Marine Radio-telephone Frequencies

For Recreational Boaters

How do I call another Boat?


Make sure your radio is on.
Speak directly into the microphone in a normal tone of voice -- clearly -- distinctly.
Select Channel 16 (156.8 MHz) and listen to make sure it is not being used.
Press the microphone button and call the boat you wish to call. Say "(name of ship being called) THIS IS (your ship's name and call sign)."
Once contact is made on Channel 16, you must switch to a ship-to-ship channel. (See Table, below.)
After communications are completed, each ship must give its call sign and switch to Channel 16.

What Channels May I Use?


Each channel is used only for certain types of messages. You must choose a channel which is available for the type of message you want to send. Except where noted, channels are available for both ship-to-ship and ship-to-coast messages
The channels listed in the table are the only channels you may use, even if your radio has more channels available. (See Table, below.)

How do I place a call through a Public Coast Station?


Make sure your radio is on.
Speak directly into the microphone in a normal tone of voice -- clearly -- distinctly.
Select the correct channel for the public coast station and listen to make sure it is not being used.
Press microphone button and say "(name of coast station) THIS IS (your call sign)."
When coast station operator answers, say: THIS IS (name of boat, call sign and billing number, if assigned). PLACING A CALL TO (city, telephone number desired). Inform operator of type billing desired.
After completion of call say"(name of boat, call sign) OUT."

TABLE FOR RECREATIONAL BOATERS

Type of Message and Suitable Channel(s)

DISTRESS SAFETY AND CALLING - Use this channel to get the attention of another station (calling) or in emergencies (distress and safety).
Channel 16

INTERSHIP SAFETY - Use this channel for ship-to-ship safety messages and for search and rescue messages and ships and aircraft of the Coast Guard.
Channel 6

COAST GUARD LIAISON - Use this channel to talk to the Coast Guard (but first make contact on Channel 16.
Channel 22

NONCOMMERCIAL - Working channels for recreational boats. Messages must be about the needs of the vessel. Typical uses include fishing reports, rendezvous, scheduling repairs and berthing information. Use Channels 67 and 72 only for ship-to-ship messages. Channel 9 is available for intership, ship and coast general purpose calling by noncommercial vessels. Channels 79 and 80 available only in the Great Lakes.
Channels 9, 68, 69, 71, 72, 78, 79, 80

PUBLIC CORRESPONDENCE (MARINE OPERATOR) - Use these channels to call the marine operator at a public coast station. By contacting a public coast station, you can make and receive calls from telephones on shore. Except for distress calls, public coast stations usually charge for this service. Channel 88 is only for use in the Great Lakes, St. Lawrence Seaway, and Puget Sound and the Strait of Juan de Fuca and its approaches.
Channels 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88

Information on this page was taken from Federal Communications Commission Fact Sheet PR-500, Number2, November 1994. For additional information on using your VHF Marine Radio, contact the FCC at 1919 M Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20554.

FYI  Stevens Marine Radio, Rochester, N.Y. maintains a Coast Marine Station
for emergency help or radio checks, etc.
KXE-303

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Revised 30 April 2005