Marine VHF Channel Guide: Channels and Common Uses 2026
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Use this 2026 marine VHF channel guide to identify the correct U.S. channels for distress calls, recreational conversations, Coast Guard communication, navigation safety, DSC and weather.
A marine VHF radio gives boaters access to dozens of channels, but those channels are not interchangeable. Some are reserved for distress and safety, some are intended for recreational working traffic, others are assigned to commercial vessels or port operations, and Channel 70 is reserved exclusively for Digital Selective Calling.
For most recreational boaters, only a relatively small group of channels is used regularly. Channel 16 is the critical distress, safety and calling channel, Channel 9 can be used for recreational boater calling, Channels 68, 69, 71, 72 and 1078 are common noncommercial working channels, and Channel 1022 is used for communication with the U.S. Coast Guard after initial contact on Channel 16.
This guide covers U.S. marine VHF assignments. Channel use can differ outside U.S. waters, so boaters traveling internationally should verify the channel plan for the country or region in which they are operating.
Marine VHF Channel Quick Reference
This table covers the channels recreational boaters are most likely to need. Marine radios contain additional channels assigned to commercial operations, Vessel Traffic Services, ports, government agencies and other specialized uses.
Channel 16: Distress, Safety and Calling
Channel 16 on 156.800 MHz is the most important voice channel on a marine VHF radio. It is the international distress, safety and calling channel and is monitored by the Coast Guard and many vessels and shore stations.
If you need emergency assistance, Channel 16 is the primary voice channel to use. It is also used to establish initial contact with the Coast Guard and can be used to call another vessel or shore station when appropriate.
Routine conversations should not continue on Channel 16. Once contact has been made, both stations should switch to an appropriate working channel so Channel 16 remains available for distress, safety and other calling traffic.
Monitoring Channel 16
U.S. radio watchkeeping rules generally require a VHF-equipped vessel to maintain a listening watch on Channel 16 whenever the radio is operating and not being used for another communication, subject to specific exceptions such as certain Vessel Traffic Service operations. Recreational boaters may also use Channel 9 as a supplementary calling channel, although the Coast Guard recommends normally monitoring Channel 16 because urgent marine information is commonly announced there.
Channel 9: Recreational Boater Calling
Channel 9 on 156.450 MHz serves as a supplementary calling channel for recreational boaters. Its purpose is to reduce unnecessary calling traffic on Channel 16.
A recreational vessel can call another recreational vessel on Channel 9, establish contact, and then move to a suitable noncommercial working channel for the conversation.
Typical calling procedure:
Call the other vessel on Channel 9.
Identify your vessel.
Once the other vessel answers, agree on a working channel such as 68, 69 or 71.
Switch channels and continue the conversation there.
Do not use Channel 9 as a replacement for Channel 16 when calling the Coast Guard. Recreational boaters should make initial Coast Guard contact on Channel 16.
Channels 68, 69, 71, 72 and 1078: Recreational Working Channels
Once two recreational vessels make contact, routine conversation should move to an appropriate noncommercial working channel. Current U.S. assignments include Channels 68, 69, 71, 72 and 1078, historically shown as 78A.
These channels are suitable for boat-related communications such as coordinating a rendezvous, discussing marina arrangements, arranging repairs, sharing fishing information or communicating between recreational boats.
Channel 68
Channel 68 is one of the most commonly used recreational working channels. After making contact on a calling channel, recreational boaters can switch to 68 for ordinary boat-related communication.
Channel 69
Channel 69 is another noncommercial working channel. If Channel 68 is busy, 69 may be an appropriate alternative for recreational communications.
Channel 71
Channel 71 is also designated for noncommercial use and provides another working option for routine recreational boat traffic.
Channel 72
Channel 72 is a noncommercial intership channel. That means it is intended for boat-to-boat communication rather than communication between a vessel and a shore station.
Channel 1078, Formerly 78A
Channel 1078 uses the same 156.925 MHz simplex frequency previously identified in the United States as Channel 78A. Newer marine radios may show 1078 while older radios and boating references may still use 78A.
The change in display name does not mean that 1078 is a completely different recreational channel. It reflects the newer international four-digit channel-numbering convention.
Channel 13: Bridge-to-Bridge Navigation Safety
Channel 13 on 156.650 MHz is the primary bridge-to-bridge navigation safety channel in most U.S. waters. It is used for short communications concerning vessel movement and safe navigation.
A recreational boater may hear commercial ships, ferries, tugs and other vessels using Channel 13 to coordinate passing arrangements, meeting situations or other navigational matters. It is also widely used at locks and drawbridges.
If there is danger of collision or uncertainty about another vessel's intentions, Channel 13 is the appropriate channel for direct navigation-safety communication.
Communications on Channel 13 should remain short and limited to navigational matters. Normal output power for this bridge-to-bridge use is limited to one watt, which helps keep the channel available to vessels operating in the immediate area.
Large vessels have additional monitoring requirements. Vessels 20 meters or longer operating in U.S. territorial waters generally maintain a listening watch on Channel 13 in addition to their other required radio watches, subject to applicable Vessel Traffic Service rules.
Channel 1022 or 22A: Coast Guard Liaison
Channel 1022 on 157.100 MHz is the current four-digit designation for the U.S. channel traditionally known as 22A. It is used for Coast Guard liaison and Maritime Safety Information broadcasts.
Boaters generally should not begin a Coast Guard call on 1022. Initial contact is normally made on Channel 16. The Coast Guard may then direct the vessel to switch to 1022 so the conversation can continue without occupying the primary distress and calling channel.
Urgent Marine Information Broadcasts and other safety information may also be announced on Channel 16 and then transmitted on 1022.
If your radio shows 1022 instead of 22A, that is normal. Both labels refer to the U.S. simplex channel operating on 157.100 MHz.
Channel 70: Digital Selective Calling Only
Channel 70 on 156.525 MHz is reserved exclusively for Digital Selective Calling, or DSC. Voice communication is not permitted on Channel 70.
DSC-capable marine radios monitor Channel 70 electronically and can use it to exchange digitally formatted calls. A properly configured DSC radio can transmit a distress alert containing identifying information and, when valid position information is available, the vessel's location.
After a DSC distress alert is transmitted, voice communication associated with the emergency normally continues on Channel 16.
Why an MMSI Matters
A Maritime Mobile Service Identity, or MMSI, uniquely identifies a vessel or radio within the DSC system. Recreational boaters using DSC should obtain and properly register the appropriate MMSI before relying on the digital calling and distress functions.
Registration information can help search-and-rescue personnel identify a vessel and obtain useful information about it when a distress alert is received.
For more information about choosing DSC-capable equipment, see the CritPro Marine VHF Radio Guide.
Channel 6: Intership Safety
Channel 6 on 156.300 MHz is designated for intership safety communication. It may be used for safety messages between vessels and for communication involving Coast Guard ships and aircraft during search-and-rescue operations.
This is not a general recreational conversation channel. Boaters should preserve it for its assigned safety purpose.
NOAA Weather Channels
Most modern marine VHF radios can receive NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts. These weather frequencies are separate from the normal marine voice channels and are receive-only for recreational users.
The WX1 through WX7 labels are common on marine radios, but NOAA notes that those channel numbers have no official significance and manufacturers may use different numbering schemes. The frequency is what identifies the actual weather broadcast.
NOAA Weather Radio carries local and nearshore marine forecasts, weather observations, warnings and other information. The strongest weather frequency can change as a boat travels along the coast, so it may be necessary to select a different weather channel during a trip.
Why Some Marine Radios Now Show Four-Digit Channels
Boaters with a newer marine VHF may notice channel numbers such as 1005, 1022 or 1078 instead of the older U.S. designations 05A, 22A and 78A. This is not a malfunction.
The newer four-digit convention replaces the older A and B suffix system used on certain simplex channels. A prefix of 10 identifies what was traditionally the A version of the channel. For example, 22A becomes 1022 and 78A becomes 1078.
This change is particularly important when following Coast Guard instructions. A boater told to switch to 22A may need to select 1022 on a newer radio.
How to Make a VHF MAYDAY Call
If a vessel or person is threatened by grave and imminent danger and immediate assistance is required, use the international distress signal MAYDAY on Channel 16.
Basic MAYDAY Information
- Tune the VHF radio to Channel 16.
- Say "MAYDAY" three times.
- Say "THIS IS."
- State the vessel name three times and give the call sign or registration number if available.
- Repeat "MAYDAY" and the vessel name.
- Give your position as accurately as possible.
- State the nature of the distress.
- State the type of assistance needed.
- Give the number of people aboard.
- Provide other useful information, such as the vessel description or medical situation.
- Say "OVER" and listen for a response.
Stay near the radio if conditions allow. Rescue personnel may need additional information, and continued radio transmissions can help responding vessels or aircraft locate you.
If the radio has properly configured DSC distress capability, the DSC alert can provide an additional way to initiate an emergency call before continuing voice communication on Channel 16.
Marine VHF Radio Etiquette
Listen Before Transmitting
Make sure the channel is not already in use. Interrupting an active conversation can cause confusion, and interrupting distress traffic can interfere with emergency communications.
Keep Calling Channels Brief
Channel 16 and Channel 9 are used to establish contact, not for extended conversations. Once contact is established, move to an appropriate working channel.
Use the Correct Channel
Do not assume that every channel displayed on the radio is available for recreational conversation. Commercial, port operations, government, VTS and safety channels have specific assigned purposes.
Use Low Power When Appropriate
Many marine radios allow the operator to select high or low transmit power. Use low power for nearby communications when practical, and follow specific power restrictions on channels such as Channel 13.
Speak Clearly
Hold the microphone close enough for clear audio, press the push-to-talk button, pause briefly and speak in a normal voice. Release the button when finished so you can hear the reply.
Frequently Asked Questions
What marine VHF channel should recreational boaters normally monitor?
Channel 16 is the primary distress, safety and calling channel and is normally the best channel for recreational boaters to monitor. Channel 9 is also authorized as a supplementary calling channel for recreational vessels.
What channel should I use to call the Coast Guard?
Make initial contact with the Coast Guard on Channel 16. The Coast Guard may then direct you to Channel 1022, traditionally called 22A, for continued communication.
What channel should two recreational boats use for conversation?
After establishing contact, Channels 68, 69, 71 or 1078 are common noncommercial working channels. Channel 72 is also available for noncommercial boat-to-boat communication.
Can I talk on Channel 70?
No. Channel 70 is reserved exclusively for Digital Selective Calling. Voice communication is not allowed on that channel.
What is Channel 13 used for?
Channel 13 is the bridge-to-bridge navigation safety channel. It is used for short communications about vessel movement, collision avoidance, passing arrangements, locks and drawbridges.
Why does my radio show 1022 instead of 22A?
Newer marine radios may use the international four-digit channel-numbering convention. Channel 1022 is the newer designation for the U.S. simplex channel historically called 22A. Both use 157.100 MHz.
Why does my radio show 1078 instead of 78A?
1078 is the newer four-digit designation for the channel historically called 78A in the United States. It remains a noncommercial working channel on 156.925 MHz.
Which channel carries marine weather?
Marine VHF radios commonly include seven NOAA Weather Radio frequencies between 162.400 and 162.550 MHz. The familiar WX1 through WX7 labels can vary by manufacturer, so use the frequency or strongest local weather broadcast when necessary.
Final Thoughts
You do not need to memorize every marine VHF channel to use a radio correctly. For recreational boating in U.S. waters, remember the channels that matter most: 16 for distress, safety and Coast Guard calling; 9 for recreational calling; 68, 69, 71, 72 and 1078 for appropriate noncommercial working traffic; 13 for navigation safety; 1022 for Coast Guard liaison; and 70 for DSC only.
It is also worth learning the newer four-digit channel numbers before an emergency occurs. A modern radio may display 1022 instead of 22A or 1078 instead of 78A, even though older charts, marina staff and other boaters may still use the traditional names.
Most importantly, keep Channel 16 available for its intended purpose, move routine conversations to a working channel, and know how to send a MAYDAY call before you need one.
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