VHF Radio Guide

Why Every Boater Needs VHF Radio

A VHF marine radio isn’t just recommended equipment—it’s your lifeline in emergencies. Unlike cell phones, VHF radios work reliably offshore, broadcast to all nearby vessels simultaneously, and connect directly to Coast Guard rescue coordination centers. When seconds count, VHF is the communication tool that saves lives.

VHF (Very High Frequency) marine radios operate on designated maritime channels between 156-162 MHz. They’re line-of-sight devices, meaning range depends on antenna height—typically 5-20 miles for recreational boats, up to 60+ miles for tall sailboat masts.

Understanding VHF Channels

The FCC designates specific VHF channels for different purposes. Here are the essential ones every boater must know:

Channel 16 (156.800 MHz) – Emergency and Hailing
This is THE channel to monitor at all times. It’s reserved for distress calls, urgent communications, and initial hailing. Once contact is established, switch to a working channel. Never have casual conversations on 16—it’s a federal violation.

Channel 9 – Recreational Hailing
An alternative hailing channel for non-commercial vessels. Reduces congestion on Channel 16.

Channels 68, 69, 71, 72, 78A – Working Channels
Use these for ship-to-ship conversations after initial contact on 16 or 9. Switch immediately to keep Channel 16 clear.

WX Channels (WX1-WX10) – NOAA Weather
Continuous weather broadcasts with marine forecasts, warnings, and alerts. Most VHF radios have dedicated weather buttons for instant access.

Channel 13 – Navigation (Bridge-to-Bridge)
Used by large vessels to coordinate passing situations. Recreational boaters should monitor this in congested waterways or near shipping lanes.

Channels 65A, 66A, 73, 74 – Port Operations
Communicate with marinas, dockmaster, and harbor services.

How to Make a Proper VHF Radio Call

Professional radio procedure prevents confusion and keeps channels clear. Here’s the standard format:

Hailing Another Vessel:
“Sailing vessel Blue Moon, Sailing vessel Blue Moon, Sailing vessel Blue Moon, this is motor vessel Sea Star, over.”
(Say their name three times, your name once, then “over”)

When they respond, immediately suggest switching channels:
“Sea Star, this is Blue Moon, switch to 68, over.”

Calling a Marina or Harbor:
“Oak Harbor Marina, Oak Harbor Marina, this is sailing vessel Blue Moon requesting slip assignment, over.”

Always end transmissions with “over” (waiting for response) or “out” (conversation complete). Never say “over and out”—that’s Hollywood nonsense.

Making a Distress Call on Channel 16

In life-threatening emergencies, use this exact format:

“MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY
This is motor vessel Sea Star, Sea Star, Sea Star
MAYDAY Sea Star
Position [give GPS coordinates or location]
[Nature of distress: sinking, fire, medical emergency]
[Number of persons aboard]
Request immediate assistance
Over”

Press and hold the red distress button (if equipped) for 5 seconds to automatically transmit your vessel’s GPS position and identity to the Coast Guard.

DSC (Digital Selective Calling)

Modern VHF radios include DSC capability, which sends digital distress alerts with your GPS position automatically. To use DSC, you must:

• Obtain an MMSI (Maritime Mobile Service Identity) number from BoatUS or the FCC
• Program your MMSI into your radio
• Connect the radio to your GPS (for automatic position reporting)

A DSC-equipped radio transforms your distress call from a voice-only broadcast to a digital alarm that includes your exact location—dramatically improving rescue response times.

Licensing Requirements

In U.S. waters, recreational boaters don’t need a license to operate VHF radios. However, you DO need a license if:

• You travel to foreign waters (including Canada, Bahamas, Mexico)
• You use Single Sideband (SSB) radio
• You operate a commercial vessel

Obtaining a Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit takes about 10 minutes online through the FCC and costs $35. It’s valid for life.

Installation and Antenna Tips

VHF performance depends heavily on antenna placement. Mount your antenna as high as possible with clear 360-degree exposure. Avoid mounting near radar, other antennas, or metal structures that cause interference.

For powerboats, a 3-foot or 8-foot fiberglass whip works well. Sailboats benefit from masthead antennas, which dramatically increase range due to height advantage.

Always use quality marine-grade coaxial cable and seal connections with self-vulcanizing tape and heat shrink to prevent corrosion.

Best Practices

Keep your radio on and tuned to Channel 16 whenever you’re underway—even if you’re just daysailing close to shore. Monitor weather channels before departure and periodically during your trip.

Practice radio procedure before you need it in an emergency. Make routine calls to marinas or bridge tenders to build confidence. The more comfortable you are with the radio, the calmer you’ll be when it really matters.

Test your radio monthly using the Coast Guard’s automated radio check service. Simply call “United States Coast Guard, this is [vessel name] radio check on Channel 16.” They’ll verify your signal strength.