Which statement best describes Channel 16 in maritime VHF communications?

Which statement best describes Channel 16 in maritime VHF communications?

• A. It is used for routine commercial chats.
• B. It is the international maritime distress frequency for VHF.
• C. It is used only for weather broadcasts.
• D. It is a private channel for ship-to-ship business.

Answer: (B)

Channel 16 on VHF is the international distress, safety, and calling channel. It’s the primary channel mariners use to summon nearby vessels or shore stations, especially in an emergency, and it’s monitored for distress signals and urgent communications. Once contact is made, conversations move to a working channel to keep Channel 16 free for emergencies. The other statements don’t fit because Channel 16 isn’t for routine chats, it isn’t dedicated to weather broadcasts, and it isn’t a private ship-to-ship channel.

Channel 16 on VHF is the international distress, safety, and calling channel. It’s the primary channel mariners use to summon nearby vessels or shore stations, especially in an emergency, and it’s monitored for distress signals and urgent communications. Once contact is made, conversations move to a working channel to keep Channel 16 free for emergencies. The other statements don’t fit because Channel 16 isn’t for routine chats, it isn’t dedicated to weather broadcasts, and it isn’t a private ship-to-ship channel.