Tune to channel 16, the channel monitored by the U.S. Coast Guard. Perform a radio check to ensure your unit is functioning properly—do not use channel 16 this.
What channel should I have my marine radio 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).
Which VHF channels can I use?
VHF Marine Radio Channels
- Channels 1-3, 23-28, 60, 64, 84-86: Public correspondence (marine operator).
- Channel 11-12: Vessel traffic regulating.
- Channel 13: Intership navigational traffic (bridge-to-bridge).
What marine 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.
Do you need a Licence for a VHF marine radio?
In short the answer is Yes! A Marine Radio Licence is required if you are operating Marine VHF Radios (known as Short Range – SROCP) and/or MF/HF Radios (known as Long Range – LROCP). The licence has nothing to do with whether the vessel is recreational or commercial, the size of vessel or where the vessel is operated.
How far will a marine VHF radio transmit?
Your VHF radio is intended mainly for short range communications, generally 5-10 miles, and at least 20 miles to a USCG station. To communicate at longer ranges, you will normally need a satellite telephone or an MF/HF marine radiotelephone.
What are the marine channels?
The most important channels on your VHF radio are 13, 16, 19, 22, and 70. Channel 13 is used by commercial shipping to communicate their actions and confirm passage. Channel 16 (156.8 MHz) VHF-FM is designated by the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) as the national distress, safety and calling frequency.
What is the marine emergency channel?
channel 16
However, channel 16 on your VHF radio is probably the most important. Channel 16 is designated as the national distress, safety and calling frequency. All vessels should monitor this channel while underway.
What is the emergency channel on marine radio?
Which VHF channel can I use to make a distress call?
Channel 16
You can use a maritime VHF radio to signal distress: Use maritime VHF Channel 16 and repeat ‘Pan Pan’ three times to signal the need for assistance. Use VHF Channel 16 and repeat ‘Mayday’ three times to signal imminent danger and/or a life-threatening situation.
Can a VHF radio talk to a CB radio?
A VHF radio will not allow you to do a broadcast to anyone who is not operating on the same channel as you. My answer: I have both a VHF/Ham radio and a CB radio in my Jeep. I can talk to anyone on the police frequencies we use for SAR and still communicate on the ground with CB frequency when needed.
Can you use marine VHF on land?
That’s illegal. Marine VHF radios, whether fixed or handheld, may not be used on land, period. It’s the law. Once a VHF radio goes ashore, it cannot be used for marine band transmission (without a Coast Station License).
What VHF radio do we use in New Zealand?
In New Zealand we use International. It’s important that when using a VHF radio in New Zealand, that the radio is set on the International setting. Check out the following table to see the role of each channel in New Zealand. The international distress, safety and calling frequency for the maritime mobile VHF radio-telephone service.
Who owns and maintains the New Zealand maritime radio network?
Maritime New Zealand owns and maintains one third of the maritime radio network. The remainder is provided for and maintained by Kordia. Changes to maritime radio frequencies occured on 1 October 2016. Emergency distress calls to Marine Channel 16 are unaffected.
Who is responsible for issuing radio call signs for marine VHF?
All users of marine VHF are required to hold a minimum of a marine VHF operator’s qualification and be issued with a radio call sign. The Coastguard Boating Education Service is responsible for issuing and updating radio call signs for commercial and recreational boaties.
What is MF/HF maritime radio?
The MF/HF (medium and high frequency) Maritime Radio Service is provided by TAUPO Maritime Radio, from a site in the middle of the North Island. MF/HF is used to describe frequencies or channels in the range 300 kHz – 30 MHz.
