West Coast Groundfish Observer Program Manual, Part2 - NOAA

APPENDIX R
Appendix R: Radio Communications
The radios that you will encounter most often are VHF-FM (Very High Frequency Modulation),
used for short-range vessel-to-vessel and vessel-to-shore communication, and HF-SSB (High
Frequency-Single Side Band), used for communication when the stations are out of VHF range with
each other. Both types offer certain special advantages, and each requires a specific operating
procedure. The use of radio communication equipment requires a licensed operator. If your vessel
has given you permission to use the radio, you must follow the FCC rules for calling and speaking
on the type of radio (VHF or SSB) you use. Ask first how to operate the radio and use these pages
as a guide for calling. Be aware that obstructing others’ transmissions with your call (by conversing
for too long), using profanities or making false distress calls can cost the permit holder and/or you a
heavy fine and/or prison sentence.
VHF-FM Radios
In the United States, the VHF Band is broken up into 71 channels, with a frequency range of from
156.000 to 163.000 MHz, including six WX (Weather) channels. By law, all operating VHF stations
are required to have at least three of these channels: channel 6, channel 16, and at least one other
working channel.
Channel 6 (156.300 MHz) is the Intership Safety Channel, used for intership safety purposes, searchand
rescue (SAR) communications with ships and aircraft of the U.S. Coast Guard, and vessel
movement reporting within ports and inland waterways. This channel must not be used for nonsafety
communications.
Channel 16 (156.800 MHz) is the International Distress, Safety, and Calling Channel (Intership and
Shipto-Coast). This channel must be monitored at all times the station is in operation (except when
actually communicating on another channel). This channel is also monitored by the U.S. Coast
Guard, Public Coastal Stations, and many Limited Coastal Stations. Calls to vessels are normally
initiated on this channel. Then, except in an emergency, you must switch to a working channel. It is
against FCC regulations to conduct business on this channel. In addition, vessels calling must use
their assigned call sign at the beginning and end of each transmission.
Channel 22A (157.100 MHz) is the U.S. Coast Guard Liaison Channel. This channel is used for
communications with U.S. Coast Guard ships, aircraft, and coastal stations after first establishing
contact on channel 16. Navigational warnings and, where not available on WX channels, Marine
Weather forecasts are also broadcast on this frequency.
Channels 24. 25. 26. 27 and 28 (also 84. 85. 86 and 87) are the Public Correspondence channels
(ship-to-coast). These are available to all vessels to communicate with Public Coastal stations
(Marine Operator).
Channels 26 and 28 are the primary public correspondence channels.
Channels 1. 3. 5. 12. 13. 14. 15. 17. 65. 66. 73. 74. 77. 81. 82 and 83 are channels with special
designations (port traffic communications, U.S. government communications, locks and bridges,
environmental, etc.), and their use close to shore or to ports should be minimized..
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