Ship to Shore Radio Channels

[jtulius]

Where is the best place to get a listing of channels utilized on my ship to shore radio? Are the emergency channels universal no matter where I go? Should I contact my local coast guard and ask them which channels are typically used?

I fish Lake Michigan, Green Bay, and Winnebago so I am not sure if the channels are different for each location, or pretty much utilized universally.

I know I can google it, but I wanted some credible information or websites. Not exactly something to make an error on based on poor information.

I was watching that tuna reality show last night and a boat sank with the captain calling out "mayday, mayday" on the radio. Made me think if something went wrong I need to know which channel to call out on so I can get help just like they did.

[JayM5209]

Straight from the Coasties -

http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/?pageName=mtvhf

Ch. 16 is the universal international distress, safety, calling channel and is monitored by all Coast Guard stations.

[B-man]

Anywhere you go, most guys are on 68, some on 69, 71 and 72.

You can hail on 16, but don't hold a conversation there.

The vast majority of the other channels are for commercial boats, and shouldn't be used for recreational chatter, though some guys think it's okay.....



http://www.boatus.org/guide/equipment_19.html

[jtulius]

Very helpful. Thanks much guys.

[Yellow Fever]

You really should take the course ....it may save your life. I saved 8 people one day because of the radio.

[jtulius]

Originally Posted by Yellow Fever

You really should take the course ....it may save your life. I saved 8 people one day because of the radio.

What course is that?

[Yellow Fever]

Originally Posted by jtulius

What course is that?

In Canada we have to take a marine operators course...you may not have to but i am willing to bet the local Power Squadron puts one on and you will learn a lot...In my opinion the single most important safety device on a boat (not counting PFD)