, has no legal ramifications whatsoever.