When you’re out on the open water, it’s important to stay in contact with other vessels and the shore. To do this, you must monitor a VHF channel on your boat.
VHF stands for Very High Frequency and is a type of radio frequency used for communication between boats and shore stations. It is the most common form of communication used by recreational boaters and commercial vessels alike. The VHF channel you should monitor depends on where you are located and what type of vessel you are operating.
In the United States, all recreational vessels must monitor Channel 16 when they are out on the water. This is the international hailing and distress channel, so it is important to keep an ear out for any distress calls that may be sent out by other vessels in need of assistance. Additionally, many marinas will use Channel 16 to communicate with their customers when they arrive at the dock or when they need to relay information about weather conditions or other safety issues.
If you are operating a commercial vessel, then you must also monitor Channel 13 in addition to Channel 16. This channel is used for navigational warnings issued by the Coast Guard or other government agencies. It is also used by commercial vessels to communicate with each other regarding their location and speed as well as any navigational hazards they may encounter while underway.
Finally, if you are operating a fishing vessel then it is important to monitor Channel 22A as well as Channels 16 and 13. This channel is used by fishermen to communicate with each other regarding fishing conditions, locations of fish schools, or any other information that may be useful while out on the water.
No matter what type of vessel you are operating or where you are located, it is important to always monitor at least one VHF channel while out on the water. By doing so, you can ensure that your vessel remains safe and that any distress calls from other vessels can be heard and responded to quickly if necessary.