What VHF channel is assigned for distress and calling?

Channel 16 is designated as the international distress and calling frequency for VHF marine communications. It operates at a frequency of 156.800 MHz and is universally recognized by mariners, making it critical for emergencies and urgent inter-ship communications.

When a vessel is in distress, it is essential to use a specific channel designated for distress calls to ensure that other vessels and emergency responders can quickly identify and respond to the situation. Channel 16 serves this purpose by providing a dedicated medium where vessels can call for help and broadcast their emergencies.

While other channels, such as Channel 70 (used for Digital Selective Calling) and Channel 22 (used for Coast Guard communications), have their specific uses, they are not primarily assigned for distress and calling. Instead, Channel 9 is often used for boat-to-boat communications but is not the primary channel for distress purposes. Thus, Channel 16 stands out as the correct answer due to its vital role in maritime safety and emergency response.