Marine Radios Review

The US Coast Guard has set aside certain frequencies to be used for certain things.  One of those channel frequencies is channel 22A.  On this channel, you will hear marine information broadcasts.  Now, on your VHF Marine Radio (either hand held or fixed), you will occasionally hear an announcement on channel 16 from the US Coast Guard telling all boaters that they have some information that they think may be of interest to you.  You then have the choice to turn to channel 22A or to simply not take heed to the announcement.  They would generally request that anyone wanting to hear the information should turn to channel 22A.  …and remember – Channels 9 and 16 are still to be used only for calling another vessel.  Once you reach your party, you should always turn to a “non-commercial” frequency such as channel 68 to continue your conversation (this would be termed a “working channel”).  That way you don’t tie up the channel other boats are monitoring and then you eliminate “chatter” so other boaters can enjoy the peace and quiet they probably wanted for their day on the water.  Happy Boater.