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Official Florida Boating Handbook Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission

Boating Basics: On the Water with Your Vessel

VHF Radio

You should always monitor weather developments. One way is to tune into the frequencies listed below on a VHF radio. 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 channel and ship to shore
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