When you’re out at sea, communication can be a lifeline, and understanding how to use your VHF radio properly is critical to safety. Whether you’re hailing another vessel, calling for help, or listening for weather updates, VHF channels are the primary way mariners communicate. Knowing the purpose of each channel and when to use it is essential for smooth sailing and, more importantly, for emergencies. Here’s a handy guide to the most important VHF channels you’ll need on the water.
1. Always Monitor Channel 16 📻
- Why: Channel 16 is the universal distress and hailing frequency, and you’re required to monitor it at all times while at sea. This ensures you can hear distress calls or respond to other vessels.
- Pro tip: Once contact is made on Channel 16, switch to a working channel to keep 16 clear for emergencies.
2. Know the Correct Distress Calls 🚨
- MAYDAY: Use only in life-threatening emergencies (e.g., sinking, fire, collision). Say “MAYDAY” three times, followed by the vessel’s name, position, and the nature of the distress.
- PAN-PAN: Used for urgent situations that are not immediately life-threatening (e.g., engine failure, medical assistance needed). Say “PAN-PAN” three times.
- SECURITE: For navigational safety messages or warnings (e.g., weather hazards, debris in the water). Say “SECURITE” three times.
3. Speak Clearly and Slowly 🗣️
- Why: VHF transmissions can sometimes be distorted or unclear due to static or weather conditions, so it’s essential to speak slowly and clearly. Hold the microphone a few inches from your mouth and avoid shouting.
- Pro tip: Wait for a few seconds after pressing the push-to-talk (PTT) button to avoid cutting off the beginning of your transmission.
4. Stick to Channel Protocols 📜
- Channel 16 (Distress/Calling): Use only for emergencies or initial hailing. After contact, switch to a working channel.
- Channel 9 (Calling Channel for Non-Commercial Vessels): Use this instead of Channel 16 in busy recreational areas to avoid cluttering the emergency channel.
- Working Channels (68, 69, 71, 72, 78A): Use these for non-emergency communications between boats or with marinas.
5. Make Initial Contact Properly 🔊
- How: When hailing another vessel, start by saying the name of the vessel three times, followed by your vessel’s name once.
- Example: “Pelican, Pelican, Pelican, this is Sea Breeze.”
- Pro tip: If no response is heard after two hails, wait 2-3 minutes before trying again.
6. Use “Over” and “Out” Correctly 🎙️
- Over: Say “over” when you’ve finished speaking but expect a reply. Example: “We are approaching the channel marker. Over.”
- Out: Use “out” when ending a conversation and no further response is needed. Example: “Understood. Out.”
- Pro tip: Never say “over and out”—it’s redundant! Use only one, depending on the situation.
7. Know When to Use Low or High Power ⚡
- Low power (1 watt): Use this setting for short-range communications, typically less than a few miles, such as when in a marina or near other vessels.
- High power (25 watts): Use for longer-range communications when necessary, but avoid high power unless absolutely required to reduce interference with other signals.
8. Use Channel 13 for Navigational Safety 🛳️
- Channel 13 is the bridge-to-bridge channel used by large ships for navigational safety. Use this channel to communicate your position or intentions when near commercial traffic, especially in narrow channels or when crossing shipping lanes.
9. Double-Check Weather Reports Before Setting Sail 🌤️
- Channel 22A is used by the U.S. Coast Guard for weather and safety broadcasts. Always check the weather reports before heading out, especially if you’re planning a long voyage or sailing in unfamiliar waters.
10. Keep Your Messages Brief ⏱️
- Why: VHF channels are shared, so long conversations can clog the airwaves and block out other important communications.
- Pro tip: If the conversation requires a lot of detail, consider switching to a less busy working channel like 68 or 72.
| MaydayMarine: VHF Radio Channels and Their Uses | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Channel | Usage | Description | Example |
| 16 | Distress, Safety, and Calling | Primary channel for emergency calls (MAYDAY, PAN-PAN, SECURITE) and initial contact between vessels. | MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY. This is [Vessel Name], [Position], we are sinking. Need immediate assistance. |
| 9 | Secondary Calling | Used for non-emergency hailing, especially in busy areas, to keep Channel 16 clear. | This is [Vessel Name], [Position], calling [Other Vessel’s Name]. Please switch to Channel 68. |
| 13 | Bridge-to-Bridge | Used for communication between vessels and bridges for navigational purposes and reporting hazards. | This is [Vessel Name], requesting passage through the bridge. Over. |
| 68 | Ship-to-Ship Communication | Commonly used for routine ship-to-ship conversations and coordination. | This is [Vessel Name], requesting assistance with mooring. Please advise. Over. |
| 69 | Ship-to-Ship Communication | Another channel for ship-to-ship communication, often used for less urgent matters. | This is [Vessel Name], confirming rendezvous at [Location]. Over. |
| 71 | Marine Operator | Used for communication with marine operators, such as marinas and harbor masters. | This is [Vessel Name], requesting slip reservation at [Marina Name]. Over. |
| 72 | Marine Operator | Additional channel for communication with marine operators, often used for administrative purposes. | This is [Vessel Name], asking for weather updates for the next 24 hours. Over. |
| 77 | Public Correspondence | Used for public correspondence and general marine information. Often utilized for announcements and local information. | This is [Vessel Name], requesting local event information. Over. |
| 84 | Port Operations | Used for communication related to port operations, including docking and cargo handling. | This is [Vessel Name], requesting docking instructions at [Port Name]. Over. |
