Know Your Marine Channels

This post is about marine radios and comes right out of my practical boating skills curriculum I used to assist new and existing boaters on helping them obtain real practical boating experience.

Know Your Marine Channels

It is very important to understand the marine radio channel frequencies (or channel numbers) and the primary use for that frequency. Because a VHF marine radio is a two-way radio transceiver, only one person can speak at a time. Proper radio etiquette should always be followed to ensure proper communication is communicated and understood. Additionally, all boaters should respect the channel frequency designations (purpose); especially those of the "big three" (see below):

Channel 16

16 is reserved for distress and safety calls. It is also used to contact other vessels or shore stations. Harbormasters, other vessels, marinas and the United State Coast Guard. The USCG continuously records all transmissions on Channel 16. Additionally, ALL VESSELS who are equipped with a VHF marine radio (including portables) are required by regulation to have the radio on, tuned to channel 16 and monitor transmissions on Channel 16.

Channel 13

13 is used for vessel bridge-to-bridge communications and is heavily trafficked by commercial ships for inter-ship navigation.

Channel 22A

22A is used for safety broadcasts and USCG communications. After hailing on channel 16, you're usually asked to switch to 22A because of congestion on channel 16. Channel 9 has been designated as an alternate contact-calling channel between pleasure vessels and to shore stations; however, except in some areas, the Coast Guard doesn't transmit safety messages on 9.

Radio Functionality Checks

Part of your checklist includes verifying the functionality of your VHF marine radio. But do not perform a radio check on 16, 9, 22A or any other restricted channel. All veteran boaters view anyone performing a radio check on channel 16 as a newbie, annoyance or worse. For those that who continuously transmit inappropriate communications, the USCG may pursue locating the person in violation. VHF marine radio checks should be conducted on a recreational channel like Channel 68; for example, marine assistance providers (SeaTow) typically use channel 68 for their operations.

Non-Commercial and Recreational Channels

The following channels are considered non-commercial channels. However, the VHF Marine radio is not a personal telephone or personal communication device. The VHF Marine radio is used for official operational purposes. Information about weather, boating conditions, navigation or marina operations are acceptable topics to communicate on non-commercial and recreational channels. However, what your best friend did last night on their date or asking someone on another vessel if they brought the beer is highly inappropriate.

Whatever type of conversation you may be having, remember that no one else within a 20-mile range can talk on that channel while you're talking. Considering the limited number of appropriate channels, an extended conversation can inconvenience many other boaters. So, keep your VHF communications brief and to the point.

If you're communicating with a boat that's close by (within a mile or two), you should switch over to low power. Both fixed-mount and handheld VHFs have low-power settings, which limit the range of your broadcast and thereby limit the number of other boaters you may be blocking out due to your transmission.

Remember that everyone can hear you! It's very easy to offend people, and there are often small children listening.

Below is the list of the common non-commercial and recreational boating channels:

Channel 68

Commonly used for by the recreational-boating community.

Channel 69

Non-commercial use

Channel 71

Non-commercial use

Channel 72

Commonly used for by the recreational-boating community.

Channel 78A

Non-commercial use

Wikipedia has a well-maintained page (VHF Marine Channels) that lists all the channels for those that would like to know the complete list of marine channels and their use.

Emergency Radio Signaling

Emergency Code Words

All emergency communications should be communicated on Channel 16 with your radio power setting to high (5 watts or more). Additionally, your broadcast should be somewhat structured.

Your emergency message communication should start with one of two emergency indicator code words. Each word should be spoken three (3) times before you communicate your message.

Mayday…Mayday…Mayday…

Mayday is used when your emergency is life threatening and loss of life or serious injury is a real possibility.

Pan Pan… Pan Pan… Pan Pan…

Pan Pan is used when your situation is serious; but, loss of life or serious injury is not present…BUT could become present.

Communicating Vessel Identification For vessels that have been given a name, in the emergency broadcast you will first say; “This is,” followed by the vessel propulsion type, followed by the vessel name spoken three times (3) times.

For example;

“This is power boat iCaptain…iCaptain…iCaptain.”

When the vessel has no name, you may use the vessels registration number. This is the combination of letters and numbers on the port and starboard bow freeboard area; and begins with FL XXXXXXX. In the emergency broadcast you will first say “This is,” followed by the vessel propulsion type, followed by speaking registration then the registration number three (3) times.

For example;

“This is power boat registration number FL 1234567, FL 1234567, FL 1234567.”

Communicating Location Most vessels are equipped with GPS chart plotter system. Depending on its display configuration of the chart plotter screen, the latitude and longitude coordinates may be constantly displayed. In the event they are not, most chart plotters will allow you to make the present location with a touch of the screen or push of a button. By doing this, you mark your location on the display and the system should display the latitude and longitude coordinates. You should understand how the GPS charter plotter is used; especially locating your current latitude and longitude coordinates.

When communicating latitude and longitude coordinates there are two common ways depending on which coordinate system is used.

DMS (Degrees, Minutes, Seconds) 27°44'38.9"N 82°51'37.6"W

The line of latitude is read as 27 degrees, 44 minutes, 38.9 seconds, north.

The line of longitude is read as 82 degrees, 51 minutes, 37.6 seconds, east.

Degrees and decimal minutes (DMM) 27.744137, -82.860450

The line of latitude is read as 27.744137 by -82.860450

Note, don’t worry about using the negative sign in you verbal description, the Coast Guard will know what you mean

No GPS Chart Plotter

It is possible that you have a vessel that is not equipped with a GPS system. When this is the case, it is very important that you have a general idea of where you are. It is highly recommended that you do not boat beyond the sight of any coastal landmarks without a GPS system. However, when your boating destination takes you beyond the sight of coastal landmarks and no GPS device is available, you should have a basic idea of where you are planning to be and the route that you take and how much time you have spent on your route; in other words a “Boat Plan.” All these elements will assist the Coast Guard in locating your position.

It is also important to communicate if your vessel is underway (moving). Even though engine isn’t running, the vessel is still moving by the effects of wind and current. If you know the current’s set and the wind speed, communicate that in the message as well; and, communicate that you’re not under propulsion but vessel is underway (not anchored).

The way you can communicate your location when GPS coordinates are not know is the following:

My position is approximately 6 miles due west off the coast of St. Pete Beach; vessel has no propulsion, but we are underway.

Communicating Remaining Parts of The Emergency Message

The remaining parts of the emergency message should be spoken slowly and clearly to ensure that the message is well received. Those items should include the following:

1. Nature of distress (sinking, fire etc.).

2. Kind of assistance desired.

3. Number of persons onboard.

4. Any other information which might facilitate rescue

5. Use the word "over" to communicate that that is the end of your message.

How To Speak The Emergency Message

1. SPEAK SLOWLY and CLEARLY; remember, channel 16 is constantly being recorded

2. Communicate the emergency type code word

3. State your vessel’s name; if vessel has no name, state you boat’s registration number

4. State your latitude and longitude (or approximate location if your inland or near coastal waters)

5. Nature of distress

6. Assistance needed

7. Number of person’s onboard

8. Any other pertinent information including boat description

9. Termination of your message by saying the word “Over”

Once the Coast Guard receives the message, understands the nature of the emergency and your location, they will respond to you with follow up questions. KEEP CALM and do your best to answer their questions. They may ask you to change your radio’s VHF Channel to continue the emergency communication.

The Coast Guard will ask the nature of the emergency, how the emergency is impacting your situation, how many passengers, there age, if anyone needs medical attention and if you have the capability to provide medical attention, the type of vessel you have and other pertinent information. They will also re-broadcast your information on Channel 16 to alert any vessels that may be in the area that can come to your aid.

Emergency Communication Example

Ensure you are on Channel 16 and broadcasting at high power.

Say the following:

Pan Pan…Pan Pan…Pan Pan……This is Power Boat iCaptain…iCaptain…iCaptain…...my location is twenty seven degrees… fourty four minutes…. thirty eight point nine seconds… north…… by eighty two degrees… fifty one minutes…Thirty seven point six seconds… west. Vessel has no propulsion but is underway with wind and current. Experiencing engine failure and slowly taking on water. Need rescue, medical assistance and tow. 6 adults on board all wearing life jackets; one adult has severe burn on right hand. iCaptain is a 24 feet blue and white Sea Hunt with a white top and outboard engine, registration number FL 1234567…Visual distress signal has been initiated…Over.

"Sécurité"

If you have a VHF marine radio, tune it to channel 16 you will hear Securite messages. These messages are usually issues, navigational warnings, meteorological warnings, and any other warning (and rarely life threating) that address general safety.

Example: Sécurité… Sécurité… Sécurité… All stations … All stations… All stations… This is Coast Guard Sector St Pete Florida… This is Coast Guard Sector St Pete Florida… This is Coast Guard Sector St Pete Florida… --------MESSAGE---