Boating Basics: On the Water

VHF Radio

You should always monitor weather developments. One way is to tune a VHF radio to the frequencies listed below. A VHF radio is also useful if you need to summon help due to a boating emergency.

VHF Frequencies Broadcasting NOAA Weather Reports

162.400 MHz
162.425 MHz
162.450 MHz
162.475 MHz
162.500 MHz
162.525 MHz
162.550 MHz

Recreational boaters are given access to the VHF channels shown in the table below:

Channel #	Purpose of Channel
6	Intership safety communications only.
9	Communications between vessels (commercial and recreational) and ship to coast.
13	Strictly for navigation purposes by vessels at bridges, locks, and harbors.
16	Distress and safety calls to USCG and others, and to initiate calls to other vessels.
22	USCG broadcasts of severe weather warnings and other safety warnings.
24 - 28	Public telephone calls (to marine operator).
68, 69, and 71	Recreational vessel radio channels and ship to coast.

Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission

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Online boating safety handbook last modified: August 24, 2011
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