International Distress Frequency Channel. Dec 3, 2025 · Channel 16 (156. 1084-5 Annex 4, Tables 1 and 3. 162.
Dec 3, 2025 · Channel 16 (156. 1084-5 Annex 4, Tables 1 and 3. 162. Sep 7, 2024 · Learn about marine VHF radio frequencies and their importance in maritime communication. Transmitting a DSC Distress Alert Guidance on Distress Alerts Courtesy of IMO MSC. Jan 2, 2026 · These frequencies have been adopted into the bandplans of each IARU region to be a focus for emergency communications in their areas. Some channels are monitored for commercial use, some for private use, some for coast guards, etc. Besides covering updates in the A19 broadcast season, and Radio Exterior de España's increased broadcasts, Jeff notes frequencies and updates for the International Radio for Disaster Relief initiative. single frequency) frequencies in the MF, the VHF and each of the HF maritime bands exclusively for distress and safety purposes. Which of frequencies is in accordance with the present recommendations? 500 kHz, 2 182 kHz and 156,8 MHz. The VHF maritime mobile band consists of channels operating in the frequency range 156. Understanding VHF frequencies and proper channel usage is critical for safe communication. 3. May 2, 2016 · DISTRESS SIGNAL (top priority) If you are in distress (i. The most important channel to know is Channel 16. However, you’re much more likely to get a faster response if you send a distress signal on a distress frequency. The urgency signal and message should be sent on any international distress frequency or channel for radio-telephone. The following signals, used or exhibited either together or separately, indicate distress and need of assistance: a) a gun or other explosive signal fired at intervals of about a minute; b) a continuous sounding with any fog-signaling apparatus; Apr 10, 2025 · 121. For much of the 20th century, 500 kHz was the primary international distress frequency. 860 MHz Supplementary Distress/Safety/Calling Channel 88 – 27. 000 MHz to 162. Newer, more reliable ELTs utilizing a third distress frequency - 406 MHz - were introduced after 1985. 8 MHz) for short range maritime use 406 MHz to 406. HF Marine Communications in Tasmania The High Frequency (HF) services provided by Tas Maritime Radio are: 1. The parts of this section not allocated to amateur radio are used for local communications. Apr 16, 2023 · 26. The Maritime industry operates on the VHF (Very High Frequency). When in need of rescue, the law gives you unlimited access to radios and their frequencies. 1 Digital Selective Calling frequencies 2. Distress signal A distress signal, also known as a distress call, is an internationally recognized means for obtaining help. 5 kHz, the international distress call for marine single sideband. 8 MHz: This frequency serves as the international maritime distress, calling, and safety channel. 80 MHz: International maritime distress, calling, and safety channel. 5 and 243. Under distress, a pilot can possibly panic and may not know how to change the frequency. Transmission on frequencies or channels shown in blue are not allowed within U. 5 MHz for civilian, also known as International Air Distress (IAD), International Aeronautical Emergency Frequency, [1] or VHF Guard, [1] and 243. Note: all duplex and simplex frequencies are upper sideband (USB), with an assigned frequency 1. In an emergency, switch your VHF radio to Channel 16. Marine VHF tables of frequencies by international agreement. Includes recommendations for top accessories like FTDI programming cables, extended batteries, and high-gain antennas with direct Amazon links for faster setup and reliability. If none is received, it will repeat the distress alert up to five times. The upper section of HF (26. It is also used for call and reply by ship stations on a primary basis and by public coast stations on a secondary basis. [1] Oct 31, 2020 · Medium frequency (MF) 518 kHz. The 2 182 kHz frequency is the international radiotelephony distress frequency, and shall be used for this purpose by ship stations, aeromobile stations and survivor craft stations working on the MF frequency band. Information about the safety of navigation (MSI) is transmitted using narrow-band letter-printing telegraphy at a frequency of 518 kHz (international NAVTEX system). Nov 21, 2014 · For most of the history of radio communications 500 kHz has been the recognized international distress frequency for sea. 8 MHz and is received worldwide by any VHF radio. 050 MHz, apart from those portions within this frequency range that are allocated to the land mobile service. 355 Distress, urgency, safety, call and reply Morse code frequencies 47 CFR 80. In 2009, the international COSPAS-SARSAT satellite system discontinued satellite-based monitoring of the 121. These are the DSC identities of the Coast Guard stations monitoring HF DSC distress calls. Which of the following is designated as the International distress safety and calling frequency for radio telephony for stations of the maritime mobile service when using frequencies in the authorized bands Originally all marine VHF frequencies were (2) digits only and most were codified as duplex channels. These frequencies are categorized for distress, routine communications, intership coordination, and satellite systems. In 2025, note the shift to four-digit channel numbers (e. Dec 10, 2018 · Scanner Frequencies and Radio Frequency Reference for Marine Channels (Canada) This table is the frequency chart for the VHF Marine Radio Service. **Channel 16 - International Distress:** Channel 16 (156. General Mobile Radio Service channel for emergency communication and traveler assistance. Several HF maritime voice frequencies exist for long-distance distress calls: [6] 4125 kHz 6215 kHz 8291 kHz 12290 kHz 16420 kHz Marine VHF radio Channel 16 (156. MF/HF-SSB Radio - Distress, Urgency, Safety, & Hailing Frequencies The International Telecommunication Union (ITU,) the same organization that sets international regulations and treaties governing Marine VHF usage is also responsible for the Marine Medium and High Frequency spectrum. 820 MHz Commercial Boats/Fishing Channel 86 – 27. Two special frequencies for ship-to-shore request messages (use), and these continuously by all coast earth stations for a Priority 3 requests (monitor). The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has designated specific frequencies for maritime use, organizing them into channels for different purposes including distress calls, ship-to-ship communication, port operations, and public correspondence. An international distress frequency is a radio frequency that is designated for emergency communication by international agreement. Such channels are known as distress, safety and calling frequencies. Aug 19, 2022 · Some distress frequencies may be used to call other stations to establish contact, whereupon the stations move to another frequency. (WRC-15) NOTE B – The Table below defines the channel numbering for maritime VHF communications based on 25 kHz channel spacing and use of several duplex channels. Some The purpose of the FCC regulation was to relieve congestion on VHF channel 16, the distress, safety and calling frequency. A distress call has priority over all other transmissions. Ham radio operators can relay distress calls on maritime and aeronautical frequencies, assisting in emergency situations where communication is critical. Aug 22, 2022 · Channel 16 is the international distress, safety, and calling channel, while Channel 70 is set aside as a digital selective calling (DSC) distress frequency. Dec 12, 2023 · Each channel on your marine radio has a designated function, with some set aside for distress calls, non-commercial communication, or port operations. 800 MHz (Channel 16) — “MAYDAY MAYDAY MAYDAY, THIS IS (Your vessel’s name and call sign repeated three times)” IF CALLING FROM A VESSEL IN TROUBLE — give: Jan 20, 2015 · Rescue 21 Distress System Coverage VHF Distress Coverage Charts Charts showing predicted areas of VHF National Distress System coverage can be downloaded in . ) had decided to use some of these duplex channels as simplex channels. All VHF radios are programmed to receive and transmit on this channel. 2182 kHz is a medium frequency (MF) radio channel in the maritime mobile service, internationally designated as the primary distress, urgency, and safety frequency for radiotelephony communications between ships, coast stations, and survival craft. To kanał 16, międzynarodowa częstotliwość alarmowa. This channel is used for all kinds of distress, urgency and safety traffic. Keep you up-to-date with weather information and navigational safety warnings. jpg format. Understanding the VHF Distress Channel The distress channel is a radio frequency set aside for emergency communications. Once the distress alert is transmitted, contact the Coast Guard on VHF channel 16 and communicate your distress Marine VHF tables of frequencies by international agreement. 5/243 MHz, and now only monitors 406 MHz ELTs. 4 kHz above the listed carrier frequency. This system, which the world's maritime nations - including the United States - have implemented, is based upon a combination of satellite and terrestrial radio services and has changed international distress communications from being primarily ship-to-ship-based to primarily ship-to-shore-based (Rescue Coordination Center). S. Digital selective calling devices have limited battery life. Channels in the band 4000 - 4063 kHz and 8100 - 8195 kHz are now included here as well. In the MF/HF marine bands, use 2182 kHz, 4125 kHz, 6215 kHz, 8291 kHz, 12 290 kHz or 16 420 kHz. Also 163. The following table is adapted from the International Telecommunications Union Radio Regulations Appendix 18, including changes adopted by the 2019 World Radio Conference. These frequencies are protected by international agreement, and any transmission capable of causing harmful interference to distress and safety signals is prohibited. (a) In the 1605-3500 kHz band, the frequency 2182 is an international radiotelephony distress, urgency and safety frequency for ship stations, public and private coast stations, and survival craft stations. Twelve hour, (0700-1900 hrs) 7-day monitoring of the International Distress and Calling frequencies of 4125, 6215 and 8291 kHz for distress calls from vessels. 900 MHz Non-commercial Boats Learn how to set up and program the Baofeng UV-5R for emergency use. 2. Sep 18, 2023 · The Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) is an international system relating to all vessels over 300 gross tonnes and all passenger vessels engaged on international voyages, irrespective of tonnage. Distress and urgency communications procedures are prescribed by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), however, and have decided advantages over the informal procedure described above. 0 MHz—the second harmonic of VHF guard—for military use, also known as Military Air Distress (MAD), NATO Combined Distress and Emergency Frequency, [1] or UHF Guard. Aug 18, 2024 · VHF Channel 16 is the distress call frequency. Added listings for Australia, Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom, United States, and others. Marine radios are Just remember the VHF Channel 16 operates on a globally accepted international distress frequency of 156. Code: l10cA$9U A ship in distress should transmit the appropriate alarm signal followed by the distress call and message on one or all of the international distress frequencies. e. 8 MHz), serves as the internationally recognized frequency for maritime distress, safety, and calling communications. 55 MHz: Series of channels used for NOAA weather broadcasts and bulletins. 5-30 MHz) shares many characteristics with the lower part of VHF. Q7: How do ham radio operators use satellite frequencies during emergencies? (a) In the 1605-3500 kHz band, the frequency 2182 is an international radiotelephony distress, urgency and safety frequency for ship stations, public and private coast stations, and survival craft stations. It describes how VHF maritime channels are defined as used internationally. Note: For digital selective calling, frequencies listed are assigned. 8 MHz) is the international maritime These systems incorporate frequencies down to 2 MHz to include the 2182 kHz international distress and calling channel. 2 182 kHz on MF, channel 16 on VHF, while waiting for the DSC distress acknowledgment. 0 distress signals. 195 ITU (international marine) HF SSB channels and frequencies for Marine Radio 156. a Guard Channel, as defined by Wikipedia, is The aircraft emergency frequency (also known as guard) is a frequency used on the aircraft band reserved for emergency communications for aircraft in distress. Coverage plots assume a mobile transmitter power of 1 watt or greater at sea level over water. In 2009, the satellite constellation stopped monitoring 121. Its use has been phased out in favor of the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS). On VHF, use channel 16 or 67 for distress transmissions. Jan 21, 2025 · Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Alan Hughes, who shares this article by WRMI's Jeff White in Radio World magazine. k. territorial waters, but are allowed on the high seas and in most To call for help in an emergency situation, you can use any radio transmitter you have access to, and you can tune it to any frequency to call for help. After declaring an emergency or distress call with a squawk of 7700, a pilot can use the emergency frequency 121. Used for radio telephony (voice) distress calls and messages. Used by coast radio stations to transmit meteorological and navigation warnings and urgent information to ships using the international NAVTEX system of narrow band direct printing. Most other radios operate on UHF (Ultra High Frequency). 5/243 MHz frequencies, in part because of a high number of false signals attributed with these frequencies. The channel numbering and the conversion of two-frequency channels for single-frequency operation shall be in accordance with Recommendation ITU-R M. 359 Frequencies for digital selective calling (DSC) Jul 12, 2016 · Guard Frequency, a. International distress frequencies are specific radio frequencies designated for distress calls. Always: choose the lowest licensed frequency and move to higher ones until you find one that works, if you are using the MF/HF marine 8 Any aircraft required by national or international regulations to communicate for distress, urgency or safety purposes with stations of the maritime mobile service shall be capable of transmitting and receiving class J3E emissions when using the carrier frequency 2 182 kHz or the carrier frequency 4 125 kHz. when threatened by grave and imminent danger) transmit the International distress call on either 2182 kHz or 156. For more information… Also available are International VHF Maritime Radio Channels and Frequencies, Narrowband VHF Maritime Channels and Frequencies, Radio Information for Boaters, and U. 275 MHz. After a MAYDAY message is broadcast, VHF Channel 16 must be kept free of all traffic, other than those directly involved in the rescue situation, until the rescue has been completed. For instance, knowing that channel 16 is the international distress frequency is the first part to memorize. FCC regulations require boaters having VHF radios to maintain a watch on either VHF channel 9 or channel 16, whenever the radio is turned on and not communicating with another station. 975 MHz AM – Normal CB 2 Channel 68 – 27. 5 MHz: The international aeronautical emergency frequency, important for aircraft distress calls. In a multi-frequency attempt, the distress signal is sent on the MF and all the HF distress frequencies in turn. [1] Primarily intended for distress, urgency and safety priority calls, the frequency may also carry routine calls used to establish communication before switching to another working channel. While it is supposedly still monitored, it has ceased to be used as a primary sea distress calling frequency as of 2010. For much of the 20th century, 500 kHz was the primary international distress frequency. Note that the letter A indicates simplex use of the ship station transmit side of an international duplex channel, and that operations are different than international operations on that channel. 313 Frequencies for use in distress 47 CFR 80. They are not ‘absolute’ frequencies but instead are ‘centres of activity’ and emergency communications may be found ±20kHz from these centres. First try 2187. 47 CFR 80. Mar 27, 2024 · USGC VHF Narrowband Channels FCC FCC Maritime Mobile Services 47 CFR 80. Distress signals are communicated by transmitting radio signals, displaying a visually observable item or illumination, or making a sound audible from a distance. You can use your marine radio to: Monitor distress frequencies. 720 MHz Commercial Boats/Fishing Channel 82 – 27. The possibility that a marine radio may save your life is the best reason to install one in your boat and learn how to operate it. It provides comprehensive communications for distress, urgency and safety operations in the terrestrial and satellite services. e. 75 MHz: International maritime weather alerts channel. 33 likes, 0 comments - ocean_innovator on January 17, 2026: " **VHF Radio Frequencies: Essential Maritime Communication** VHF (Very High Frequency) radio is the primary communication system for maritime vessels. Sep 3, 2023 · This frequency is also known as the International Air Distress (IAD) frequency or VHF Guard since it is reserved for emergency communications and constantly monitored by airborne and ground-based stations. Frequencies are in megahertz. 1/Circ. 800 MHz) is a marine VHF radio frequency designated as an international distress frequency. In satellite communications the Priority 3 code of the request message the system mechanism to assign a free channel 3Transmit the DSC distress alert 5Prepare for the subsequent distress traffic by tuning the Ship’s Antennas Systems and Radio Wave Propagation transmitter and the radiotelephony receiver to the distress traffic channel in the same band, i. 0000 MHz for military use, also known as Military Air Just remember the VHF Channel 16 operates on a globally accepted international distress frequency of 156. 500MHz in order to communicate his intention only if he cannot join any active air traffic controllers in this airspace after several attempts. 5000 MHz for civilian, also known as International Air Distress (IAD) or VHF Guard, and 243. g. Note: The 500 kHz International Distress and Calling Frequency for Radio Telephony has been replaced by the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) since 1999. Dec 6, 2024 · An international distress frequency is a radio frequency that is designated for emergency communication by international agreement. If you wish to contact one or more of them for the urgent reasons, or to make a test call, these are the identities to use. Carrier frequency is located 1700Hz below the assigned frequency. Understanding Maritime VHF Channels May 28, 2024 · You can learn how to work out VHF range here. This is the International Hailing and Distress Frequency. If you are far out to sea and do not receive immediate response on VHF Channel 16, your next step is to switch to long-range single sideband. And if you have no idea which frequency to monitor or transmit a distress call to, keying this one in can help. It's used to call up ships and shore stations, and is a crucial means of communication in emergency situations. The frequencies are 121. 8 MHz) and/or high frequency on 2182 kHz Transmitting a digital distress signal by activating (or pressing) the distress button (or key) on a marine radio equipped with Digital Selective Calling (DSC) over the VHF (channel 70) and/or HF frequency bands Jun 5, 2023 · Ham radio emergency frequencies: Introduction Ham radio emergency frequencies are the frequencies that will be used when normal communication channels are down due to natural (or man made) disasters like tornedos, hurricanes, earthquakes, floods etc. Contents 1 History 2 Current frequencies 2. It is used for distress and emergency calls as well as for informational broadcasts from the Coast Guard. This was done by splitting off one of the duplex frequency pairs, and using that as a simplex channel. The following is a list of the Channel 16 (156,8 MHz) is the international distress and calling channel for stations using frequencies on the band between 156 and 174 MHz. Marine MF/HF-SSB international simplex communications frequencies. Contact shore-based stations that can co-ordinate a rescue. The VHF channel plan, as described in the International Radio Regulations, shows a total of 59 VHF channels are available for marine use; (See Table of Transmitting Frequencies in the VHF Maritime Mobile Band,) In cases where the distress message is repeated on a frequency other than that used by the ship in distress, an indication should be given of the frequency used and the time at which the message was received. 163. 8 MHz) is the international distress, safety, and calling frequency. Very high frequency (VHF) 121. In maritime use, Channel 16 on the marine VHF radio band is used for shipping and maritime purposes, and is an international distress frequency. 550 kHz, 2 182 kHz and 121,5 MHz. the carrier frequency 2 182 kHz; in Regions 1 and 3 and in Greenland, the carrier frequency 2 191 kHz (assigned frequency 2 192. 680 MHz Commercial Boats/Fishing Channel 72 – 27. 1658 DSC distress alerts include position information, but only if the radio has an internal GPS or is connected to a GPS. 880 MHz Distress/Safety/Calling Channel 90 – 27. When buying a new marine radio, make sure it includes a GPS receiver. Stations transmitting multi-frequency distress alert attempts should be able to receive acknowledgements continuously on all frequencies except for the transmit frequency in use, or be able to complete the call attempt within 1 min. Some nation states in the past (including the U. In conventional radio, alarm and distress signals manually (set up) and channels not against harmful interference (protect). Oct 9, 2023 · The global maritime distress and safety system (GMDSS) connects you to coast stations and vessels via satellite and radio communications when you're out at sea. There are specifically designated channels for specific usage, as indicated in the chart below. The Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) is an internationally agreed set of safety procedures, frequencies, types of equipment, and communication protocols, developed through cooperation between International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and International Telecommunication Union (ITU) since the mid-1970s. In 1982, a satellite constellation (COSPAS-SARSAT ) began to receive 121. 357 Working frequencies for Morse code and data transmission 47 CFR 80. Oct 3, 2018 · Channel 16: Do’s & Don’ts VHF Channel 16 is the international distress frequency; it broadcasts on a frequency of 156. The codeword "MAYDAY" is the international alert signal of a life-threatening situation at sea. This guide covers international channels, distress frequencies, and best practices for using VHF radios at sea. 1 MHz is used by the Cospas-Sarsat international satellite-based search and rescue (SAR) distress alert detection and information This system, which the world's maritime nations - including the United States - have implemented, is based upon a combination of satellite and terrestrial radio services and has changed international distress communications from being primarily ship-to-ship-based to primarily ship-to-shore-based (Rescue Coordination Center). 156. Coast Guard VHF Distress and Safety Coverage Charts. Nov 22, 2016 · Sending a voice Mayday message by radio over very high frequency channel 16 (156. 800 MHz. The ITU has allocated simplex (i. 4 kHz) when a carrier frequency of 2 182 kHz is being used for distress; in Region 2 except for Greenland, the carrier frequency 2 191 kHz as a supplementary calling frequency in those areas of heavy usage of 2 182 kHz. Contact other vessels if you need help. In satellite communications the Priority 3 code of the request message the system mechanism to assign a free channel Oct 9, 2023 · The global maritime distress and safety system (GMDSS) connects you to coast stations and vessels via satellite and radio communications when you're out at sea. Distress and urgency communications procedures discussed in the following paragraphs relate to the use of air ground voice communications. , 22A now 1022) to align with international standards, though legacy two-digit labels are still widely used. 40 MHz to 162. 2 That's channel 16, the international distress frequency. Australia - Country specific table of VHF marine radio frequencies, channel designations, frequency usages, and country specific frequency restrictions. 369 (a) In the 1605-3500 kHz band, the frequency 2182 kHz is an international radiotelephony distress, urgency and safety frequency for ship stations, public and private coast stations, and survival craft stations. In the former, a distress signal is sent on one band and the system will wait up to four minutes for a DSC acknowledgment from a coast station. Channel 16 VHF (156. 4875 MHz: Nationwide emergency channel for the National Guard. Jan 20, 2015 · The International Telecommunications Union Sector for Radiocommunications has indicated that excessive test calls on MF/HF DSC distress and safety frequencies are overloading the system to the point where interference to distress and safety calls has become a cause for concern. . Step-by-step guide covers key frequencies, NOAA weather channels, repeaters, tone settings, and gear. “SECURITE” (Safety) broadcasts as necessary on 4125, 6215 and 8291 kHz. Established by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) at the 1947 Atlantic City Radio Conference, it has served as a critical calling and It uses FM channels in the very high frequency (VHF) radio band in the frequency range between 156 and 174 MHz, designated by the International Telecommunication Union as the VHF maritime mobile band. Global Maritime Distress and Safety System distress and safety working frequencies are also listed. The regulatory framework that regulates channel arrangements and uses in Australia is provided for in the instruments identified below. 800 MHz) remains the international distress frequency, monitored 24/7 by the USCG and vessels. High frequency (HF) 2182 kHz. Radiotelephone distress frequency watch receiver 2182 kHz (1). Why simplex frequencies are used for ship to ship communications and duplex won't work. 5 MHz. ANNEX IV: International Distress Signals 1. In the case of a long message or medical call, the caller should change to a working frequency. The Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) provides critical communication channels for maritime safety. Satellite monitoring today utilizes the 406 MHz frequency only. Step-by-Step Distress Signal Procedure Tune to Channel 16: Channel 16 (156. The VHF radio safety and distress calling channel, primarily Channel 16 (156. If you are within 100 miles of the shore, first try your VHF on the international distress channel, Channel 16. Jul 9, 2023 · An international distress frequency is a radio frequency that is designated for emergency communication by international agreement.