Which VHF channel is used for distress, safety, and calling?

• A. VHF Channel 13
• B. VHF Channel 16
• C. VHF Channel 21A
• D. VHF Channel 70

Answer: (B)

This question tests knowing which VHF channel is designated internationally for distress, safety, and calling. That channel is monitored continuously by ships and coast stations and is used to hail other vessels or initiate an emergency, making it the go-to for any distress or safety communication. Once contact is established on that channel, the conversation can move to a working channel for the actual message. Other channels have different roles: one is for bridge-to-bridge communications between vessels, another is a general intership working channel for routine traffic, and another is reserved for digital selective calling (DSC) which handles automated distress and safety signaling rather than voice calls. So the channel used for distress, safety, and calling is the designated distress channel.