Safe Operating Practice 6-98

Hawaii Commercial VHF-FM Communications/Procedures

Approved February 19, 1998

Issues:

1. Presently, there is a general misuse of VHF-FM marine band frequencies by vessel operators throughout the Hawaiian Islands. This conflicts with the intended use of these frequencies as outlined in the United States Coast Pilot. As examples, Channel 12, which is intended to be used specifically for port operations and control, is routinely utilized for routine transmissions between vessels. Channel 13, which is designated specifically for bridge-to-bridge communications, is not being utilized as intended. Additionally, failure to use working frequencies has created overloads on other frequencies, specifically VHF Channels 12 and 16.

2. Presently, there is a growing problem with microwave interference on VHF-FM communications in Honolulu Harbor. This has created serious bleed-over of channels among other interference-related problems reported by operators.

Discussion.

1. Historically, Hawaii’s commercial vessel traffic was light enough to allow the use of a single frequency for safe and effective communications. With the current level of commercial traffic, especially traffic in Honolulu Harbor, overemphasis of one or two channels is not considered safe or effective. To alleviate overuse of VHF-FM channels 12 and 16, vessel operators must rely more on Channel 13 for bridge-to-bridge communications and by increased use of working frequencies.

2. The VHF-FM interference will continue to worsen as cellular and paging transmission increase. This is a complex issue. The interference is understood to be a result of “spurious harmonics” created primarily by the amplification of cellular phone and paging transmissions. Several speakers have addressed HOST and have identified possible solutions including the upgrading of VHF radios currently in use and the use of “reduced gain” antennas.

Recommendations of HOST:

1. Create a frequency plan that lists frequencies used by all commercial operators operating from Hawaii’s commercial ports. Additionally, plan will emphasize proper use of Channels 12, 13, and 16. Plan to be disseminated to all users so each operator will know which channels to use for contacting other vessels.

2. Continue to investigate ways to reduce VHF-FM/microwave interference in Honolulu Harbor.

3. Capture the frequency plan and any proven methods to alleviate VHF-FM/microwave interference in the HOST Standard Operating Procedures Handbook.

Resolution. Representatives from industry, vessel agents, Aloha Tower, USCG, Hawaii Pilots Association, Hawaii State Pilots, and State Harbor Masters have provided input for the frequency plan. The following enclosed documents have been approved by HOST.

Enclosures:

1. Working/Contact Frequencies Honolulu-Barbers Point, Oahu

2. Working/Contact Frequencies Kauai, Molokai, Maui, Lanai, and Hawaii

3. Harmonic Reduction of Unwanted Noise in Honolulu Harbor

The outline below lists operator working VHF-FM frequencies for common commercial and military operators in the Honolulu to the Barbers Point vicinity (including Pearl Harbor). Other important frequencies are also listed. All* operating vessels are required to continuously monitor VHF channels 13 (navigational ship-to-ship) and 16 (distress safety and calling). Vessels operating within Honolulu Harbor, Honolulu Channel (to “H” buoy) and Honolulu Anchorage must, in addition, continuously monitor Channel 12 for communications with Aloha Tower only.

*Note: Vessels required to monitor Channel 13: all power-driven vessels 20 meters or longer (greater than 65 feet) and 100 gross tons and upward; all towing vessels 7.8 meters (26 feet) and upward; every dredge and floating plant engaged in operations (in or near a channel) likely to restrict or affect navigation of other vessels. Vessels required to monitor Channel 16: any vessel required to have a VHF radio, 47 CFR Part 80.

To alleviate overuse of Channels 12, 13, and 16, utilize the working frequencies as listed below. For operators listed below with an “*” symbol, use Channel 13 (navigational ship-to-ship) for communicating. If an operator cannot be hailed on Channel 13, use Channel 16 for hailing only and switch to Channel 13. Note: Channel 13 is not to be considered a “working” frequency.

After switching to a working frequency, ensure the channel is clear prior to communicating so as not to “step” on communications already in progress. When communicating on VHF, use proper radio etiquette. Keep communication brief.

The outline below lists working VHF-FM frequencies broken down by commercial port for common commercial operators working the outer Hawaiian Islands. All* operating vessels are required to continuously monitor VHF Channels 13 (navigational ship-to-ship) and 16 (distress safety and calling).

(*Note: Vessels required to monitor Channel 13: All power-driven vessels 20 meters or longer (greater than 65 feet) and 100 gross tons and upward; all towing vessels 7.8 meters (26 feet) and upward; every dredge and floating plant engaged in operations (in or near a channel) likely to restrict or affect navigation of other vessels. Vessels required to monitor Channel 16: any vessel required to have a VHF radio.) 47 CFR Part 80.

To alleviate overuse of Channels 13 and 16, use the working frequencies as listed below. For operators listed below with an “*” symbol, use Channel 13 (navigational ship-to-ship) for communicating. If an operator cannot be hailed on Channel 13, use Channel 16 for hailing only and switch to Channel 13. Note: Channel 13 is not to be considered a “working” frequency.

As opposed to the Oahu VHF frequency plan, Channel 12 is considered a working frequency due to the low level of commercial traffic.

The accompanying page to this article outlines VHF-FM radio network coverage emanating from the VHF-FM hi-sites located on the Kauai, Oahu, Maui, and Hawaii. As indicated on the diagram, the hi-site coverage areas overlap each other to provide overall excellent offshore coverage. However, primarily due to VHF line of sight characteristics and geographic obstructions, there are certain areas where zero to marginal VHF communications can occur. These areas, as noted by slash marks on the outline, usually extend from shoreline to approximately five nautical miles.

For a long time, the maritime community in Honolulu has been looking for a solution to one of the most disturbing and annoying problems in the Harbor: the amplification of unwanted noise signals.

As ships enter and travel through the Honolulu Harbor, cellular phones, radios, and other signals sent magnify their harmonics, threefold or more. Most vessels use high gain antennas such as 9-db antennas or similar, and operate with it, in the harbor as they do in the open sea. Their usage within the harbor amplifies those harmonics and spurious signals, thus causing the annoying and unwanted noise.

Using a higher db antenna in the harbor is not necessarily the right antenna, because it doubles, sometimes triples the harmonics presents of another unwanted signal, transmitted in that frequency ranges.

On the basis of an actual test onboard the tugboat Nohea; a reduced gain antenna was used to limit the amplification of the harmonics. We tested a 3-db antenna along with a 9-db antenna, and the result was amazing. The 3-db antenna suppressed all unwanted noise. The 3-db does not amplify the harmonics present of another unwanted signal, transmitted in that frequency.

Enclosed is a page describing the accessories that will assist suppressing the noise. For more information regarding the procedure to reduce the harmonics of unwanted signals, or making an appointment with Jerry Zak for installation of the required equipment, call KEMS Kewalo at 532-0902, or fax 545-4739.