User's Guide

Maritime Radio Use in the VHF
Frequency Range
Special Channel Assignments
Emergency Channel
If you are in imminent and grave danger at sea and require emergency assistance, use VHF Channel
16 to send a distress call to nearby vessels and the United States Coast Guard. Transmit the following
information, in this order:
1 “MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY.”
2 “THIS IS _____________________, CALL SIGN __________.” State the name of the vessel in
distress 3 times, followed by the call sign or other identification of the vessel, stated 3 times.
3 Repeat “MAYDAY” and the name of the vessel.
4 “WE ARE LOCATED AT _______________________.” State the position of the vessel in distress,
using any information that will help responders to locate you, e.g.:
• latitude and longitude
• bearing (state whether you are using true or magnetic north)
• distance to a well-known landmark
• vessel course, speed or destination
5 State the nature of the distress.
6 Specify what kind of assistance you need.
7 State the number of persons on board and the number needing medical attention, if any.
8 Mention any other information that would be helpful to responders, such as type of vessel, vessel
length and/or tonnage, hull color, etc.
9 “OVER.”
10 Wait for a response.
11 If you do not receive an immediate response, remain by the radio and repeat the transmission at
intervals until you receive a response. Be prepared to follow any instructions given to you.
Non-Commercial Call Channel
For non-commercial transmissions, such as fishing reports, rendezvous arrangements, repair
scheduling, or berthing information, use VHF Channel 9.
Operating Frequency Requirements
A radio designated for shipboard use must comply with Federal Communications Commission Rule
Part 80 as follows:
• on ships subject to Part II of Title III of the Communications Act, the radio must be capable of
operating on the 156.800 MHz frequency.
• on ships subject to the Safety Convention, the radio must be capable of operating:
- in the simplex mode on the ship station transmitting frequencies specified in the 156.025–
157.425 MHz frequency band, and
MN006727A01-AA
Maritime Radio Use in the VHF Frequency Range
81