VHF Marine

Channel Assignments

VHF Marine Radio Protocols

VHF Marine Channel Assignments

Three (3) sets of VHF channels have been established for marine use in the U.S.A., Canada, and the rest of the world (International). Most of the channels are the same for all three (3) maps, but there are definite differences (see table on the following pages). Your radio has all three (3) maps built into it and will operate correctly in whichever area you choose.

The following is a brief outline of the channel assignments in the U.S.A. Channel Map.

Distress, Safety, and Calling

Channel 16

Getting the attention of another station (calling) or in emergencies (distress and safety).

Calling

Channel 9

General purpose (non-emergency) calling by non-commercial vessels. Recreational boaters are urged to use this channel to reduce congestion on Channel 16.

Intership Safety

Channel 6

Ship-to-ship safety messages and for search and rescue messages to Coast Guard ships and aircraft.

Coast Guard Liaison

Channel 22A

To talk to the Coast Guard (non-emergency) after making contact on Channel 16.

Non-Commercial

Channels 68*, 69, 71, 72, 78A, 79A*, 80A*

Working channels for small vessels. Messages must be about needs of the vessel, such as fishing reports, berthing, and rendezvous. Use Channel 72 only for ship-to-ship messages.

Commercial

Channels 1A, 7A, 8, 9, 10, 11, 18A, 19A, 63A, 67, 72, 79A, 80A, 88A* Working channels for working ships only. Messages must be about business or needs of the ship. Use Channels 8, 67, 72 and 88A only for ship-to-ship messages.

VHF Marine

Channel Assignments

VHF Marine Radio Protocols

Public Correspondence (Marine Operator)

Channels 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 60, 61, 84, 84A, 85, 85A, 86, 86A, 87, 87A, 88* For calls to marine operators at public coast stations. You can make and receive telephone calls through these stations.

Port Operations

Channels 1A*, 5A*, 12*, 14*, 18, 19, 20A, 21, 22, 63A*, 65A, 66A, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77*, 79, 80, 81, 82

Used for directing the movement of ships in or near ports, locks or waterways. Messages must be about operational handling, movement and safety of ships.

Navigational

Channels 13, 67

Channels are available to all vessels. Messages must be about navigation, including passing or meeting other vessels. These are also the main working channels for most locks and drawbridges. You must keep your messages short and power output at no more than 1 watt.

Maritime Control

Channel 17

For talking to vessels and coast stations operated by state or local governments. Messages must be about regulation and control, boating activities or assistance.

Digital Selective Calling

Channel 70

This channel is set aside for distress, safety and general calling using only digital selective calling techniques. Voice communication is prohibited; your radio cannot transmit voice messages on this channel.

Weather

Channels Wx 1 Thru 9

Receive-only channels for NOAA and Canadian weather broadcasts. You cannot transmit on them.

NOTE

*These channels are restricted to the listed uses in certain parts of the country or for certain types of users only. Consult FCC rules or a knowledgeable radio operator before using them.

 

 

 

 

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Cobra Electronics MRF45 owner manual VHF Marine Channel Assignments