What is the frequency for VHF-FM Channel 13 used for Bridge-to-Bridge communications?

• A. 156.650 MHz
• B. 156.300 MHz
• C. 156.800 MHz
• D. 161.975 MHz

Answer: (A)

Bridge-to-Bridge communications are carried on 156.650 MHz, which is the voice channel designated as Channel 13 on the VHF-FM marine band. This channel is specifically used for coordinating vessel movements when ships are near each other, such as in harbors or narrow channels. It’s the go-to channel for direct, line-of-sight ship-to-ship talk that doesn’t involve distress or general calling. The other frequencies correspond to different uses: 156.800 MHz is Channel 16, the international distress and hailing channel; 156.300 MHz is Channel 6, another working/calling channel but not the established Bridge-to-Bridge channel; and 161.975 MHz is Channel 87B, used for AIS data rather than voice communications.