When in U.S. navigable waters, what frequency is mandated to monitor by U.S. Law?

When in U.S. navigable waters, what frequency is mandated to monitor by U.S. Law?

• A. 2182 kHz, 156.8 MHz, 156.65 MHz (channel 13)
• B. 121.5 MHz
• C. 157.1 MHz
• D. 123.1 MHz

Answer: (A)

In U.S. navigable waters you must monitor the main distress and safety channels so help can be reached quickly and traffic can be coordinated. The frequencies to monitor are 2,182 kHz on the MF band, and VHF Channel 16 (156.8 MHz) for distress, safety, and hailing, plus Channel 13 (156.65 MHz) for navigational-safety communications between vessels and shore facilities. 2,182 kHz is the MF distress/call frequency used for long-range calls when you’re outside VHF range. Channel 16 is the primary VHF distress, safety, and calling channel, so monitoring it is essential for urgent communications. Channel 13 is used for bridge-to-bridge communications and other navigational-safety coordination, which helps prevent collisions and coordinate movements in busy waters. The other options don’t reflect the set required by U.S. law: 121.5 MHz is an older distress frequency, not currently mandated for monitoring in U.S. navigable waters, and the other frequencies listed aren’t standard safety or distress channels.

In U.S. navigable waters you must monitor the main distress and safety channels so help can be reached quickly and traffic can be coordinated. The frequencies to monitor are 2,182 kHz on the MF band, and VHF Channel 16 (156.8 MHz) for distress, safety, and hailing, plus Channel 13 (156.65 MHz) for navigational-safety communications between vessels and shore facilities.

2,182 kHz is the MF distress/call frequency used for long-range calls when you’re outside VHF range. Channel 16 is the primary VHF distress, safety, and calling channel, so monitoring it is essential for urgent communications. Channel 13 is used for bridge-to-bridge communications and other navigational-safety coordination, which helps prevent collisions and coordinate movements in busy waters.

The other options don’t reflect the set required by U.S. law: 121.5 MHz is an older distress frequency, not currently mandated for monitoring in U.S. navigable waters, and the other frequencies listed aren’t standard safety or distress channels.