What action should you take if the calling frequency is busy?

When faced with a busy calling frequency, the appropriate action is to wait until it is clear before making your call. This practice helps maintain proper communication protocols and ensures that all operators can access the frequency without interference. In busy situations, operators may be transmitting vital information or conducting emergency communications, and interrupting them by calling over a busy frequency could lead to missed messages or critical disruptions.

By waiting until the frequency is clear, you respect the ongoing communications and avoid becoming part of the problem. This approach is fundamental to ensuring effective and efficient maritime communication, contributing to safety at sea while adhering to etiquette on radio procedures.