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VHF Marine
Channel Assignments
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English
VHF Marine
Channel Assignments
VHF Marine Channel Assignments
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Three (3) sets of VHF channels have been established for marine use in the U.S.A.,
Canada, and the rest of the world (International). Most of the channels are the same
for all three (3) maps, but there are definite differences (see table on the following
pages). Your radio has all three (3) maps built into it and will operate correctly in
whichever area you choose.
The following is a brief outline of the channel assignments in the U.S.A.
Channel Map.
Distress, Safety, And Calling
Channel 16
Getting the attention of another station (calling) or in emergencies
(distress and safety).
Calling
Channel 9
General purpose (non-emergency) calling by non-commercial vessels.
Recreational boaters are urged to use this channel to reduce congestion
on Channel 16.
Intership Safety
Channel 6
Ship-to-ship safety messages and for search and rescue messages to
Coast Guard ships and aircraft.
Coast Guard Liaison
Channel 22A
To talk to the Coast Guard (non-emergency) after making contact on Channel 16.
Non-Commercial
Channels 68*, 69, 71, 72, 78A, 79A*, 80A*
Working channels for small vessels. Messages must be about needs of the
vessel, such as fishing reports, berthing, and rendezvous. Use Channel 72 only
for ship-to-ship messages.
Commercial
Channels 1A, 7A, 8, 9, 10, 11, 18A, 19A, 63A, 67, 72, 79A, 80A, 88A*
Working channels for working ships only. Messages must be about business or
needs of the ship. Use Channels 8, 67, 72, and 88A only for ship-to-ship messages.
Public Correspondence (Marine Operator)
Channels 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 84, 84A, 85, 85A, 86, 86A, 87, 87A, 88*
For calls to marine operators at public coast stations. You can make and receive
telephone calls through these stations.
Port Operations
Channels 1A*, 5A*, 12*, 14*, 20A, 63A*, 65A, 66A, 73, 74, 77*
Used for directing the movement of ships in or near ports, locks, or waterways.
Messages must be about operational handling, movement, and safety of ships.
Navigational
Channels 13, 67
Channels are available to all vessels. Messages must be about navigation, including
passing or meeting other vessels. These are also the main working channels for
most locks and drawbridges. You must keep your messages short and power output
at no more than one (1) watt.
Maritime Control
Channel 17
For talking to vessels and coast stations operated by state or local governments.
Messages must be about regulation and control, boating activities, or assistance.
Digital Selective Calling
Channel 70
This channel is set aside for distress, safety, and general calling using only digital
selective calling techniques. Voice communication is prohibited; your radio cannot
transmit voice messages on this channel.
Weather
Channels Wx 1 Thru 10
Receive-only channels for NOAA weather broadcasts. You cannot transmit on them.
NOTE
* These channels are restricted to the listed uses in certain parts of
the country or for certain types of users only. Consult FCC rules
or a knowledgeable radio operator before using them.
VHF Marine Radio Protocols VHF Marine Radio Protocols
