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VHF Marine Radio in Canada: Distress Channels & Information

VHF marine radio is a key element of the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System, implemented in 1999 to modernize communications systems used on all types of Canadian vessels (recreational and commercial).

It is an incredibly useful communication tool to have on the water. Using VHF radio to call for help can make all the difference in an emergency situation. However, the use of VHF radio in Canada is subject to strict regulations.

Key takeaways

  • VHF radio is a reliable and approved way to communicate safely with other vessels and the Canadian Coast Guard.
  • It can be used to signal distress during an emergency (Channel 16) or for other types of communication. 
  • Users need proper training and certification (Restricted Operator Certificate).
  • Users must know how to use the NATO phonetic alphabet and be prepared with relevant vessel and personal information when using the radio to call for help.
  • Boat operators should use their radio to keep updated on safety and weather warnings, and to be prepared to respond in an emergency if another vessel should require assistance.
  • Technological advancements are underway to transition some analog VHF radio channels to digital channels, however this is unlikely to impact most recreational boaters.

Table of contents

  • 4 Reasons VHF radio is the best way to call for help from a boat
  • How to make a distress call with VHF radio
  • Canadian marine VHF channels
    • Calling for help using VHF radio
    • Other types of in information you can access using VHF Radio
  • The Restricted Operator Certificate and other requirements
  • Frequently Asked Questions

4 Reasons VHF radio is the best way to call for help from a boat

VHF radio is considered to be the most effective tool for marine communication and distress calls for four main reasons:

  1. It has more consistent reception than cell phones.
  2. The equipment is designed to withstand rough weather and moisture.
  3. A distress call on VHF radio will be heard by all other boats in the area as well as the Coast Guard, whereas a call made by phone will only reach the intended recipient.
  4. The source of a VHF signal can be located, meaning that first responders will be able to find the vessel more easily, even in fog.

All of these factors make VHF marine radio a highly recommended (though not legally required) piece of boating safety equipment to have on board.

 

How to make a distress call with VHF radio

In a life-threatening situation, make a distress call by repeating “MAYDAY” three times on channel 16.

Be prepared to provide the following information: 

  • Name of your vessel
  • Vessel position (location)
  • The nature of the emergency
  • Your radio call sign
  • The number of people on board
  • The type of assistance you need.

 

Canadian marine VHF channels

Channel 16 is for initial contact, and to communicate various types of boating emergencies (link to /boating-emergencies/) to the relevant authorities.

After making contact you must switch to a general chatting channel if you are not talking about an emergency.

In Canada, there are a few regional disparities between the East and West Coasts. For a complete list of channels and their functions in your area, visit Transport Canada’s Radio Aids to Marine Navigation.

Here are the main marine VHF channels used in Canada:

Channel 16: Emergency channel. Can also be used for hailing, but boats must quickly agree on and switch to a different channel to continue the conversation.

Channel 6: General working channel for communication between vessels

Channel 9: Working channel on the West Coast

Channel 21B, 23B, 25B, 28B and 83B: Continuous Marine Broadcast (CMB) Service providing automated, looped marine weather forecasts, warnings, and ice information, along with live safety updates in both official languages of Canada.

Channel 68: General channel for recreational vessel communication

Channel 70: Digital Selective Calling (DSC) only – voice prohibited

Channels 87B and 88B: AIS (Automatic Identification System) to prevent collisions. These channels are for data transmission, not voice communication. In major Canadian hubs like Vancouver Harbour, the St. Lawrence Seaway, or the maritime approaches to Halifax, AIS allows small boats to appear on the radar and electronic charts of massive container ships and tankers, which often have limited visibility and maneuverability. It is therefore helpful for safe navigation in poor or limited visibility, or in busy areas to avoid collisions.

Channels 24, 25, 26, 84, 85, and 86: Primarily designated for Public Correspondence (marine operator services), allowing vessel-to-shore telephone calls. In Canada, these channels can be used for safety-related communications. They will be transitioning to VDES (digital) in 2030, with some changes already in progress.

 

Calling for help using VHF radio

VHF Radio can be used for various types of emergencies, including:

  • Severe injury following a boat propeller strike or other boating incident
  • Running aground
  • Being caught in high winds

For situations where you need help but aren’t in immediate danger, you can repeat “PAN PAN” three times instead of “MAYDAY” and relay the same information on channel 16. 

Note that making a distress call needlessly is considered a boating offence.

 

Other types of in information you can access using VHF Radio

You can also use your VHF Radio to:

The Canadian Coast Guard continuously monitors channel 16 and provides important weather alerts for boaters. All vessels are expected to keep channel 16 on or scan it regularly while underway. This allows any boats nearby to hear a distress call and render assistance in the event of an emergency, and also allows boat operators to get the latest information about weather and safety issues.

 

The Restricted Operator Certificate and other requirements

Pleasure craft operators in Canada are legally required to hold a Restricted Operator Certificate ─ Maritime (ROC-M) in order to use a VHF marine radio. The certification program is managed by the Canadian Power and Sail Squadrons (CPS). Those wishing to certify will need to study basic radio procedures, the NATO phonetic alphabet, and penalties for improper radio use before taking an exam to obtain their certificate.

All recreational boaters operating motorised vessels in Canadian waters are also required to hold a Pleasure Craft Operator Card.

 

 

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I need a licence for the VHF radio itself?

Generally, no, as long as you are only operating in Canadian waters. If you plan to sail to the United States or other international waters, you may need a licence.

2. Do I need a licence to operate my VHF radio?

Yes, you need a Restricted Operator Certificate-Maritime (ROC-M). It’s a lifetime certification (no renewal needed) and covers emergency procedures and proper ways to communicate.

3. What is the Red Button (DSC) on my VHF radio?

The red button on your VHF radio is the Digital Selective Calling (DSC) Distress button. It can be used for immediate, automated emergency alerting. When held for 3–5 seconds, it sends a digital “Mayday” signal on Channel 70, transmitting your vessel’s identification (MMSI) and, if connected to GPS, your precise location to the Coast Guard and nearby vessels.

To use it, you need to program your MMSI number (a unique 9-digit ID) into the radio and connect it to a GPS.

4. What is an MI?

A Maritime Identity (MI) is a personal nine-digit ID number assigned to you rather than your boat. It is programmed into your handheld maritime radio to identify you as an individual and allows you to contact other vessels or coast stations, or to broadcast a digital distress signal.

5. What is AIS?

In Canada, the Automatic Identification System (AIS) is a voluntary, VHF-based tracking tool designed to help recreational boaters navigate more safely. It acts as a digital lookout, allowing you to broadcast your position and see nearby traffic. It is not a legal requirement for most pleasure craft, but it is a smart investment for anyone frequently operating in heavy shipping lanes, crowded harbors, or in low visibility.

6. What is VDES?

VDES (VHF Data Exchange System) is the next generation of AIS. It uses land, ship, and satellite links to create a global digital network. As part of an international treaty, Canada is updating its laws to match these global standards. 

Standard AIS (AIS 1 and AIS 2) and many traditional voice channels (like Channel 16 for distress) are not being replaced by a digital-only mandate. In 2030, when the new rules come into effect, you will still be able to use your standard VHF radio for voice calls on most other channels.

Sources

 

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