🔍 Key Concepts

• VHF-FM Channel 16 as the international hailing and distress frequency • Difference between calling/hailing, ship-to-ship safety, and working channels • USCG and international practices for initial contact versus continuing communications

💭 Think About

• Ask yourself: which channel is used FIRST to establish contact with another vessel in almost all situations? • Which channels are primarily used for bridge-to-bridge navigation safety versus a general distress/hailing channel? • After making initial contact, would you normally stay on that channel, or immediately shift to another working channel?

✅ Before You Answer

• Verify which channel is designated internationally as the distress, safety, and calling channel for VHF-FM • Confirm which channel is mainly for bridge-to-bridge navigational communications between ships in close proximity • Remember that routine working or company business is not supposed to stay on the primary hailing/distress channel; it should move to another channel after contact is made