What is the initial procedure for establishing HF radiotelephone communications between a vessel and a public correspondence station?

Establishing HF radiotelephone communications between a vessel and a public correspondence station typically starts with making a voice call on a monitored channel. This procedure allows the vessel to communicate effectively, ensuring that the station is available and ready to respond.

The choice of utilizing a monitored channel is significant because these channels are constantly listened to by the public correspondence stations, increasing the likelihood that the call will be answered promptly. Monitored channels are designated frequencies where communications can take place and are vital in maritime operations for safety and efficiency.

The other options, while touching on aspects of communications, do not align with the standard procedure for using HF radiotelephone for public correspondence. For instance, using SITOR (NBDP) as a calling method is not the initial approach in establishing voice communications; this format is used for data and telex communications rather than voice. Similarly, calling on VHF Channel 16 applies more to VHF operations, not HF, and indicates a different type of communication protocol entirely. Lastly, stating that public correspondence stations operate only on SITOR (NBDP) overlooks the broader range of communication methods they employ, including voice communications on HF bands.