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Marine VHF
16 entriesUS marine VHF channels. Channel 16 is the international distress, safety and calling channel — all vessels should monitor it while underway.
| Name / Channel | Frequency (MHz) | Mode / Notes | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ch 16 | 156.800 | FM | International distress, safety & calling. Monitor while underway. Distress traffic has absolute priority. |
| Ch 9 | 156.450 | FM | Recreational-vessel hailing channel (keeps chatter off 16). |
| Ch 13 | 156.650 | FM · 1W | Bridge-to-bridge navigation safety; drawbridges and locks. Low power (1 W). |
| Ch 6 | 156.300 | FM | Intership safety and SAR coordination with aircraft. |
| Ch 22A | 157.100 | FM | USCG liaison + Marine Safety Information broadcasts announced on 16. |
| Ch 70 | 156.525 | DSC | DSC digital distress & calling ONLY — no voice. Your radio's red DISTRESS button transmits here. |
| Ch 68 | 156.425 | FM | Non-commercial working channel (recreational). |
| Ch 69 | 156.475 | FM | Non-commercial working channel. |
| Ch 71 | 156.575 | FM | Non-commercial working channel. |
| Ch 72 | 156.625 | FM | Non-commercial ship-to-ship. |
| Ch 78A | 156.925 | FM | Non-commercial working channel. |
| Ch 12 | 156.600 | FM | Port operations / Vessel Traffic Service in many harbors. |
| Ch 14 | 156.700 | FM | Port operations / VTS. |
| Ch 17 | 156.850 | FM · 1W | State-controlled vessels; low power. |
| AIS 1 / AIS 2 | 161.975 / 162.025 | GMSK | Automatic Identification System — vessel position broadcasts (Ch 87B/88B). |
| MF Distress | 2182 kHz | USB | MF distress/calling for offshore vessels beyond VHF range. |