Mayday! Mayday! Calling all boaters: what VHF marine radio channel is reserved for distress calls situations?
Channel 16 VHF (156.8 MHz)
Suppose you’ve ever gone boating in the ocean. In that case, chances are you’ve tuned into some marine radio to hear emergency notices from other ships and sailors before heading out on your next adventure. As boaters, we are responsible for our safety. This responsibility extends beyond our safety and into the safety of everyone else who happens to be on the water with us at the same time. That’s why it’s so important always to be prepared when you go out onto the water, especially if you plan on going far away from shore.
You might wonder what VHF marine radio channel is reserved for distress calls. Channel 16 is reserved for use in an emergency or distress situation, so you must never neglect to check this channel before you start your vessel’s engine and set off on your journey. If you’re a boater, then you know the importance of having a VHF marine radio with you at all times during your trip, especially if you’re out on the open water and there are other boats around you. While most boaters assume that channel 16 is constantly monitored, it’s not.
Boat captains should be aware of many important VHF marine radio channels. Still, one in particular that you should never forget to check before you leave port or head out on the water—is Channel 16, also known as the Distress and Safety Calling Channel.
VHF marine radio channels are designated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for specific uses. Channel 16 is the international distress, safety, and calling channel, while Channel 70 is set aside as a digital selective calling (DSC) distress frequency. Digital selective calling devices have limited battery life.
Understanding the VHF Distress Channel
The distress channel is a radio frequency set aside for emergency communications. It’s also known as Channel 16. The International Telecommunications Union (ITU) recommends that all ships carry a radio capable of communicating on Channel 16. In an emergency, the operator should use this channel to transmit a distress call, giving their ship’s name and position, followed by This and their national identity. If another ship hears the transmission and wishes to respond, they should first indicate their intention to do so by using the phrase I am listening.
If the vessel you are communicating with does not have DSC capability, contact them via Channel 16 or use your cell phone or satellite phone to call for help. Additionally, suppose you have a working VHF antenna on board. In that case, it can be tuned to 121.5 MHz and 243.0 MHz so that any airborne aircraft in the area will hear your distress signal when transmitting an emergency locator transmitter signal on one of these frequencies.
Why You Should Never Forget to Check Your VHF Marine Radio Channel 16
If you’re ever in a situation where you need to make a distress call, you’ll want to be on VHF marine radio channel 16. This is the international distress frequency, and it’s monitored 24/7 by the Coast Guard and other rescue organizations. Forgetting to check your VHF marine radio channel could mean the difference between life and death. When this happens, it can take hours or even days before someone can find you if they don’t know what frequency to look for.
One of the best ways to protect yourself against this potential danger is by installing an emergency position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB) on your boat that automatically sends out a signal with location information when activated. It’s also worth mentioning that two channels are used internationally for emergency situations: channel 16 and channel 22A. So why not invest in an EPIRB today?
Situational Awareness in Boating
In order to maintain situational awareness while boating, it is important to be aware of your surroundings at all times. This means being aware of other boats in the area and any potential hazards. One way to do this is to monitor the VHF marine radio channel 16, which is reserved for distress calls. By monitoring this channel, you can be alerted to any potential dangers in the area and take appropriate action. Keep in mind that VHF marine radios only work within line-of-sight distances (no more than 20 miles), so if an emergency occurs outside of these ranges, you should contact the Coast Guard or another rescue organization.
Practice Using Channels 70 & 16
When operating a VHF marine radio, it’s important to know which channels are reserved for specific purposes. Channel 16 is the international calling and distress frequency, while channel 70 is used for digital selective calling (DSC). A DSC call sounds like an automated voice message: Please transmit your message again or wait. Receiving a DSC call may feel disconcerting initially, but they’re one of the safest ways to communicate on the water because they can’t be interrupted by interference from other radios.
Things can always go wrong, no matter how well you plan or are experienced. That’s why it’s important to have a backup plan (or two). Channel 16 is the most important backup source you need while on the sea. It is used exclusively for emergency and distress messages and should be monitored at all times.
Final Thoughts
The United States Coast Guard monitors and response to maritime distress calls on VHF Channel 16 (156.8 MHz), also known as the international hailing and distress frequency. This channel is reserved for emergency communications only, and all mariners are required to monitor it while underway. In the event of an emergency, make sure to properly identify your location and the nature of your distress call so that the Coast Guard can provide you with the assistance you need.
If someone needs help, but they’re not near enough to communicate with the Coast Guard directly, they should try contacting other nearby vessels by making a mayday call—three short blasts followed by one long blast—on their vessel’s horn or whistle.
FAQs
What VHF marine radio channel is reserved for distress calls?
Channel 16 is the international distress, safety, and calling channel. Channel 16 (156.8 MHz) is North America’s global calling and emergency channel.
What other channels should I monitor?
Watch out for Channel 9A and B – these channels may also be used by law enforcement when there are no available channels on the lower frequencies because of congestion. If you’re not in an area where this happens very often, don’t worry about monitoring them unless you hear something.
Are there any Restrictions?
Exclusively for use by USCG. On Channels 9 or 16, the USCG may request that you change to Channel 22A if you get in touch with them.
