Marine Radio Channels
When you are out at sea, using the right marine radio channel is essential for safety and effective communication. Most sailors and boaters know about Channel 16, which is the international distress, safety, and calling frequency.

This channel is always under monitoring by the coast guard and other rescue agencies. This is why this can be your the go-to frequency for emergencies or when trying to contact other vessels before switching to a working channel. It is required that this channel be kept clear of non-urgent chatter since it could be needed for critical situations.
After initially connecting on Channel 16, you can move to other working channels as per your needs. Channels like 9 and 68 are mostly used for non-commercial boaters and social communication, while commercial vessels might operate on Channels 13 or 67.
It is important to learn the specific channel guide for the waters you are navigating since regulations change with country and region. Proper channel usage not only promotes better communication but it also keeps the seas safer for everyone.
What Are The VHF Channels At Sea?
VHF Marine radio channel has a range of channels each designated for some particular purposes like safety and effective communication at sea. Channels 6, 9, 13, 16, 22, and 70 are among the key channels used internationally. Channel 16, in particular, is the universal calling and distress channel, which all vessels should monitor while underway. Channel 9 is commonly used as a supplementary calling channel in some areas. It reduces the congestion on Channel 16.
Channel 13 is primarily for bridge-to-bridge communications, especially between large vessels in order to prevent collisions. Channel 22 is used by the Coast Guard to provide safety and weather information to mariners. Channel 70 is reserved for Digital Selective Calling (DSC) and is part of the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS), means it is used to send automated distress signals.
What Is The VHF Channel 68 Used For?
Channel 68 is one of the particular marine radio channels used for non-commercial communication between boats that is used by recreational boaters. It is best for casual conversations and coordination between private ships, such as organizing rendezvous points, sharing updates, or to socialize when out on the water. Channels 16 and 70 are strictly for emergencies and official safety purposes. However, channel 68 is less restricted, so boaters can feel free to use it for general communication without interrupting critical transmissions.
While Channel 68 is open for these types of informal exchanges, you need to remember the basic radio etiquette to ensure you are not creating a monopoly on the channel. Keeping conversations short and clear is crucial, as others may also need to use it.
Is Marine Audio Vhf Or UHF?
Marine audio which is including the radios used by most boaters and sailors, operates on VHF (Very High Frequency) rather than UHF (Ultra High Frequency). VHF is preferred because it works well over long distances on the water especially in line-of-sight communication.
VHF radio waves can travel across the water effectively than UHF, making it suitable for the needs of marine environments where other forms of communication may not be relied upon.
In the marine setting, VHF frequencies range from 156 to 174 MHz, which covers a wide variety of channels for different purposes, from emergency communication to private conversations between boats. VHF also has fewer obstacles over water, as water is a good conductor, helping the signal travel even further. This makes VHF the trusted standard for marine use.
What Is The Difference Between VHF Radio And Marine Radio?
VHF radio and marine radio channels are terms that are used for same purpose, but there is a slight difference.
- A VHF radio is simply a type of radio that operates on very high frequencies (VHF), typically in the 30 to 300 MHz range.
- Marine radio is specifically for the use on watercraft and operates within the VHF range specifically allocated for maritime communication (156-174 MHz).
- Marine radios are not just any VHF radios; they have features like waterproofing, specific channel settings, and emergency communication capabilities tailored for use at sea.
- All marine radios are VHF radios, not all VHF radios are suited or legally approved for marine use.
Is VHF Better Than UHF?
VHF and UHF each have strengths depending on the situation. VHF is generally better for long-distance communication in open spaces, which is why it is favored in marine environments.
UHF operates on shorter wavelengths that are suitable for urban or indoor environments where signals must pass through buildings or other obstructions. Because of this, UHF is commonly used by law enforcement, business communications, and some personal radios.
Are Military Radios VHF Or UHF?
Military radios often use a combination of both VHF and UHF frequencies to meet various needs in different environments. VHF is typically used for long-range, open-field communications because it can travel farther distances without any obstacle, which is valuable in rural or remote military operations.
How Far Will A 25 Watt VHF Video Transmit?
A 25-watt VHF marine radio channel which is normally found on most marine vessels can transmit up to 25 miles under optimal conditions. VHF signals travel by line of sight, it means that the height of the antenna and any obstacles between the two points can greatly affect its range. Higher antennas extend the line of sight, which helps in clearer and stronger signal over a greater distance.
How To Tell If A Channel Is VHF Or UHF?
To find out whether a channel is VHF or UHF, it generally depends on its frequency range. VHF channels are between 30 MHz and 300 MHz, with most marine VHF channels operating from 156 to 174 MHz.
UHF channels operate between 300 MHz and 3 GHz. If you know the frequency of a specific channel, it is relatively easy to determine whether it is VHF or UHF based on these ranges.