01/21/2020
On this Tidbit Tuesday we will discuss the importance of a VHF radio. Whether you operate a 110’ yacht or a 16’ flats boat, it’s critical to own a mounted or handheld VHF. There are many locations throughout the Florida waterways (both inshore and offshore) that have very spotty or weak cell reception. If you are ever in a time of need without the use of your phone, having a VHF can be a significant and lifesaving factor. Become familiar with the common channels below as it is critical knowledge to have as a boater.
• Channel 6 - Intership safety communications only.
• Channel 9 - Communications between vessels (commercial and recreational) and ship to coast.
• Channel 13 - Strictly for navigation purposes by vessels at bridges, locks, and harbors.
• Channel 16 - Distress and safety calls to USCG and others, and to initiate calls to other vessels.
• Channel 22 - USCG broadcasts of severe weather warnings and other safety warnings.
• Channels 24-28 - Public calls (to marine operator).
• Channels 68, 69, and 71 - Recreational vessel radio channels and ship to coast.
As we’ve also discussed in the past, it is very important to monitor the weather for developments. If you’re out of cell range, the below frequencies broadcast NOAA weather reports:
• 162.400 MHz
• 162.425 MHz
• 162.450 MHz
• 162.475 MHz
• 162.500 MHz
• 162.525 MHz
• 162.550 MHz
For more information regarding VHF channels and radio information, be sure to check out “The Florida Boaters Guide: A Handbook of Boating Laws and Responsibilities” (https://www.boat-ed.com/florida/handbook/page/6/VHF-Radio/) and the US Department of Homeland Security website (https://www.navcen.uscg.gov/?pageName=mtBoater).
The Official FL Boating License Handbook. The boater safety handbook of Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Boat Ed provides print and internet boating safety courses for 49 states, including the Boaters Safety Online Course for the State of FL.
