VHF Marine Radio Channels: Complete Guide
The practical channel map for recreational boating: what to monitor, what to avoid, and how to use Channel 16, DSC Channel 70, Channel 9, Channel 13, Coast Guard 22A, working channels, and NOAA Weather correctly.
Safety note: Follow official Coast Guard regulations, NOAA advisories, and your radio manufacturer’s instructions. In an emergency, contact the Coast Guard on VHF Channel 16 or call 911.
Quick channel cheat sheet
| Channel | Primary use | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| 16 | Distress, safety, and calling | Monitor, hail, then switch off immediately for conversation |
| 70 | DSC data only | Send a DSC distress alert, then make the voice Mayday on 16 |
| 9 | Secondary calling in some areas | Use where customary, then move to a working channel |
| 13 | Bridge-to-bridge navigation | Use for passing arrangements near ships, bridges, locks, and traffic lanes |
| 22A | Coast Guard liaison | Often used after initial contact on 16 |
| 68/69/71/72 | Routine working channels | Move routine conversation here and keep it brief |
| WX1–WX10 | NOAA Weather Radio | Scan for the strongest local transmitter and monitor warnings |
Best practice: Use 16 to make contact, then move immediately to a working channel.
Critical safety and calling channels
Channel 16 — distress, safety, and calling
- Monitor Channel 16 whenever your VHF is on.
- Use 16 to hail another station, then switch to a working channel.
- Use 16 for Mayday, Pan-Pan, and Sécurité voice calls.
- Do not hold routine conversations on 16.
Channel 70 — Digital Selective Calling
Channel 70 is data-only. A DSC distress alert can send your MMSI and position when the radio has a working GPS source. After the alert, make the voice call on Channel 16.
- Program a valid MMSI.
- Confirm the GPS feed works, whether built in or connected by NMEA 2000 or NMEA 0183.
- Follow your radio manufacturer’s test-call procedure.
Channel 9 — secondary calling
Some regions use Channel 9 for non-emergency hailing to reduce congestion on 16. Local practice varies, so listen first.
Need the emergency scripts? Read Mayday vs Pan-Pan vs Sécurité.
Navigation, Coast Guard, and working channels
Channel 13 — bridge-to-bridge
Channel 13 is used for navigation safety and passing arrangements near commercial vessels, bridges, locks, and traffic lanes.
Channel 22A — Coast Guard liaison
Initial Coast Guard contact is normally made on 16. The Coast Guard may then direct you to 22A for detailed communication.
Channels 68, 69, 71, and 72 — working channels
After making contact on 16 or 9, move routine conversation to an appropriate working channel. Availability and local usage can vary.
NOAA Weather channels
NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts forecasts and warnings on WX channels. Scan WX1 through WX10 to find the strongest local transmitter. Dual-watch or tri-watch can help you keep monitoring Channel 16 while listening to weather.
Related: Marine Weather and Forecasts.
Proper VHF procedure
- Listen for 20 to 30 seconds before transmitting.
- Hail on 16, or 9 where locally used: “[Name], [Name], this is [your vessel], over.”
- Agree on a working channel and switch immediately.
- Keep transmissions short, clear, and professional.
Simple format: Who you are calling, who you are, where you are, what you need, then “Over.”
Frequently asked questions
What channel do you use for a Mayday?
Use Channel 16 for the voice distress call. When properly configured, send the DSC distress alert on Channel 70 first, then make the voice Mayday on 16.
What is DSC Channel 70 used for?
Channel 70 is for Digital Selective Calling data. It can send distress or individual calls tied to your MMSI and position.
Is Channel 9 a calling channel everywhere?
No. It is used for non-emergency hailing in some regions. Listen first and follow local practice.
What is Channel 13 for?
Channel 13 is bridge-to-bridge navigation, especially near commercial traffic, bridges, locks, and passing situations.
What channel does the Coast Guard use besides 16?
Initial contact is usually on 16. Detailed communication is often moved to 22A.
Which channels are common working channels?
Common options include 68, 69, 71, and 72. Local usage and restrictions can vary.
What does Class D DSC mean?
It describes radios supporting DSC distress and individual calling, typically using an MMSI and a GPS position source.
Which NOAA weather channel should I use?
Scan WX1 through WX10 and select the strongest local transmitter.