Marine Radio Frequencies
Marine radio frequencies enable communication across vessels, between ships and coast guards. They are vital for safety, navigation, and coordination. Most marine radios use VHF (Very High Frequency) bands, specifically within the 156-174 MHz range, it is to make sure reliable coverage over water. The frequency allocation is general, with standardized channels for emergency and general communication.

Channels 6, 13, and 16 are particularly prominent, as they cover distress signals, navigation, and inter-ship communication. The focus on specific VHF channels enables both recreational and commercial vessels to communicate effectively, which makes the marine radio an essential safety tool.
Marine Radio Frequencies UK
So in the UK, marine radios primarily use VHF channels which are in compliance with international standards. Although certain channels, like Channel 10 (156.500 MHz), are assigned for specific local uses, just like harbor communication.
Channel 16 (156.800 MHz) is the emergency and distress frequency, monitored 24/7 by the coast guard. The UK waters also support port operations and bridge-to-bridge communication on Channels 12 and 14. This ensures safe vessel movement in congested areas like the River Thames.
Marine Radio Frequencies List
The VHF marine frequency list includes channels for various functions:
- Channel 16 (156.800 MHz): Distress, safety, and calling.
- Channel 13 (156.650 MHz): Bridge-to-bridge navigation.
- Channel 70 (156.525 MHz): Digital Selective Calling (DSC) for emergencies.
- Channels WX1-WX7: Weather updates (NOAA in the U.S.)
International VHF Marine Radio Channels & Frequencies
Channel | Transmission (Tx) Frequency | Reception (Rx) Frequency | Type of Traffic |
1 | 156.050 MHz | 160.650 MHz | Coastguard services (Tauranga, Hawkes Bay, Southern Region) |
2 | 156.100 MHz | 160.700 MHz | Rescue services (Far North Radio, Central Region, Rotorua Lakes) |
3 | 156.150 MHz | 160.750 MHz | Gisborne Coastguard, commercial networks |
4 | 156.200 MHz | 160.800 MHz | Regional Coastguard networks (Northern, Whangamata) |
5 | 156.250 MHz | 156.850 MHz | Southern Coastguard, Gisborne, general public assistance |
6 | 156.300 MHz | 156.300 MHz | Safety and ship-to-ship communications |
7 | 156.350 MHz | 160.950 MHz | Commercial use, duplex operations |
8 | 156.400 MHz | 156.400 MHz | Coastguard, Waihi Beach, general marine assistance |
9 | 156.450 MHz | 156.450 MHz | Port operations and ship movements |
10 | 156.500 MHz | 156.500 MHz | Port operations |
11 | 156.550 MHz | 156.550 MHz | Port navigation |
12 | 156.600 MHz | 156.600 MHz | Port operations and navigation |
13 | 156.650 MHz | 156.650 MHz | Ship-to-ship safety |
14 | 156.700 MHz | 156.700 MHz | Port operations |
15 | 156.750 MHz | 156.750 MHz | Environmental and monitoring channels |
16 | 156.800 MHz | 156.800 MHz | Emergency distress and calling channel |
17 | 156.850 MHz | 156.850 MHz | Special purpose |
18 | 156.900 MHz | 161.500 MHz | Public communication services |
19-28 | Varied frequencies | Varied frequencies | Marine radio, weather, safety, and public correspondence |
60-66 | Varied frequencies | Varied frequencies | Regional Coastguard, environment services, public communication |
70 | 156.525 MHz | 156.525 MHz | Digital Selective Calling (DSC) for emergencies |
71-74 | 156.575-156.725 MHz | 156.575-156.725 MHz | Ship-to-ship, port operations |
75-88 | 156.775-157.425 MHz | 156.775-157.425 MHz | Intership and port operations, general public use |
Marine Radio Frequencies Canada
Canada follows similar international VHF channel allocations, with channels set aside for emergency and operational uses. Channel 16 is the distress frequency, while Channel 21A (157.050 MHz) and Channel 22A (157.100 MHz) are for communications with the Canadian Coast Guard. Boaters are strictly advised to use these channels for their navigation and other purposes in order to avoid meddling with emergency services.
Get an overview of the specified marine VHF channels and their general uses:
Channel 6:
This channel serves as a general working channel specifically for inter-ship communication. It allows vessels to communicate directly with each other in non-emergency situations.
Channel 9:
Primarily a working channel, commonly used along the West Coast for general maritime operations.
Channel 16:
It is known as the emergency and greeting channel. This is the primary channel for distress calls and emergencies. Boats can also use it to get into contact, but as soon as communication is made, they are required to switch to another channel to keep their conversation going.
Channels 21B, 23B, 25B, 28B, and 83B:
These channels are assigned for the Continuous Marine Broadcast (CMB) Service, which transmits weather updates, safety information, and navigational warnings continuously.
Channel 68:
Often used by recreational vessels, Channel 68 serves as a general communication channel for informal, non-operational conversations among leisure boats.
Channel 70:
It is completely dedicated to Digital Selective Calling (DSC). Since DSC is for digital signal-only operations (used primarily in distress situations to automatically send pre-set digital alerts), voice communication is strictly prohibited on this channel.
Marine Radio Frequencies Ireland
Irish marine radio channels comply with international standards, they emphasize on safe and effective communication in both domestic and international waters. Channel 16 has been the primary distress channel, and additional channels like 67 (156.375 MHz) are designated for search and rescue, while channels such as 13 and 6 are for inter-ship operations. Mariners in Irish waters can heavily rely on these standard frequencies for uninterrupted communication.
Frequency | Channel | Use/Designation |
156.000 MHz | Ch 0 | Coastguard services |
156.300 MHz | Ch 6 | Ship-to-ship communications |
156.375 MHz | Ch 67 | Rescue helicopter coordination |
156.400 MHz | Ch 8 | Regional communication |
156.425 MHz | Ch 68 | General marine use |
156.475 MHz | Ch 69 | Public marine operations |
156.500 MHz | Ch 10 | Helicopter winch training exercises |
156.550 MHz | Ch 11 | Maritime operations |
156.600 MHz | Ch 12 | Port operations and ship movements |
156.700 MHz | Ch 14 | General maritime communications |
156.800 MHz | Ch 16 | International distress and calling, used by rescue helicopters |
157.550 MHz | Ch 31a | Lifeboats and rescue services |
157.775 MHz | – | Irish Lights helicopter services |
157.850 MHz | – | Marina-specific channel |
157.925 MHz / 162.525 MHz | – | General rescue operations |
158.500 MHz | – | RNLI (Royal National Lifeboat Institution), Fermanagh |
160.650 MHz | Ch 1 | Coastguard (Scalp Mountain, Donegal) |
160.675 MHz | Ch 61 | Lough Derg Radio communications |
160.700 MHz | Ch 2 | Marine use in Cork |
160.725 MHz | Ch 62 | Valentia, Lough Ree area communications |
160.750 MHz | Ch 3 | Dublin, Mine Head, Clifden, Glen Head, Donegal |
160.775 MHz | Ch 63 | Belmullet and Belfast Coastguard |
160.800 MHz | Ch 4 | Carlingford, Mizen Head communications |
160.825 MHz | Ch 64 | Shannon, Belfast Coastguard in Fermanagh |
160.850 MHz | Ch 5 | Rosslare, Bantry, Malin Head, Clew Bay |
161.425 MHz | – | Marina-specific channel |
161.500 MHz | – | Marine repeater (Northern Donegal) |
162.000 MHz | Ch 28 | General maritime communications |
Marine Radio Frequencies Australia
In Australia, Channel 16 is the distress and calling frequency monitored by Maritime Safety Authorities, while Channel 67 is for search and rescue operations. Australian waters also have designated channels for port operations, like Channels 6 and 8. The standardized VHF allocations ensure that both domestic and international vessels communicate effectively in Australian maritime regions
Marine Radio Frequencies List PDF
A downloadable PDF with the VHF marine radio frequency list provides a quick reference to the essential channels used for emergencies, weather updates, intership communication, and port operations. This document can be particularly useful for mariners traveling across regions with varying guidelines, ensuring they have the correct channels on hand for safe navigation.
You can also download a list from the PDF link: https://akwg.cap.gov/media/cms/US_VHF_Marine_Frequency_List_01C6E75413CF3.pdf
Marine Radio Frequencies US
In the United States, Channel 16 (156.800 MHz) is the distress and hailing channel, while Channel 22A (157.100 MHz) is for Coast Guard liaison. Recreational vessels often use Channel 9 (156.450 MHz) for non-emergency hailing. The NOAA weather channels (WX1-WX7) on frequencies from 162.400 to 162.550 MHz provide continuous weather information.
Here is a table for most important frequencies:
New Channel | Old Channel | Transmit Frequency (MHz) | Receive Frequency (MHz) | Primary Use Description |
1001 | 01A | 156.05 | 156.05 | Port Operations, Commercial, Vessel Traffic Services (VTS); Available in New Orleans / Lower Mississippi |
1005 | 05A | 156.25 | 156.25 | Port Operations, VTS in Houston, New Orleans, Seattle |
6 | 6 | 156.3 | 156.3 | Intership Safety Communication |
1007 | 07A | 156.35 | 156.35 | Commercial use, VDSMS available |
8 | 8 | 156.4 | 156.4 | Commercial Intership Communication Only, VDSMS |
9 | 9 | 156.45 | 156.45 | Boater Calling Channel, open to both commercial and recreational users, VDSMS |
10 | 10 | 156.5 | 156.5 | General Commercial Communication, VDSMS |
11 | 11 | 156.55 | 156.55 | Commercial Operations, VTS in selected areas, VDSMS |
12 | 12 | 156.6 | 156.6 | Port Operations, VTS in selected zones |
13 | 13 | 156.65 | 156.65 | Intership Navigation for Safety; required listening for vessels >20m in U.S. waters |
14 | 14 | 156.7 | 156.7 | Port Operations, VTS areas |
15 | 15 | – | 156.75 | Environmental Broadcasts (Receive Only), used by certain EPIRBs |
16 | 16 | 156.8 | 156.8 | International Distress & Calling; monitored by all ships and U.S. Coast Guard |
17 | 17 | 156.85 | 156.85 | Local Government Maritime Control |
1018 | 18A | 156.9 | 156.9 | Commercial Communication, VDSMS |
1019 | 19A | 156.95 | 156.95 | Commercial Channel, VDSMS |
20 | 20 | 157 | 161.6 | Duplex Channel for Port Operations |
1020 | 20A | 157 | 157 | Port Operations |
1021 | 21A | 157.05 | 157.05 | U.S. Coast Guard Exclusive |
1022 | 22A | 157.1 | 157.1 | Coast Guard Liaison, Maritime Safety Information |
1023 | 23A | 157.15 | 157.15 | U.S. Coast Guard Exclusive |
24 | 24 | 157.2 | 161.8 | Public Correspondence (Marine Operator), VDSMS |
25 | 25 | 157.25 | 161.85 | Public Correspondence, VDSMS |
26 | 26 | 157.3 | 161.9 | Public Correspondence, VDSMS |
27 | 27 | 157.35 | 161.95 | Public Correspondence, VDSMS |
28 | 28 | 157.4 | 162 | Public Correspondence, VDSMS |
1063 | 63A | 156.175 | 156.175 | Port Operations, VTS; New Orleans / Lower Mississippi |
1065 | 65A | 156.275 | 156.275 | Port Operations |
1066 | 66A | 156.325 | 156.325 | Port Operations |
67 | 67 | 156.375 | 156.375 | Intership Channel for Bridge-to-Bridge on Lower Mississippi River |
68 | 68 | 156.425 | 156.425 | Non-Commercial Communication, VDSMS |
69 | 69 | 156.475 | 156.475 | Non-Commercial Channel, VDSMS |
70 | 70 | 156.525 | 156.525 | Digital Selective Calling (DSC), no voice communication |
71 | 71 | 156.575 | 156.575 | Non-Commercial, VDSMS |
72 | 72 | 156.625 | 156.625 | Non-Commercial, Intership Only, VDSMS |
73 | 73 | 156.675 | 156.675 | Port Operations |
74 | 74 | 156.725 | 156.725 | Port Operations |
77 | 77 | 156.875 | 156.875 | Port Operations, Intership Only |
1078 | 78A | 156.925 | 156.925 | Non-Commercial Channel, VDSMS |
1079 | 79A | 156.975 | 156.975 | Commercial; Non-Commercial in Great Lakes Only, VDSMS |
1080 | 80A | 157.025 | 157.025 | Commercial; Non-Commercial in Great Lakes Only, VDSMS |
1081 | 81A | 157.075 | 157.075 | U.S. Government; Environmental Protection |
1082 | 82A | 157.125 | 157.125 | U.S. Government |
1083 | 83A | 157.175 | 157.175 | U.S. Coast Guard Exclusive |
84 | 84 | 157.225 | 161.825 | Public Correspondence, VDSMS |
85 | 85 | 157.275 | 161.875 | Public Correspondence, VDSMS |
86 | 86 | 157.325 | 161.925 | Public Correspondence, VDSMS |
87 | 87 | 157.375 | 157.375 | Public Correspondence, VDSMS |
88 | 88 | 157.425 | 157.425 | Commercial, Intership Only, VDSMS |
AIS 1 | AIS 1 | 161.975 | 161.975 | Automatic Identification System (AIS) |
AIS 2 | AIS 2 | 162.025 | 162.025 | Automatic Identification System (AIS) |
Marine Radio Frequencies NZ
New Zealand marine radio channels follow global VHF standards, with Channel 16 as the primary distress frequency. Additional channels like 67 are used for search and rescue, while Channels 6 and 8 support inter-ship operations. The frequency allocation in New Zealand ensures compatibility with international vessels, allowing for clear communication and safety coordination
Marine Radio Frequencies South Africa
South Africa adheres to the international VHF frequency guidelines, using Channel 16 for emergencies and channels like 13 for bridge-to-bridge communication. South Africa’s adherence to global standards facilitates effective communication for both local and international vessels in regional waters
What Frequencies Do Marine Radio Use?
Marine radios use frequencies in the VHF band, specifically from 156 to 174 MHz. These frequencies are chosen for their optimal performance over water, enabling line-of-sight communication essential for marine environments
Is marine radio UHF or VHF?
Marine radios operate on VHF frequencies because VHF waves travel better over water and are less affected by obstacles. UHF is generally not used in marine environments as it has a shorter range over open water
What are the UK Marine Frequencies
The most important UK marine frequencies have Channel 16 (156.800 MHz) for emergencies, Channel 10 (156.500 MHz) is for local port communication, and Channels 12 and 14 are assigned for general port operations.
What VHF frequencies are available?
VHF frequencies are available from 156 to 174 MH for marine communication. They are divided into channels for specific purposes such as distress (Channel 16), navigation (Channel 13), and general inter-ship communication (Channels 6 and 8)
What is the best frequency for VHF?
Channel 16 (156.800 MHz) is widely regarded as the important VHF frequency because of its designation for distress and emergency calls, which makes it crucial for all mariners for monitoring.
What are the most popular marine VHF channels?
Popular VHF marine channels include Channel 16 for distress, Channel 13 for navigation, and weather channels WX1-WX7 for NOAA weather updates in the U.S.
What channels can I use on marine radio?
You can use designated channels based on the communication type: Channel 16 for emergencies, Channel 9 for non-emergency hailing, and Channels 68-72 for recreational use
What are the VHF channels for International Marine Ships?
International ships use channels like 6, 13, and 16 for intership communication, navigation, and emergencies. These standardized channels promote global maritime safety
What is the VHF frequency in Europe?
European marine vessels use the VHF range of 156-174 MHz, with Channel 16 as the universal distress frequency. Other channels support port and navigational communication in European waters
What are the different types of VHF marine radios?
Marine VHF radios are typically either fixed-mount (offering more power and range) or handheld (portable but limited in range). Each serves specific needs based on vessel size and usage
What is the difference between USA and International VHF?
The USA uses some unique channels, such as 22A for Coast Guard communication, but largely aligns with international VHF standards, enabling cross-border communication.