Which marine VHF radio channels should boaters use and monitor?
I've just fitted a new Icom IC-M330GE to my Merry Fisher, but I'm a bit overwhelmed by the 50+ channels. Which ones do I actually need to monitor while under way, and which channels should I use to chat with my mate's boat without annoying the coastguard?
Answer
You must keep your VHF radio tuned to Channel 16 at all times while under way for distress, safety and calling purposes. For routine chatting with other boats, switch to a designated inter-ship channel like 6, 8, 72 or 77 once you have made initial contact.
Essential Monitoring Channels
Every modern marine VHF has a Dual Watch or Tri Watch function. Fixed £200 Icom IC-M330 units and handheld Standard Horizon HX890 models both include this feature. Use it to monitor Channel 16 alongside a secondary working channel. Channel 16 is the international distress frequency. Unless you are actively transmitting elsewhere, your radio must listen to 16. HM Coastguard monitors this frequency around the clock. You will hear Mayday, Pan-Pan and Sécurité broadcasts here.
Modern DSC (Digital Selective Calling) units automatically monitor Channel 70 in the background. You do not need to tune to 70 manually. The radio uses this dedicated data channel to listen for digital distress alerts and routine DSC calls. Connect your radio to a GPS feed or use a built-in receiver. This ensures your exact coordinates broadcast automatically when you press the red distress button.
Inter-Ship Chat Channels
Make your initial hail to another boat on Channel 16. You must then immediately move the conversation to a working frequency. The primary inter-ship channels in UK and European waters are 6, 8, 72 and 77. The standard procedure is simple:
- Listen to Channel 16 to ensure it is clear.
- Call the other vessel: 'Lazy Days, Lazy Days, this is Seeker. Channel 72, over.'
- Wait for their reply: 'Seeker, Lazy Days, switching to 72.'
- Change your radio to 72, listen to ensure nobody else is using it, and resume your conversation.
Keep your chats brief. VHF is a shared public system rather than a private telephone line. Switch your radio to low power (1 watt) instead of the standard 25 watts when sailing in close company. This saves battery life on handhelds. It also prevents your conversation from blanking out receivers twenty miles away.
Marinas and Port Authorities
Approaching a harbour or marina requires switching from inter-ship channels to local operational frequencies. Find these in a current Reeds Nautical Almanac or local pilotage books.