What frequency do marine radios use?

It uses FM channels in the very high frequency (VHF) radio band in the frequency range between 156 and 174 MHz, inclusive, designated by the International Telecommunication Union as the VHF maritime mobile band.

Is marine radio a VHF?

Radios That You Need

A VHF marine radio is the single most important radio system you should buy. It is probably also the most inexpensive.

What radio frequency does the Coast Guard use?

VHF-FM Channels 9 and 16

Recreational boaters would continue to call the Coast Guard and any commercial facility on channel 16. The purpose of the FCC regulation was to relieve congestion on VHF channel 16, the distress, safety and calling frequency.

What marine VHF channels can I use?

What channels should you use for regular conversations? Channels 68, 69, 71, 72, and 78A are considered non-commercial channels, and in most areas, 68 and 72 are commonly used by the recreational-boating community. But remember that the VHF is officially for "operational" purposes.

Are marine radios UHF or VHF?

The two main frequencies used for marine radios are VHF and 27Mhz. Both have their own advantages over the other depending on where you're located and the size of your vessel. VHF is the preferred radio for short range marine communications.

Boating and using VHF boat radio basics. Do we still need marine VHF radios?

How do I request a VHF radio check?

Turn radio to one-watt power setting, and key the microphone. Call "radio check" three times, followed by your boat name and location. Wait for a reply confirming someone has heard your transmission. For general communications, always use channel 16.

What VHF channel is fishing?

Channels 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 84, 85, 86 and 87: Used by marine operators.

Is a marine radio the same as a CB?

Marine and CB radios are not the same and are used for two similar yet different purposes. CB radios are often used during large emergencies, such as natural disasters, and for traffic concerns. Marine radios (VHF) are used for boating purposes and are typically required on all boats before leaving land.

How can I listen to the Coast Guard?

During most CG SSB nets and CGCWOA ZUT nets, audio is streamed live from station W5CGC in Southlake, Texas. The live stream is available on TuneIn. Click here for an alternate feed. The live Net streams are available on mobile devices such as iPhone and Android phones.

Can a VHF radio talk to a CB radio?

CB or its close relatives fall into the HF frequency range (covering somewhere around 26 to 28 MHz, depending on country), so anything that accurately calls itself a VHF radio will not transmit (and most likely will not receive) CB.

Which VHF channel can I use to make a distress call?

A marine VHF set is a combined transmitter and receiver and operates on standard, international frequencies known as channels. Throughout North America Channel 16 (156.8 MHz) is the international calling and distress channel.

Do I need a VHF radio on my boat?

Although not required in recreational boats under 65.5 feet long, a Very High Frequency (VHF) Marine Radio allows instant communication between your boat and other boats, marinas, bridges, and the United States Coast Guard (USCG).

Can marine band radios be used on land?

Marine Radios & Licenses. Marine radios can be obtained, but it is illegal to use them for personal use or on land. Only the Coast Guard or water vessel owners that meet specific criteria are granted a special license that allows them to own and use these radios.

What is VHF channel 12 used for?

Channel 11-12: Vessel traffic regulating.

What marine channels should I use?

Users must switch to a "working" channel after making initial contact (except in emergencies). All vessels must monitor Channel 16 when not using the VHF radio for other purposes. Channel 09 - Secondary calling channel (a new FCC Rule has designated Channel 9 to be the preferred channel for calling).

What VHF channel do bridges use?

Channel 13: Strictly for navigational purposes by commercial, military, and recreational vessels at bridges, locks, and harbors.

What is the purpose of VHF channel 06?

VHF CH 06 is designated to be used for communication with aircraft in the event of SAR action. NOTE: In case of SAR action, those channels should not be used for reasons other than for distress communication.

What channel should you do a radio check on?

When your radio is on, always listen to Channel 16. This is the safety and calling channel.

What VHF channel does Sea Tow monitor?

And it's unnecessary. I say unnecessary because along the coast of Southern California, where I fish, any boater can use **Sea Tow automated radio checks **free of charge on VHF channel 27. Sea Tow Services International is one of the country's leading marine assistance and on-water towing providers.

Can you use VHF radio on land?

Marine VHF radios, whether fixed or handheld, may not be used on land, period. It's the law. Once a VHF radio goes ashore, it cannot be used for marine band transmission (without a Coast Station License).

What is Channel 16 on a marine radio?

Channel 16 is designated as the national distress, safety and calling frequency. All vessels should monitor this channel while underway. When hailing other boats for routine communication, you'll need to hail them on 16 or 09, and then move to an available working channel, usually 68, 69, 71 or 72.

What is the frequency of Channel 16 VHF?

VHF Channel 16 is the international distress frequency; it broadcasts on a frequency of 156.8 MHz and is received worldwide by any VHF radio. It is used for distress and emergency calls as well as for informational broadcasts from the Coast Guard.

What is the difference between UHF CB and 27 MHz?

UHF CB uses FM to transmit your voice on a different frequency (477mhz) to HF CB radio which uses AM on 27mhz. They can't talk to each other. These differences also cause changes in the behaviour of the signal over distance, varying terrain etc. I have both in my disco.