Boating Emergencies
Which VHF marine radio channel is the primary channel for distress calls and hailing?
Answer
Channel 16
VHF Channel 16 is the international distress, safety, and calling channel, monitored by the Coast Guard. Use it to call for help, then switch to a working channel once contact is made.
Source: U.S. Coast Guard, Boating Safety Division — "A Boater's Guide to the Federal Requirements for Recreational Boats" (rev. Nov. 8, 2023), “Maritime Telecommunications,” p. 40, and “Sending a Distress Call,” p. 46 — https://www.uscgboating.org/assets/1/AssetManager/Boaters-Guide-to-Federal-Requirements-for-Receational-Boats-20231108.pdf
Not the answer
- Channel 9
- Channel 22
- Channel 68
Practice this
The boater safety certification exam is 50 questions and takes 40 correct — 80% — to pass. The app’s page carries a free ten-question test drawn from the same bank, marked as you go.
Take the free practice test