[CQ-Contest] 14.300 MHz

[asciibaron@comcast.net]

> Oh, if were just that easy.  

i checked the US Coast Guards website - it makes no reference to 14.300 as an official emergency frequency.  i googled "coast guard 14.300" and it returned several websites, but no official USCG site or statement that 14.300 is an official emergency frequency.

under Part 97, i also found no reference to 14.300 as a maritime emergency frequency.  

what i did find on the USCG's site was in an emergency i should use channel 16 on my marine radio (156.8).  granted that won't work if i'm out to sea, and, of course, in an emergency that threatens life or property, i can use any frequency available to me. 

if i heard MAYDAY on any frequency, i would stop and listen to see if i could render aid.  i think any ham, be he a rag chewer, contester, DXer, foxhunter, or whatever, would attempt to render aid if possible.

until Part 97 tells me i can't use any frequency allocated to me with my privileges, i'm going to use any clear frequency.  if you don't like that, petition the FCC to set aside 14.300.


-steve
KB3KAQ