Marine VHF radio channels form the backbone of ship-to-ship and ship-to-shore communication on the water. Operating on FM frequencies in the 156-174 MHz range, these channels are designated by the International Telecommunication Union as the VHF maritime mobile band. Transmitter power is limited to 25 watts, giving a range of about 100 kilometers (62 miles or 54 nautical miles). Knowing which channel to use for which purpose keeps you safe, legal, and in touch with other boaters and authorities.
The Essential Channels
While dozens of VHF channels exist, a few are critical for safety and everyday boating. The U.S. Coast Guard Navigation Center provides the authoritative channel information for U.S. waters. The table below shows the most important channels every recreational boater should know.
Channel | Frequency | Primary Use |
|---|---|---|
16 | 156.800 MHz | International Distress, Safety and Calling. Ships required to carry radio, the USCG, and most coast stations maintain a listening watch on this channel. |
13 | 156.650 MHz | Intership Navigation Safety (Bridge-to-bridge). Ships over 20 meters in length must maintain a listening watch on this channel in U.S. waters. |
09 | 156.450 MHz | Boater Calling, Commercial and Non-Commercial. Also used for radio checks per USCG guidance. |
06 | 156.300 MHz | Intership Safety communications. |
22A | 157.100 MHz | Coast Guard Liaison and Maritime Safety Information Broadcasts. Broadcasts are announced on channel 16. |
70 | 156.525 MHz | Digital Selective Calling only. Voice communications are not allowed on this channel. |
Recreational boaters often keep a secondary watch on channel 09 for routine hailing and radio checks. Boater-education organizations such as the BoatUS Foundation and equipment retailers like Quality2WayRadios both highlight channels 06, 09, 13, 16, 22, and 70 as the key frequencies for recreational use.
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Non-Commercial and Port Operations Channels
For everyday conversations between pleasure craft, channels 68 (156.425 MHz), 69 (156.475 MHz), 71 (156.575 MHz), and 72 (156.625 MHz) are designated as Non-Commercial channels. These are where you can chat with other boaters about fishing spots, meeting points, or social calls.
Port Operations channels include channel 12 (156.600 MHz) for selected VTS areas and channel 66A (156.325 MHz). The FCC requests that all U.S. marinas use channel 66A for marina communications. In British Columbia, channel 66A is used to call all marinas. Other port operations channels such as channel 14 (156.700 MHz) serve Vessel Traffic Services in specific regions like Puget Sound. Channel 5A (156.250 MHz) is used for Vessel Traffic Systems in the Straits (Admiralty Inlet, Strait of Juan de Fuca, San Juan Islands) and in the Houston, New Orleans, and Seattle areas.
Additionally, channel 15 (156.750 MHz) is a receive-only channel used for Environmental purposes, including Class C EPIRBs. You cannot transmit on channel 15.
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Important Rules and Best Practices
Radio checks should always be conducted on channel 09, never on channel 16. The USCG explicitly moved radio checks to channel 09 to keep the distress calling channel clear for emergencies. When you need to contact the Coast Guard, the proper procedure is to hail on channel 16 and then be directed to channel 22A for the conversation.
Keep in mind that channels 24, 84, 25, 85, 26, and 86 (Public Correspondence channels) cannot be used on or after January 1, 2030. These channels were historically used for radiotelephone calls to shore stations, but cellular and satellite services have made them obsolete.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is channel 16 used for?
Channel 16 (156.800 MHz) is the international distress, safety, and calling frequency. It is monitored by the U.S. Coast Guard, ships required to carry radio, and most coast stations. All boaters should monitor channel 16 while underway and use it only for emergencies or initial hailing before switching to a working channel.
Can I use channel 16 for radio checks or casual talk?
No. The USCG has explicitly moved radio checks to channel 09. Using channel 16 for non-emergency transmissions interferes with distress communications and is a violation of FCC regulations. Always perform radio checks on channel 09.
What channel should I use to call a marina?
In U.S. waters, the FCC requests that all marinas use channel 66A for port operations, so that is the best channel to try first. In British Columbia, channel 66A is also the standard for calling all marinas. If you get no response, you can check local guidebooks or ask other boaters for the marina’s preferred channel.
What is channel 70 used for?
Channel 70 (156.525 MHz) is reserved exclusively for Digital Selective Calling. Voice communications are not allowed. DSC allows you to send a digital distress alert with your vessel’s MMSI number and position, enabling a targeted rescue response. Most modern VHF radios include a dedicated DSC button.
Will some marine VHF channels be phased out?
Yes. Channels 24, 84, 25, 85, 26, and 86, the Public Correspondence channels, cannot be used on or after January 1, 2030. These channels were used for making radiotelephone calls to shore. After that date, those frequencies will no longer be available for maritime mobile use. Other channels will remain unchanged for the foreseeable future.
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