VHF Channel Changes
The MCA has announced changes to the VHF channels for Maritime Safety Information ( MSI ) that will be introduced in September this year .
As a result of changes to Appendix 18 ( Marine VHF ) of the Radio Regulations it will mean that VHF channels 23 , 84 and 86 will no longer be used for either MSI or Radio Medical Advice .
The channels to use from September 2017 will be VHF 62 , 63 and 64 . The use of VHF Channel 10 for MSI and pollution control ( back up ) is unchanged .
MSI is broadcast on VHF six times a day in the Selsey Bill to Lyme Regis inshore forecast area and includes the inshore waters and shipping weather forecasts amongst other information .
Full details of MSI are published on the MCA website although this has not yet been updated to show the changed channels .
Mark Lawson from the Maritime &
Coastguard Agency said : “ Although the change is not happening until September , when it happens the changeover will be absolute and we want to make people aware of this changeover in good time given our commitment to deliver maritime safety and wider support to the maritime community .
“ The exact date of change will be announced as soon as possible . In the meantime , we suggest anyone who uses any type of vessel makes a careful note of these replacement channels so they are ready when it does happen ”.
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