What should always be included at the end of a radio transmission?

Including your vessel's name or call sign at the end of a radio transmission is crucial for ensuring clear identification. This practice helps to establish the identity of the transmitting vessel, allowing other operators to recognize who is communicating. In maritime communication, clarity and identification are vital due to the congested nature of marine channels and the importance of avoiding confusion among vessels.

When a call sign is provided, it allows for recipients to understand who is making the transmission, which is essential for maintaining situational awareness and facilitating effective communication. By following this protocol, operators can enhance safety by ensuring that responses and acknowledgments are correctly directed to the right vessel.

Other elements, such as location coordinates, the time of transmission, or a summary of previous messages, may be relevant during a communication but are not mandatory components at the end of each transmission. The primary focus is on proper identification, which is crucial for establishing and maintaining effective communication at sea.