For years boaters have keyed their VHF on their home club's working channel or gone to channel #09 or #16 which is the US Coast Guard's hailing and distress channel to see if their radio is working properly. This usually leads to a friendly reminder from the Coast Guard that the checks are improper use of this channel. There is a new way so that you do not clutter the Coast Guard's working channel.

Sea Tow Huntington's Mike Langenbach has just announced a first of its kind public service for the safety of boaters in our area. Boaters are now able to conduct 24/7 automated radio checks on VHF channel #28. This is unique in that it does not require the response of other boaters or watch standers in order to work. This free service is available through Sea Tow's ongoing partnership with MariTEL.

To conduct an automated radio check, turn a VHF radio to channel 28, key the mic, and ask for a radio check, just as you would on channel 09. The system will respond with an automated reply and replay your original radio transmission, letting you know exactly how well your radio is working.

The Sea Tow antenna is located in Huntington Harbor. www.seatow.com - Try it, you'll like it!

Ten Haagan is commodore of the Greater Huntington Council of Yacht & Boating Clubs.