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MN001824A01-AT
Maritime Radio Use in the VHF Frequency Range
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 that 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:
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