For working traffic on VHF, which channel is commonly used?

• A. Channel 13
• B. Channel 9
• C. Channel 16
• D. Channel 68, 69, or 72

Answer: (D)

When you’re using VHF radio on the water, you keep the distress/hailing channel free for emergencies and calls to other vessels or the Coast Guard. After you’ve established contact on that channel, you move to a designated working channel for the actual conversation. These working channels are specifically kept clear for routine, non-emergency communications between boats, so you’re less likely to compete with other traffic on the emergency channel.

That’s why using a typical working channel is the best choice. It preserves Channel 16 for distress and hails, and it gives you a clearer, more reliable line for talking about navigation, passing, weather, or other normal communications with nearby boats. The other channels listed serve different purposes—one is mainly for bridge-to-bridge coordination, another for general calling in some areas—and aren’t intended for regular traffic like a small-boat conversation. Using a designated working channel helps keep conversations smooth and reduces congestion on the emergency channel.