Emergency Radio Frequencies (Coast Guard, Military, Maritime)

Coast Guard, Maritime, National Guard, and Military Channels

When major storms, power outages, wildfires, or infrastructure failures occur, normal communication systems can become unreliable very quickly. Cellular networks become overloaded, internet service may fail, and access to real-time information suddenly becomes far more difficult than most people expect.

This guide combines two critical areas: maritime frequencies monitored by the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) for sea-based emergencies, and National Guard/military frequencies for land-based disaster preparedness and response. These tap into enthusiast scanning communities, emergency managers, and volunteers alike, paralleling systems like FEMA’s interoperability channels.

Whether you’re a boater, scanner hobbyist, or prepper, understanding these can help you stay informed (monitoring is legal; transmitting requires proper licensing). I’ll cover key frequencies, updates for 2026, and how to monitor them safely.

Maritime and U.S. Coast Guard Emergency Channels

The USCG oversees VHF marine bands for distress, safety, and operations, with HF for longer-range offshore comms. Channel 16 (156.800 MHz) remains the international distress frequency, monitored 24/7 by the USCG and vessels. In 2026, note the shift to four-digit channel numbers (e.g., 22A now 1022) to align with international standards, though legacy two-digit labels are still widely used.

Key VHF Marine Channels (156–162 MHz Band)

All in FM mode, 25 kHz spacing unless noted. These are the most critical for US waters.

Channel	Frequency (MHz)	Primary Use	Notes
6	156.300	Ship-to-ship safety	Intership coordination
9	156.450	Boater calling/commercial	Non-emergency hailing
13	156.650	Bridge-to-bridge navigation	Commercial vessel safety
16	156.800	International Distress, Safety & Calling	USCG monitors; switch to working channel after contact
21A	157.050	USCG operations (regional)	Canadian Coast Guard in some areas
22A (1022)	157.100	USCG liaison & broadcasts	Post-distress working channel; maritime safety info
23A	157.150	USCG operations	Port ops in some regions
70	156.975	Digital Selective Calling (DSC) distress	Automated alerts only; no voice
81A	157.075	USCG working	Environmental/marine ops
83A	157.175	USCG working	Alternate liaison

HF (High Frequency) for Offshore and Weather Broadcasts

USCG ceased monitoring some voice distress HF channels in 2022 (e.g., 4125, 6215, 8291, 12290 kHz), shifting to DSC and satellite. Focus on these active ones for 2026 weather and safety broadcasts (USB mode).

Frequency (kHz)	Primary Use	Schedule/Notes
4426, 6501, 8764	Chesapeake (NMN) weather broadcasts	Multiple daily times; check NWS site
4134, 6212, 8240	New Orleans (NMG) weather	Gulf/Coastal
4316, 8502, 12750	Pt. Reyes (NMC) weather	Pacific
4247, 6340.5, 9110	Kodiak (NOJ) weather	Alaska

For global distress: 2182 kHz (international HF voice distress, though less monitored now).

National Guard and Military Disaster Preparedness Frequencies

The National Guard and U.S. military use dedicated VHF/UHF channels for disaster response, often coordinating with FEMA during activations like hurricanes or wildfires. These parallel FEMA’s interoperability nets, focusing on ground ops, air support, and command. Key example: 163.5125 MHz as a national disaster preparedness channel. Many are narrowband (NBFM) for efficiency.

Key VHF/UHF Frequencies

These are nationwide or common; local ops may vary by state/region.

Frequency (MHz)	Mode/PL Tone	Primary Use	Notes
163.4875	NFM	National Guard nationwide emergency	Interoperability with state forces
163.5125	NFM	Military national disaster preparedness	Armed forces coordination during events
168.6250	NFM / 110.9 Hz	National Air Guard	Emergency air-to-ground; fire/disaster aviation; last channel on many NIICD radios
243.000	AM	Military Air Distress (UHF Guard)	Aviation emergencies; second guard channel
138.225	NFM	Military ops (common in disasters)	Ground command in some activations
40.500	FM	Army National Guard low-band	Legacy tactical in rural areas

Modern systems like DIRECT provide phone/internet/Wi-Fi to responders, but these freqs handle voice/tactical comms.

How to Monitor These Frequencies Safely and Legally During Emergencies

1. Get the Right Equipment

• Scanner: Uniden SDS100/200 or BCD436HP (handles narrowband and trunking if military uses P25).
• Antenna: Discone or marine whip for VHF/UHF coverage.
• For HF: Shortwave receiver like Tecsun PL-880.

1. Program Your Device

• Use software like CHIRP (for radios) or Sentinel (Uniden scanners).
• Enter frequencies in VFO mode or save to banks labeled “USCG Maritime” and “National Guard Disaster.”
• Set squelch low for weak signals; enable CTCSS/PL tones where known (e.g., 110.9 Hz for Air Guard).
• For SAME-like alerts: Not applicable here, but pair with NOAA for weather triggers.

1. Legal Notes

• Monitoring is fine under FCC rules (no decryption of encrypted channels).
• Transmitting? Requires marine license for VHF maritime or ham/military auth for others—don’t interfere.
• Check RadioReference.com or official sites for regional updates.

1. Pro Tips

• During events (e.g., hurricanes), scan Channel 16/22A first for USCG action, then switch to 163 MHz range for Guard deployments.
• Use apps like Broadcastify for online feeds if you’re not in range.
• Test weekly: Listen for routine traffic to confirm setup.

From sea to shore, these frequencies keep responders connected when everything else fails. Stay tuned, stay safe, and consider volunteering with groups like ARES for hands-on involvement.

73 and fair winds!

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