Channel 16 VHF

Channel 16 VHF on the marine radio frequency is the International Emergency Distress Frequency for shipping and maritime purposes. It may only be used for broadcasting MayDay, Pan-pan or urgent Safety (Known as "Securite") messages. It is allied to the 2182 kHz frequency.

Distress signals at sea are defined in the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea and in the International Code of Signals.

Distress signals on marine radio schemes should be broadcast as described using VHF Channel 16 (156.8 MHz) or via High Frequency on 2182 kHz

These channels are monitored 24 hours a day by Coastguards across the Globe.

All sea bound vessels are required by International Law to stay tuned to and monitor Channel 16 VHF when sailing ( except when communicating on other marine channels for legitimate business or operational reasons. In other words ships must effectively "listen out" for any vessels in distress in their immediate vicinity.

Coastguards will initially answer all Mayday calls, but if for whatever reason the Coastguard hasn't heard or responded to a Mayday call within a period of two minutes, any vessel in the neighbouring vicinity having heard the Mayday message should respond to the vessel in distress.

International Maritime Law states that any ship / vessel should render assistance to any other vessel in distress within their immediate vicinity. Coastguards will normally answer mayday calls as stated above and dispatch assistance accordingly but may not be able to get rescue teams to the exact point of the incident for some time (i.e if a ship is stricken many miles from any land mass)- and this is why nearby ships should render assistance as they may be able to respond quicker.

It is an offense in most countries to broadcast on channel 16 unless in distress. It can also be an offense or to make false "Mayday" calls.

Coastguards and any other person wishing to relay essential safety information are permitted to broadcast short informative safety messages on channel 16 VHF such as:-

''This is Portland Coastguard. For weather forecast and important navigational warnings'' ''for the such-and-such area, please tune to channel 23. Portland Coastguard out.''

or:-

''Securite Securite Securite. This is the 'Golden Condor', Securite. Essential safety message'' ''pending Please tune to Channel 21. Golden Condor Out''