Then-initiate the call on channel 16. After contact is made switch to a working channel.
NOTE: Due to congestion on channel 16 caused by frequent hailing of other vessels, the FCC
has approved channel 9 as a second hailing channel.
Avoid excessive calling and radio checks
Always monitor before transmitting
Never interrupt emergency communications
Monitoring
Channel 16 & working Channel
When-your VHF station is turned on and it is not being used to exchange communications
You Must-monitor channel 16
As an operating convenience, many stations employ a second receiver so that they can
monitor a working channel and channel 16 simultaneously.
Intership Safety
Channel: 6
Vessels: Any
Use: Communicating navigational and weather warnings to other ships
Communicating with U.S. Coast Guard stations or other vessels during search and rescue
operations
Between: Ship-to-ship only
Comments: Do not use for routine communications. This is a safety channel.
U.S. Coast Guard
Channel: 22
Vessels: Any
Use: Working channel for exchange of communications with stations of the U.S. Coast Guard
Between: Ship to U.S. Coast Guard ship, coast to aircraft stations
Comments: U.S. Coast Guard does not regularly monitor this channel. Establish contact on
channel 16 and shift to channel 22 as directed.
Navigation
Channel: 13
Vessels: Any
Use: Safety communications pertaining to the maneuvering of vessels or the directing of
vessel movements
Primarily ship-to-ship and secondarily ship-to-coast
This is commonly called the Bridge-to-Bridge channel. Large vessels and towboats depend on
this channel for their safe navigation. Railway or highway bridges which open for ship
navigation often operate on this channel.
Bridge-to-Bridge stations must reduce power to one watt for routine operations.
Port Operations
Channels: 5, 12, 14, 20, 65, 66, 73, 74, [77]
Vessels: Any
Use: Messages relating to the operational handling, movement and safety of vessels in or near
ports, locks and waterways
Between: Ship-to-ship or ship-to-coast
Comments: Channel 77 is limited to communication to and from commercial pilots concerning
the movement and docking of vessels.
Note: Channels 11, 12, 13 and 14 are used for vessel traffic service on the Great Lakes, St.
Lawrence Seaway and designated major ports.
Non Commercial (Boat Operations)
Channels: 9, 68, 69, 71, 72, 78
Vessels: Recreational boats and any others not used primarily for commercial transport.
