🔍 Key Concepts

• Bridge-to-bridge VHF regulations in 33 CFR Part 26 and radiotelephone power limits • Difference between normal bridge-to-bridge communications and distress/safety communications • Situations like blind bends / obstructed visibility on rivers or narrow channels

💭 Think About

• Think about why power on bridge-to-bridge radios is normally limited to 1 watt and what higher power might cause on busy channels. • Ask yourself in which situations safety of navigation might require your transmission to reach farther than usual. • Consider whether distress calls follow the same power limit rules as routine bridge-to-bridge communications.

✅ Before You Answer

• Verify what 33 CFR says about maximum power for routine bridge-to-bridge transmissions and any explicit exceptions. • Check whether distress communications are treated differently from routine bridge-to-bridge traffic in terms of power limits. • Confirm if there is specific mention of bends in rivers or blind spots as cases where increased power may be justified.