USCG Radiotelephone Distress Watchkeeping Notice

USCG Radiotelephone Distress Watchkeeping Notice

The US Coast Guard (USCG) advises mariners that due to the aging Coast Guard Medium Frequency radio infrastructure, calls to the USCG on the international radiotelephone distress frequency 2182 kHz may not be reliably received by the USCG. Areas where maritime broadcasts on 2670 kHz are being received satisfactorily by mariners should not be affected. Similarly, mariners using high frequency (HF) radiotelephones equipped with digital selective calling (DSC) capable of operating on the 4, 6, 8, 12 and 16 MHz distress frequencies should not be affected.

USCG watchkeeping services on these HF radiotelephone and DSC distress frequencies are posted here. Mariners who receive a distress alert or call that has not been acknowledged by the USCG are asked to assist if possible and advise the nearest USCG unit using whatever means are practicable.

For more information, contact Russell Levin, USCG Communications Specialist atrussell.s.levin@uscg.mil or 1-202-475-3555.