What frequencies are used for personal chatter

[kt4vq]

I have never had marine radio nor have I ever scanned marine frequencies.<br /><br />I have pulled down a dozen or more web pages that tell all of the marine VHF and MF frequencies. Each of these pages have the sterile description of what the frequencies are for.<br /><br />What I want to know is the ones marked as "Public Correspondence (Marine Operator)" meant for general chit chat? Example channels are 24,25,26,27,28,84,85,86. If not can anyone tell me what channels are used for this purpose?<br /><br /><br />I boat mainly in Georgia, Alabama, and Tennessee.<br />Thanks.....

 

[mattttt25]

Re: What frequencies are used for personal chatter

some vhf channels are reserved for specific purposes, most are not. those you listed all look free. the most important channels to understand (stay off if not applicable to you) are:<br /><br />Channel 16 (156.8 MHz) This is the most important channel on the VHF band. THIS IS THE DISTRESS, SAFETY, AND CALLING FREQUENCY WHICH THE COAST GUARD MONITORS CONTINUOUSLY. All vessels equipped with VHF radios must keep their radios tuned to channel 16 so they can assist if an emergency is near. Vessels may initiate contact with each other but must shift to a working frequency to carry on a conversation (e.g., Motor vessel Albatross, this is sailing vessel Mother Goose, AB-1234, on Channel 16, switch and answer Channel 68). Use Channel 16 for only bona fide emergencies.<br /><br />Channel 22A (157.1 MHz) This channel is the primary working channel of the Coast Guard. It is used for communications between the Coast Guard and the maritime public, both recreational and commercial. Severe weather warnings, hazards to navigation, and other maritime safety warnings are broadcast on Channel 22A.<br /><br />Channel 13 (156.65 MHz) This channel is the bridge to bridge or "piloting" channel, used for communicating navigation information between ships. Strictly used for navigational purposes by commercial, military, and recreational vessels at locks, bridges and harbors.<br /><br />Channel 6 (156.3 MHz)This channel is the ship to ship frequency used for safety related communications. This channel is not used for ordinary operational navigation or personal communications.<br /><br />certain ports or local organizations specify channels for their use, and you must observe their rules. for example, in san diego, the port authority uses 12 for harbor traffic. you need to avoid it if boating in that area. their may be something in your area similiar.<br /><br />as for a good channel to use, it's also local. for example, the fisherman in my area of the chesapeake bay all use 68. the chesapeake bay power boat association has adopted 69 as their unofficial channel.<br /><br />when you're out, cruise through the channels and just listen. you'll quickly figure out where people are hanging out. also talk to the marinas. they will know what channels are used.

 

[cuzner]

Re: What frequencies are used for personal chatter

Might be a good idea to get your operators licence for your vhf radio.Aside from the fine you will avoid if caught using it without one, you will learn some valuable info on safety . Plus its a great way to meet local boaters. The frequecy's designated for things vary from reigions.. you can get a list from your local coast guard station.<br /><br /><br /> Jim

 

[Boatist]

Re: What frequencies are used for personal chatter

kt4qv<br />Most important is to know you are required to monitor channel 16 when radio is not in use. This is the Calling and Distress Channel. Before making any call make sure channel is not busy and no MAYDAY in progress. Call your party and switch to another channel. Everyone monitoring 16 is what makes VHF an important saftey device. If your here a Mayday you are required to record what you here. Do not answer the call unless the call gets no responce. Most times the Coast Guard will respond and work the call. If no one answers then you should answer. I would answer like "Vessel calling MAYDAY what is the nature of your distress". This does two things it lets everyone know there is a MAYDAY on channel and if the Coast Guard here you they will likely ask your to relay information. Vessel in distress may be right next to you with a handheld and no one else can here him. <br /><br />Ways to monitor Channel 16 but not sure if all truely meet requirement. You can just listen to 16. Coast guard will make broadcast on 16 lots of times. It could be for marine saftey and weather information switch to 22A for information. It could be Coast Guard has established a saftey zone for a air show or fleet week, ect. Many radios have a dual watch feature so if your tuned to 68 ridio will still check channel 16 then switch back to 68. Most radio today scan as many channel as you put in. Some boat will have a second radio or handheld they leave on 16. <br /><br />Marine Operator Public Correspondence are duplex channels used for making Ship to shore telephone calls. All the channels You listed will be for a specific marine operator. For example in my area Bodega Bay, CA is channel 25 marine operator, Channel 24, 26 and 87 is San Francisco, Ca<br /><br />Per Rule CHIT CHAT is not allowed on VHF, However we all do it. So when you make your call always ask how are the weather and sea conditions at your location.<br /><br />For general conversation most switch to non commercial channels 68,69,71,72,78, 9. So these are channel most used. Channel 68 out here in California is use by most marinas, and fuel docks.<br />Comming into a marina I would try 68 on one watt to find the guest dock fuel doc or arange for a overnight stay. Still 68 is probably the most popular general conversation channel. Channel 9 Here is used by many bridges and locks. To call the bridge and see how much clearance they have or to get the bridge to open. Also in some area channel 9 is used as a backup calling channel.<br /> Party boats in my area use 88 offshore and most of the fishing fleet.<br /><br />Channel 13 is Bridge to Bridge 1 watt. This is use to call another vessel. If your are in a narrow channel comming to the port of Sacramento and meet a big ocean going ship I call the ship and make sure he see me and ask which side he would like me to pass on. He may not be able to see you at all when your get within 1/4 mile. Channels 11, 12, and 14. are for vessel traffic service. One for offshore traffic, one for inshore traffic. These are used so vessel know where other vessel are and eta to different point to help prevent acidents in fog or heavy rain.<br /><br />Channel for the Coast guard only are 21, 23, 24, 83.<br /><br />Channel 70 is for DSC use.<br /><br />Bottom line is stay off the important saftey channels like 16 and 22 and channel reserved for a special use and no one will give you any trouble. On channel 16 people talking will be ask to move to another channel and if they do not Coast Guard will try to pin point their location and if they have a vessel not on a mission will ask vessel to try and find you.<br /><br />Have fun with your radio.

 

[swist]

Re: What frequencies are used for personal chatter

The requirement for a VHF license for recreational boats was dropped several years ago in order to encourage people to use real VHF radios instead of cell phones.<br /><br />Also "idle chatter" is prohibited - yeah there is always some of it, but if you keep at it, you may find yourself in trouble.<br /><br />And speaking of which, fines for misuse of a VHF are VERY steep (again they probably figure boaters have money).