Nothing
Comes Close to a Cobra
®
VHF Marine
Channel Assignments
15
Public Correspondence (Marine Operator)
Channels 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 60, 61, 84, 84A, 85, 85A, 86, 86A, 87, 87A, 88*
For calls to marine operators at public coast stations. You can make and receive
telephone calls through these stations.
Port Operations
Channels 1A*, 5A*, 12*, 14*, 18, 19, 20A, 21, 22, 63A*
, 65A, 66A, 73, 74, 75, 76,
77*, 79, 80, 81, 82
Used for directing the movement of ships in or near ports, locks or waterways.
Messages must be about operational handling, movement and safety of ships.
Navigational
Channels 13, 67
Channels are available to all vessels. Messages must be about navigation, including
passing or meeting other vessels. These are also the main working channels for
most locks and drawbridges. You must keep your messages short and power output
at no more than 1 watt.
Maritime Control
Channel 17
For talking to vessels and coast stations operated by state or local governments.
Messages must be about regulation and control, boating activities or assistance.
Digital Selective Calling
Channel 70
This channel is set aside for distress, safety and general calling using only digital
selective calling techniques. Voice communication is prohibited; your radio cannot
transmit voice messages on this channel.
Weather
Channels Wx 1 Thru 9
Receive-only channels for NOAA and Canadian weather broadcasts. You cannot
transmit on these channels.
NOTE
*
These channels are restricted to the listed uses in certain parts of
the country or for certain types of users only. Consult FCC rules
or a knowledgeable radio operator before using them.
VHF Marine Radio Protocols
14 English
VHF Marine
Channel Assignments
VHF Marine Channel Assignments
•
Three (3) sets of VHF channels have been established for marine use in the U.S.A.,
Canada and the rest of the world (International). Most of the channels are the same
for all three (3) maps, but there are definite differences (see table on pages 16-23).
Your radio has all three (3) maps built into it and will operate correctly in whichever
area you choose.
The following is a brief outline of the channel assignments in the U.S.A.
Channel Map.
Distress, Safety and Calling
Channel 16
Getting the attention of another station (calling) or in emergencies
(distress and safety).
Calling
Channel 9
General purpose (non-emergency) calling by non-commercial vessels.
Recreational boaters are urged to use this channel to reduce congestion
on Channel 16.
Intership Safety
Channel 6
Ship-to-ship safety messages and for search and rescue messages to
Coast Guard ships and aircraft.
Coast Guard Liaison (U.S and Canadian)
Channel 22A
To talk to the Coast Guard (non-emergency) after making contact on Channel 16.
Non-Commercial
Channels 68*, 69, 71, 72, 78A, 79A*, 80A*
Working channels for small vessels. Messages must be about needs of the
vessel, such as fishing reports, berthing and rendezvous. Use Channel 72 only
for ship-to-ship messages.
Commercial
Channels 1A, 7A, 8, 9, 10, 11, 18A, 19A, 63A, 67, 72, 79A, 80A, 88A*
Working channels for working ships only. Messages must be about business or
needs of the ship. Use Channels 8, 67, 72 and 88A only for ship-to-ship messages.
VHF Marine Radio Protocols
