Which VHF channel is designated for Bridge to Bridge communications?

Which VHF channel is designated for Bridge to Bridge communications?

• A. VHF Channel 13
• B. VHF Channel 16
• C. VHF Channel 21A
• D. VHF Channel 70

Answer: (A)

Bridge-to-bridge communications rely on a dedicated channel to coordinate movements between ships without cluttering emergency or general calling channels. VHF Channel 13 is the standard channel reserved specifically for this purpose, allowing vessels to exchange navigational information such as courses, speeds, and passing arrangements when maneuvering near one another. This keeps routine safety talks off the distress channel and avoids tying up the digital DSC channel. Channel 16 is reserved for distress and hailing, so it’s not used for ongoing bridge-to-bridge conversations, and Channel 70 is for DSC and not voice communication. In many regions, other channels may exist for different purposes, but the established channel for bridge-to-bridge coordination is Channel 13.

Bridge-to-bridge communications rely on a dedicated channel to coordinate movements between ships without cluttering emergency or general calling channels. VHF Channel 13 is the standard channel reserved specifically for this purpose, allowing vessels to exchange navigational information such as courses, speeds, and passing arrangements when maneuvering near one another. This keeps routine safety talks off the distress channel and avoids tying up the digital DSC channel. Channel 16 is reserved for distress and hailing, so it’s not used for ongoing bridge-to-bridge conversations, and Channel 70 is for DSC and not voice communication. In many regions, other channels may exist for different purposes, but the established channel for bridge-to-bridge coordination is Channel 13.