VHF Channels

[geofish]

What VHF channels are forum members using to talk with each other on the water? Recreational channels (68, 69,71, 72, or 78A)?
Are you hailing on 9 or still using 16 to hail?

[Hit-n-Miss]

I always use 14. I hail members at least once while out there.


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[geofish]

Cool, thanks. I never would have guessed since 14 is listed for port operations, but since there's no port nearby .. . ..
I'll try it next time.

[Juan]

We need a forum flag to identify members. It's hard to see a hat or decal.

[silverking]

We need a forum flag to identify members. It's hard to see a hat or decal.

Us nautical, non-soldier types call them burgees.

[Juan]

We need a forum flag to identify members. It's hard to see a hat or decal.

Us nautical, non-soldier types call them burgees.

I knew that but I type "flag" faster.

[Srbenda]

I'm always on 16.

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[FishWithChris]

DO. NOT. HAIL. ON. VHF 16!!!!!!!!!!!

16 is reserved for Emergency communications/distress calls. If you sit on 16 often, you'll here someone hail and get berated by USCG Sector Mobile, Alabama. If you have your VHF on while on the water, best to monitor this channel for any immediate distress calls and you may be in the area to provide support. OTHERWISE...

Find a common use channel for standard boat traffic and talk on there.

VHF9 is typically used as a Vessel-to-bridge/shore and where USCG will often direct you to comm at.

VHF 26/27 in our Big Bend area is a SeaTow radio check/verification signal received channel.

There are other common channels available as indicated above. Also, please see USCG VHF Channel Information: