DISTRESS FREQUENCIES

Several frequencies in different bands are designated for the transmission of distress, urgency, safety, or search and rescue (SAR) messages. The following frequencies have been designated for use during a distress or emergency situation:

500 kHz- International CW/MCW distress and calling;

2182 kHz- International voice distress, safety, and calling;

8364 kHz- International CW/MCW lifeboat, life raft, and survival craft;

121.5 MHz- International voice aeronautical emergency;

156.8 MHz- FM United States voice distress and international voice safety and calling; and

243.0 MHz- Joint/combined military voice aeronautical emergency and international survival craft.

During SAR missions, the following frequencies are authorized for use:

3023.5 and 5680 kHz- International SAR frequencies for the use of all mobile units at the scene of a search. Also for use of shore stations communicating with aircraft proceeding to or from the scene of the search. CW and voice are authorized.

123.1 MHz- International worldwide voice SAR use.

138.78 MHz- U.S. military voice SAR on-the-scene use. This frequency is also used for direction finding (DF).

172.5 MHz- U.S. Navy emergency sonobouy communications and homing use. This frequency is monitored by all U.S. Navy ASW aircraft assigned to a SAR mission.

282.8 MHz- Joint/combined on-the-scene voice and DF frequency used throughout NATO.

The control of distress message traffic on any designated frequency is the responsibility of the station in distress. However, this station may delegate its responsibility to another station on the frequency.

Distress Watches

Navy units at sea have always maintained listening watches on distress frequencies. Communication watch requirements vary according to the operational mission of the ship and available equipment assets. Ships in company normally divide distress watch requirements among the group.