Which vhf marine radio channels

VHFs are handy in an emergency, but they have other uses: telephone calls to shore, obtaining supplies and services such as marina reservations, and boat operations like drawbridge openings and communicating with commercial and other recreational vessels. The Federal Communications Commission FCC regulates marine radio traffic and dictates that all other uses are secondary to safety, so chatting is frowned upon by the FCC and forbidden on Channel 16 and 9.

The main uses of a VHF radio are:. They come equipped with a choice of transmitter power: one 1 watt for very close communication approximately one mile or less or twenty five 25 watts for extended communication up to approximately twenty five miles.

All of this is done usually with the push of a button. If you need to communicate over a greater distance consider installing a Single Side Band SSB radio - which has the capability to transmit over hundreds of miles. VHF radios come in many shapes, sizes and colors to meet anyone's needs today.

The main factor governing prices of the VHF radios are the features available. When choosing a VHF radio you should first make a list of the features you feel you want and need. When activated, it automatically broadcasts an encoded distress call that will be picked up by all nearby vessels equipped with DSC.

If the radio is interfaced with a Loran or GPS, it will also automatically broadcast the distressed vessel's position. All fixed-mount radios now include it as a feature, so when the USCG Rescue 21 System becomes fully operational, your VHF will be able to take advantage of this latest feature.

You may do so free of charge here. Keep in mind that the U. Coast Guard is not yet responding to DSC transmissions nationally. Those traveling to or broadcasting in a foreign port must also obtain a Restricted Radiotelephone Operator's Permit RP. However, if you 1 merely plan to sail in domestic or international waters without docking in any foreign ports and without communicating with foreign coast stations, and 2 your radio operates only on VHF frequencies, you do not need an RP.

Most VHF radios on the market today have in excess of twenty twenty-five usable channels. Aside from the U. The most important channels on your VHF radio are 13, 16, 19, 22, and Channel 13 is used by commercial shipping to communicate their actions and confirm passage. Channel 16 All vessels must monitor this channel while underway. Channel 22 is the most common working channel for USCG in the event of an emergency. Always remember to check locally for channels authorized for use in your area as well as any local restrictions.

Try to remember that your VHF is not a private telephone. It's more like an old-fashioned party line. Everyone can hear your conversation. Keep the conversation short and to the point as there will be others waiting to use the channel. Also, do not allow children play with the VHF radio. Channel 16 - Distress calling and safety, ship-to-ship and ship-to-coast. Users must switch to a "working" channel after making initial contact except in emergencies. All vessels must monitor Channel 16 when not using the VHF radio for other purposes.

Channel 09 - Secondary calling channel a new FCC Rule has designated Channel 9 to be the preferred channel for calling. The purpose of this change is to free Channel 16 for distress calls.

Channel 06 - Ship-to-ship safety messages, and communication with search and rescue and Coast Guard vessels and aircraft. Channel 13 and Channel 67 - These are navigational channels.

Channel 13 all vessels is for one watt of transmission power only. Channel 67 Commercial Only is for one-watt transmission power only. These radio channels are also known as the "bridge-to-bridge" channels. These channels are used for listening to ship movements in tight waterways, locks, etc. Channel 22 - Used to speak with Coast Guard after initial contact on Channel Channel 68, Channel 69, Channel 71 and Channel 72 - Used solely for communications between vessels. Channel 01, Channels 07 through 11, Channel 18, Channel 19, Channel 63, Channel 67, Channel 79 and Channel 80 - Commercial working channels and are reserved for commercial vessels only.

Also note that Channel 63 has no listen. Channels 24 through 28 and Channels 84 through 88 - Are reserved for Marine Operator communications for the purpose of sending or receiving ship-to-shore phone calls.

Channel 70 - Digital Selective Calling. Those few vessels with DSC radios should use this channel for distress and calling channel instead of Channel W1 through Channel W10 - These channels are reserved for weather transmissions.

Channel 13 should be used to contact a ship when there is danger of collision. Users may be fined by the FCC for improper use of these channels.

See Marine Radio Watch Requirements for further information. Channel numbers, e. WX1, WX2 etc. Other channel numbering schemes are also prevalent. The order of channels shown is the order they were established and is slowly becoming less "popular" over time than a numerical ordering of channels.

VDSMS 08 08 VDSMS 09 09 Commercial and Non-Commercial. VDSMS 10 10 VDSMS 11 11 VTS in selected areas. VDSMS 12 12 Ships required to carry radio, USCG, and most coast stations maintain a listening watch on this channel.

See our Watchkeeping Regulations page. VDSMS 20 20 Coast Guard only 22A When done speaking and leaving a specific channel use the word " OUT " at the end.

What about in an emergency situation like mayday? Transmit in this order: Tune your radio to Channel Name of vessel in distress spoken three times. Give position of vessel by latitude or longitude or by bearing true or magnetic, state which and distance to a well-known landmark such as a navigational aid or small island, or in any terms which will assist a responding station in locating the vessel in distress. Include any information on vessel movement such as course, speed and destination.

Provide nature of distress sinking, fire etc. Indicate number of persons onboard. Provide kind of assistance desired. Any other information which might facilitate rescue, such as length or tonnage of vessel, number of persons needing medical attention, color hull, cabin, masts, etc. Repeat at intervals until an answer is received. It is used when the safety of a vessel or person is in jeopardy.

For example to report a submerged log in a particular vicinity. Avoid Using Cellular Phones! What do you do if you hear a distress call? How do I know if there are storm warnings?

Most VHFs also include the weather channels. How do I know if my radio is transmitting? You can request a radio check.

Do so on Channel 9 or another working channel. Not on Channel Recommendations and Warnings Turn your radio on and listen for a while to hear how other people use it.

Always listen before you transmit to make sure you are not "stepping" on someone. Use plain English on the VHF. Do not use codes or "CB talk".