VHF Channels

[brian8980]

Now that I have a working radio, what are the standard channels on the radio.  I.E. weather, towing, coast guard.  I figure one of the guys on here would beable to point me in the right direction.  Thanks in advanced.

Gimper

[Andys Delight]

16 is coast guard, seatow, and towboat us, along with some infrequent call outs from boater to boater (not recommended on channel 16).  Severe weather reports and small craft warnings will come over this channel as well.  I know alot of members here also monitor  67, 68, and 69.

[ped579]

Here ya go Brian...

http://www.offshoreblue.com/communications/vhf-frequencies.php

[brian8980]

Thanks gentlemen... 

Gimper

[ped579]

 

[IrishAyes]

Channel 16 for hailing and emergency ONLY. Call a boat, get a response, then switch to another frequency.

Most fishermen in our area monitor 65 or 68.

For bridges, channel 13. Good to hear any traffic from boaters coming from the other direction, when the bridge will re-open, etc.

Channel 9 for radio checks (or any other channel, except for 16).

I ALWAYS have my radio on. I monitor channel 16 and a second channel, usually 10 during the summer hours (other boats from my marina use that channel, less busy than 65 or 68). In the spring (before the 'weekend' boaters get on the water) I will monitor channel 65 or 68.

By listening to channel 16 last night I was able to get off the water before a fog bank rolled in after I heard the CG issue a safety bulletin about the fog on 16.