Boating Basics: On the Water
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 |
|
|
Printable
PDF Version
of Handbook |
