VHF Radio Channels - Update

A friend of mine asked me to write about the proper use of VHF radio channels. While I have done so before, it is a critical topic, and worth repeating. Your VHF radio is your lifeline to assistance in a distress situation. You don't need "chit chat" on an emergency or commercial channel when you have an urgent situation. There are valid reasons for using the right channels. It benefits us all when mariners follow the proper radio protocol.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulates the use of the VHF-FM Radiotelephone, which mariners commonly refer to as their "VHF radio." The FCC attempts to balance the voice traffic among the available frequencies and to maintain a sense of order.

A list of VHF frequencies and their designated uses is readily available. One place that they are listed is in your local U.S. Coast Pilot, a publication that provides local knowledge and general marine information. There are 9 regional Coast Pilots in the U.S. that are published by the National Ocean Service of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Channel 16 is described in the Coast Pilot as the "international distress, urgency, safety, calling and reply frequency." It is authorized for use by vessels, as well as public and private coastal stations (land based operations). Most mariners refer to Channel 16 as the "Hailing & Distress channel."

Mariners primarily use Channel 16 to call for assistance from the U.S. Coast Guard, and to make initial contact with other vessels and land based stations. Once the Coast Guard or another station replies, the conversation is switched to another channel, commonly called a "working channel" or "working frequency." That's where all of those other channels come in.

The FCC has designated Channel 22 as the "Coast Guard Liaison" channel. The Coast Guard uses other "working channels" as well, which they may direct you to from time to time.

Channels 1, 5, 12, 14, 20, 65, 66, 73, 74 and 77 are designated for uses relating to "Port Operations." The use of these channels varies with the level of marine traffic in the area.

Channel 13 is the navigational "ship to ship" channel on which captains will discuss piloting maneuvers in close quarters, or general information relating to their movements. Channel 13 is also used by railroad bridge tenders, highway bridge tenders and lock tenders.

Some other VHF channels that are designated as "commercial" only are 7, 10, 18, 19 and 88. This group of channels is widely used by businesses as their working channels.

A "base station license" for a marina, boatyard or towing company may specify a commercial "working channel" for use by those businesses in their daily marine operations.

Some non-commercial channels are 68, 69, 71 and 78. This group of channels, usually used by "recreational" mariners, is used to exchange fishing tips, to make arrangements for a rendezvous with another boater, etc.

In an effort to relieve congestion on Channel 16, in 1992 the FCC designated Channel 9 as a general purpose calling frequency for non-commercial vessels, such as recreational boats. Non-commercial vessels are encouraged to use Channel 9 for routine communications. Distress, urgency and safety calls should still be made on Channel 16. 

Until next time, I wish you clear skies, fair winds, and calm seas!