Be aware of the broadcast rules where you sail…
Although it is normal in most waters to monitor channel 16 on your VHF marine radio, Channel 9 may be the channel of choice if you find yourself in some of those waters. When boating off the coast of northern New Jersey, New York, and New England, you will have to tune into Channel 9 on your VHF Radio in order to obtain the latest information broadcasts from the Coast Guard. Even in some of the waters that normally use channel 16, the Coast Guard has the right to change to channel 9 if they see a benefit to do that. Always be safe. A lot of boaters are now stowing a hand held VHF Marine Radio (the floating type) in their emergency kit so in case they had to resort to a life raft and abandon their boat, they will have communication with the Coast Guard until they are rescued. Happy Boater.