Reference Tables; Channel Descriptions And What They Mean - West Marine VHF490 Owner's Manual

REFERENCE TABLES

NOTE: This radio does not support AIS channels.

Channel Descriptions and What They Mean

The table below lists the display name or channel description used in the following tables and what each description means.
Channel name/description
DISTRESS SAFETY AND CALLING
INTERSHIP SAFETY
NON-COMMERCIAL (recreational or voluntary ships only)
COMMERCIAL (working ships only)
PUBLIC CORRESPONDENCE/MARINE OPERATOR
PORT OPERATIONS/VTS (vessel traffic system)
NAVIGATIONAL/BRIDGE TO BRIDGE
STATE CONTROL
DIGITAL SELECTIVE CALLING
primarily emergency messages and distress calls
safety messages from one ship to another, or from a ship to Coast Guard aircraft
messages about the needs of the ship, including fishing reports, rendezvous,
scheduling repairs and berthing information
messages about the needs of the ship or the business the ship is engaged in
calls to the marine operator at a public coast station. Marine operators can
connect you to the telephone network so you can make and receive calls. (There
is usually a charge for this service.)
messages about the movement and safety of ships in or near ports, locks or
waterways. In certain major ports, some channels may be restricted to specific
types of port operations messages.
messages about ship navigation, for example, passing or meeting other ships,
maneuvering through locks, or navigating around drawbridges. Messages must
be short!
messages about government regulation and control, boating activities, or
assistance to ships; also used to talk to ships and coast stations operated by
state or local governments
DSC signals only (no voice communications allowed at any time)
VHF490 RADIO 1-800-BOATING
29
Used for