On which channel should a distress call be initiated?

On which channel should a distress call be initiated?

• A. Channel 16
• B. Channel 70
• C. Channel 9
• D. Channel 22

Answer: (A)

In maritime VHF communications, the first channel to hail for help is the designated distress, safety, and calling channel. This channel is continuously monitored by coast guards and other vessels, making it the quickest way to get attention and start a rescue or assistance exchange. Once contact is established on that channel, you switch to a working channel to continue the conversation and avoid tying up the emergency channel. While there’s a digital option for distress alerts on a separate channel, voice distress calls are initiated on this primary channel because of its universal monitoring and availability.

In maritime VHF communications, the first channel to hail for help is the designated distress, safety, and calling channel. This channel is continuously monitored by coast guards and other vessels, making it the quickest way to get attention and start a rescue or assistance exchange. Once contact is established on that channel, you switch to a working channel to continue the conversation and avoid tying up the emergency channel. While there’s a digital option for distress alerts on a separate channel, voice distress calls are initiated on this primary channel because of its universal monitoring and availability.