Which VHF channels can I use?
What channels should you use for regular conversations? Channels 68, 69, 71, 72, and 78A are considered non-commercial channels, and in most areas, 68 and 72 are commonly used by the recreational-boating community. But remember that the VHF is officially for “operational” purposes.
How can I listen to the Coast Guard on the radio?
Boater Calling Channel (VHF Channel 9) The Federal Communications Commission established VHF-FM channel 9 as a supplementary calling channel for noncommercial vessels (recreational boaters) at the request of the Coast Guard.
What channel should my VHF be on?
Federal Communications Commission regulations require boaters having VHF radios to maintain a watch on either channel 9 or channel 16, whenever the radio is turned on and not communicating with another station. All non-emergency traffic should be communicated on another channel (not channels 9 or 16).
What is VHF Channel 16 used for?
national distress, safety
Channel 16 is designated as the national distress, safety and calling frequency. All vessels should monitor this channel while underway. When hailing other boats for routine communication, you’ll need to hail them on 16 or 09, and then move to an available working channel, usually 68, 69, 71 or 72.
Can I listen to VHF radio?
Re: marine vhf – listening online? All VHF traffic is intended for the specified use only, you are supposed to disregard anything you hear (other than mayday, panpan and all stations broadcasts) that wasn’t directed at you, and as already said you are not supposed to repeat any of it later on.
Is there an app to listen to VHF radio?
Skywave Schedules. Here’s another excellent shortwave radio app for Android users. Skywave schedules give you an easy way to track down the broadcasts that you most want to listen to.
What is VHF channel 16 used for?
What is channel 9 used for on VHF?
The Federal Communications Commission established VHF-FM channel 9 as a supplementary calling channel for noncommercial vessels (recreational boaters) at the request of the U.S. Coast Guard. The purpose of the FCC regulation was to relieve congestion on VHF channel 16, the distress, safety and calling frequency.
Do I need a Licence for a VHF radio?
Anyone who uses a Marine VHF Radio needs a licence. If you are a sailor, powerboater, kayaker, angler or even a paddleboarder, you will most certainly need a marine radio.
What is the frequency for channel 16?
156.8 MHz
Channel 16: Do’s & Don’ts VHF Channel 16 is the international distress frequency; it broadcasts on a frequency of 156.8 MHz and is received worldwide by any VHF radio. It is used for distress and emergency calls as well as for informational broadcasts from the Coast Guard.
Where can I find more information about marine VHF radio channels?
See the Federal Communications Commission’s Marine VHF Radio Channelspage. The FCC page does not include frequency information, but has more complete information on the use of the channels. If you notice any discrepancy between these two lists, please notify us at [email protected].
Will my old VHF radio work with the new frequencies?
While new VHF radios will be required to take full advantage of the new frequencies, older VHF’s will remain usable other than not being able to access some of the new (4) digit channel numbers. The complete list of frequencies available in the VHF Maritime Mobile Band with notes: Marine VHF Frequencies by International Agreement a.
How many VHF channels are available?
The VHF frequencies shown below, have been set aside by the ITU for the purposes stated. As of January 01, 2017, there are now 98 VHF channels made available by international agreement. Many previous duplex channels have been split to simplex to increase the channel availability.
What channels do I need to guard when using VHF?
All ships of length 20m or greater are required to guard VHF channel 13, in addition to VHF channel 16, when operating within U.S. territorial waters. Users may be fined by the FCC for improper use of these channels.