Very High Frequency (VHF) marine radios were first discussed in the Suite101.com article on Boater Communications and Procedures. VHF marine radios are channelized, that is each assigned frequency is given a channel number. Unlike some radios, the operator isn't required to enter a specific frequency like 158.600 Mhz to make a call. Boaters should monitor channel 16 for calls intended for their vessel or for boats that might be in distress. The Coast Guard also makes Broadcast Notices to Mariners on channel 16 that contain important safety messages. There many channels available to a boater on their marine VHF radio. This article will explain the channel scheme and describe the use of the channels in more detail. It is important for boaters to select the proper channel to use on their radio. Misuse is a violation of Federal law.
HAILING & EMERGENCY: Channel 16 - Use channel 16 when making initial contact with other stations, to make distress calls or conduct emergency communications with the Coast Guard. The Coast Guard uses channel 9 as a hailing frequency in the northeast United States.
INTERSHIP SAFETY: Channel 06 - This channel is used for intership or ship to ship emergency communications. The Coast Guard also uses the channel for search and rescue missions, and emergency operations. This can include communications with aircraft like helicopters or C-130s to boats.
U.S. COAST GUARD: Channel 22A - 22A is the channel assigned as a working channels for boaters and the Coast Guard. Once you make contact with the Coast Guard on 16, they will ask you to switch to 22A.
VESSEL TO VESSEL NAVIGATIONAL SAFETY: Channel 13 - Conversations on this channel are limited to safety communications between vessels. Some also call it the bridge-to-bridge channel. This is where you communicate your intentions to another boat. This could be something like telling the other boat that you will pass them port to port or plan to overtake them from their starboard side. Vessels over 20 meters in length operating in the U.S. Territorial Waters are required to monitor both channels 13 and 16.
MARINE WEATHER: Channels WX1, WX2 and WX3 - The National Weather Service provides regular marine weather forecasts on these channels. Channel assignments vary by geographic region.
NONCOMMERCIAL: Channels 09, 68, 69, 71, 72, 78 - These are the radio channels that should be used by recreational boats. Channels 09, 68, 69, 71, and 78 can be used for intership and ship to shore communications. Channel 72 is reserved for ship to ship contacts.
COMMERCIAL: Intership and Ship to Shore Channels 01, 07, 09, 10, 11, 18, 19, 63, 79 and 80. Intership only Channels are 08, 67 and 88 - Commercial channels are intended for use by boats engaged in commercial activities like cruise ships and oil tankers. If you have a chance to monitor these channels at a busy seaport, it can be entertaining.
PORT OPERATIONS: Channels 01, 05, 12, 14, 63, 65, 66, 73, 74, 77 - Port operations include ship movements, lightering and communications with ship pilots and tug boats. Pilots and assist tugs prefer to use channel 12 or 77.
NOT FOR PUBLIC USE: Channels 15, 17, 21, 23, 81, 82, 83 - Use of these channels is restricted to governmental agencies. The Coast Guard for instance uses channel 21 for its ship to shore communications.
DIGITAL SELECTIVE CALLING: (DSC) Channel 70 - DSC equipped radios allow registered vessels to contacted directly, much like having a personal telephone number. DSC calls are non-voice communications.
MARINE OPERATOR: Channels 24, 25, 26, 27, 28 - Public correspondence or marine operator channels offer boaters a connection to the telephone system. Rates are high and use has largely been supplanted by cellular phones.
It is important to read the operator's manual that comes with your radio. You will hear the Coast Guard make references like, "Switch to channel 22 Alpha." Alpha or the letter "A" refers to channels used in the United States that don't match up to the international standards for marine channel assignments. Your radio should have a selector switch or menu item labeled US/International. Keep your radio on the US position while operating in United States waters. The power output of most marine VHF radios can be set by a switch to either 5 or 25 watts. Try to using the lower power setting first, this will help reduce interference with other users.
For a detailed, channel by channel description, see the Coast Guard Marine Communications webpage.
