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

ChannelTransmission (Tx) FrequencyReception (Rx) FrequencyType of Traffic
1156.050 MHz160.650 MHzCoastguard services (Tauranga, Hawkes Bay, Southern Region)
2156.100 MHz160.700 MHzRescue services (Far North Radio, Central Region, Rotorua Lakes)
3156.150 MHz160.750 MHzGisborne Coastguard, commercial networks
4156.200 MHz160.800 MHzRegional Coastguard networks (Northern, Whangamata)
5156.250 MHz156.850 MHzSouthern Coastguard, Gisborne, general public assistance
6156.300 MHz156.300 MHzSafety and ship-to-ship communications
7156.350 MHz160.950 MHzCommercial use, duplex operations
8156.400 MHz156.400 MHzCoastguard, Waihi Beach, general marine assistance
9156.450 MHz156.450 MHzPort operations and ship movements
10156.500 MHz156.500 MHzPort operations
11156.550 MHz156.550 MHzPort navigation
12156.600 MHz156.600 MHzPort operations and navigation
13156.650 MHz156.650 MHzShip-to-ship safety
14156.700 MHz156.700 MHzPort operations
15156.750 MHz156.750 MHzEnvironmental and monitoring channels
16156.800 MHz156.800 MHzEmergency distress and calling channel
17156.850 MHz156.850 MHzSpecial purpose
18156.900 MHz161.500 MHzPublic communication services
19-28Varied frequenciesVaried frequenciesMarine radio, weather, safety, and public correspondence
60-66Varied frequenciesVaried frequenciesRegional Coastguard, environment services, public communication
70156.525 MHz156.525 MHzDigital Selective Calling (DSC) for emergencies
71-74156.575-156.725 MHz156.575-156.725 MHzShip-to-ship, port operations
75-88156.775-157.425 MHz156.775-157.425 MHzIntership 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.

FrequencyChannelUse/Designation
156.000 MHzCh 0Coastguard services
156.300 MHzCh 6Ship-to-ship communications
156.375 MHzCh 67Rescue helicopter coordination
156.400 MHzCh 8Regional communication
156.425 MHzCh 68General marine use
156.475 MHzCh 69Public marine operations
156.500 MHzCh 10Helicopter winch training exercises
156.550 MHzCh 11Maritime operations
156.600 MHzCh 12Port operations and ship movements
156.700 MHzCh 14General maritime communications
156.800 MHzCh 16International distress and calling, used by rescue helicopters
157.550 MHzCh 31aLifeboats and rescue services
157.775 MHzIrish Lights helicopter services
157.850 MHzMarina-specific channel
157.925 MHz / 162.525 MHzGeneral rescue operations
158.500 MHzRNLI (Royal National Lifeboat Institution), Fermanagh
160.650 MHzCh 1Coastguard (Scalp Mountain, Donegal)
160.675 MHzCh 61Lough Derg Radio communications
160.700 MHzCh 2Marine use in Cork
160.725 MHzCh 62Valentia, Lough Ree area communications
160.750 MHzCh 3Dublin, Mine Head, Clifden, Glen Head, Donegal
160.775 MHzCh 63Belmullet and Belfast Coastguard
160.800 MHzCh 4Carlingford, Mizen Head communications
160.825 MHzCh 64Shannon, Belfast Coastguard in Fermanagh
160.850 MHzCh 5Rosslare, Bantry, Malin Head, Clew Bay
161.425 MHzMarina-specific channel
161.500 MHzMarine repeater (Northern Donegal)
162.000 MHzCh 28General 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 ChannelOld ChannelTransmit Frequency (MHz)Receive Frequency (MHz)Primary Use Description
100101A156.05156.05Port Operations, Commercial, Vessel Traffic Services (VTS); Available in New Orleans / Lower Mississippi
100505A156.25156.25Port Operations, VTS in Houston, New Orleans, Seattle
66156.3156.3Intership Safety Communication
100707A156.35156.35Commercial use, VDSMS available
88156.4156.4Commercial Intership Communication Only, VDSMS
99156.45156.45Boater Calling Channel, open to both commercial and recreational users, VDSMS
1010156.5156.5General Commercial Communication, VDSMS
1111156.55156.55Commercial Operations, VTS in selected areas, VDSMS
1212156.6156.6Port Operations, VTS in selected zones
1313156.65156.65Intership Navigation for Safety; required listening for vessels >20m in U.S. waters
1414156.7156.7Port Operations, VTS areas
1515156.75Environmental Broadcasts (Receive Only), used by certain EPIRBs
1616156.8156.8International Distress & Calling; monitored by all ships and U.S. Coast Guard
1717156.85156.85Local Government Maritime Control
101818A156.9156.9Commercial Communication, VDSMS
101919A156.95156.95Commercial Channel, VDSMS
2020157161.6Duplex Channel for Port Operations
102020A157157Port Operations
102121A157.05157.05U.S. Coast Guard Exclusive
102222A157.1157.1Coast Guard Liaison, Maritime Safety Information
102323A157.15157.15U.S. Coast Guard Exclusive
2424157.2161.8Public Correspondence (Marine Operator), VDSMS
2525157.25161.85Public Correspondence, VDSMS
2626157.3161.9Public Correspondence, VDSMS
2727157.35161.95Public Correspondence, VDSMS
2828157.4162Public Correspondence, VDSMS
106363A156.175156.175Port Operations, VTS; New Orleans / Lower Mississippi
106565A156.275156.275Port Operations
106666A156.325156.325Port Operations
6767156.375156.375Intership Channel for Bridge-to-Bridge on Lower Mississippi River
6868156.425156.425Non-Commercial Communication, VDSMS
6969156.475156.475Non-Commercial Channel, VDSMS
7070156.525156.525Digital Selective Calling (DSC), no voice communication
7171156.575156.575Non-Commercial, VDSMS
7272156.625156.625Non-Commercial, Intership Only, VDSMS
7373156.675156.675Port Operations
7474156.725156.725Port Operations
7777156.875156.875Port Operations, Intership Only
107878A156.925156.925Non-Commercial Channel, VDSMS
107979A156.975156.975Commercial; Non-Commercial in Great Lakes Only, VDSMS
108080A157.025157.025Commercial; Non-Commercial in Great Lakes Only, VDSMS
108181A157.075157.075U.S. Government; Environmental Protection
108282A157.125157.125U.S. Government
108383A157.175157.175U.S. Coast Guard Exclusive
8484157.225161.825Public Correspondence, VDSMS
8585157.275161.875Public Correspondence, VDSMS
8686157.325161.925Public Correspondence, VDSMS
8787157.375157.375Public Correspondence, VDSMS
8888157.425157.425Commercial, Intership Only, VDSMS
AIS 1AIS 1161.975161.975Automatic Identification System (AIS)
AIS 2AIS 2162.025162.025Automatic 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.

Back to top button