need to designate a VHF channel for marinas

[David Mathis]

It seems that the USCG and FCC could designate a VHF channel(s) for marinas. Calling a marina on 16 will sometimes bring a response but often the call goes unanswered. Only after approaching the marina close enough to read the sign do we learn that their self-designated channel might be 16, 9, 19, 74, or various other channels. Many marinas in New York and Vermont do not monitor 16 and will respond only to calls received on "their channel". Perhaps designating one or more of the now rarely used old radiotelephone channels as a marina contact and communication channel could eliminate some of the radio traffic congestion.

[Mike OReilly]

In Canadian waters (at least in the Great Lakes and the Atlantic provinces), 68 is the common marina channel. It's not universal, and I find many marinas which claim to monitor VHF simply don't, but it is quite common up here.

[paralog]

Originally Posted by Mike OReilly

In Canadian waters (at least in the Great Lakes and the Atlantic provinces), 68 is the common marina channel. It's not universal, and I find many marinas which claim to monitor VHF simply don't, but it is quite common up here.

On the west coast of canada it is 66A not 68.

[Stu Jackson]

Originally Posted by paralog

On the west coast of canada it is 66A not 68.

And very helpful and useful it is, too. Makes life simple, keeps 16 open. Used to be 68, so Mike's right til up to about five years or so ago when they switched to 66A.

[Chotu]

Yep. 68 in my experience also. Try that first. Then the cell phone if you don't raise them.

[GordMay]

VHF 66A is now used for calling marinas, in British Columbia.
VHF 68 is a primary working channel in all regions of Canada, including calling marinas (except BC).
☞ VHF Marine Radio Working Channels | Pat's Boating in Canada

[Mike OReilly]

Thanks guys. Learned something new every day, although I thought BC was different (they are ... in so many ways ).

Anyone know why the difference? Gord?

[RSB333]

I've been steered to Dockwa several times this past summer on Martha's Vineyard and Buzzard's Bay. In fact, even after reserving a mooring, the dockmaster wanted us to use this cellphone app. to pay before we got the mooring number. This gets the traffic off the radio entirely.
RSB333

[Smokeys Kitchen]

Originally Posted by Mike OReilly

Thanks guys. Learned something new every day, although I thought BC was different (they are ... in so many ways ).

Anyone know why the difference? Gord?

Mike, this may not be the answer - - but we were told by some Canadians from Alberta that we met skiing once, that BC actually stands for "Bring Cash".

Maybe just to be different?

[rslifkin]

In places where 9 is used for a secondary calling channel to keep less important traffic off 16, I've found marinas typically monitor 9. But not all are good about monitoring VHF, so it doesn't hurt to keep a cell phone handy to give them a call that way.

[Cadence]

Originally Posted by David Mathis

It seems that the USCG and FCC could designate a VHF channel(s) for marinas. Calling a marina on 16 will sometimes bring a response but often the call goes unanswered. Only after approaching the marina close enough to read the sign do we learn that their self-designated channel might be 16, 9, 19, 74, or various other channels. Many marinas in New York and Vermont do not monitor 16 and will respond only to calls received on "their channel". Perhaps designating one or more of the now rarely used old radiotelephone channels as a marina contact and communication channel could eliminate some of the radio traffic congestion.

Plan in advance and call their phone #.

[roland stockham]

Its already been done. Ch M is the internationally designated marina channel. Problem is not designating a channel but getting marinas to use it!

[Mike OReilly]

Originally Posted by roland stockham

Its already been done. Ch M is the internationally designated marina channel. Problem is not designating a channel but getting marinas to use it!

What channel is "Ch M"? I've never seen a VHF that uses letters to designate channels, only numbers.

[Emmalina]

Originally Posted by Mike OReilly

What channel is "Ch M"? I've never seen a VHF that uses letters to designate channels, only numbers.

Its between channel L and channel N Most marinas is Asia use 69 or advertise the channel they monitor !
Marina Channels

Channels set aside by the United Kingdom administration, for matters relating to mooring, berthing and race control. There are three marina channels:

1. Channel "M" (157.850 MHz
2. Channel "M2" (161.425 MHz)
3. Channel "80" (157.025/161.625)

Channels M and M2 are UK channels and should only be used in UK territorial waters. Their on-board use is covered by a Ship Radio License. However, equipment that is only capable of operating on these frequencies is usually licensed under a Coastal Station Radio License and it is not necessary for the operator to hold an operator's certificate.

[Martkimwat]

In UK, most marinas are on Ch 80 but not all, but if in doubt, just check in your almanac, of course you carry one don't you?