Can I use marine VHF for emcomm?

Marine bands are for maritime safety — ham and GMRS serve land-based emcomm.

Distress and calling frequencies — listen only unless licensed/authorized. Works offline after your first visit.

Offline Tool

Marine VHF & Aviation Guard

Marine VHF channel reference for harbor and coastal work.

Ch	Freq	Use
16	156.800 MHz	Distress / calling — monitor at sea
9	156.450 MHz	Commercial calling (US)
13	156.650 MHz	Bridge-to-bridge navigation
22A	157.100 MHz	USCG liaison (receive)
70	156.525 MHz	DSC digital distress

Marine VHF requires appropriate station license on vessels. Ham operators may monitor; transmit only in genuine distress unless licensed.

Freq	Use
121.500 MHz	Civil aviation emergency guard — monitor only on ham gear unless authorized
243.000 MHz	Military emergency guard