What is prohibited on Channel 16?

Channel 16 is designated as the international distress frequency for maritime communication and is primarily reserved for emergency situations. It serves as a vital channel for vessels to call for help, report emergencies, or communicate critical safety information.

Routine radio checks involve contacting other vessels or shore stations to ascertain the clarity and strength of radio communication and are considered non-emergency traffic. When these checks are conducted on Channel 16, they unnecessarily occupy the channel, potentially delaying urgent communications and responses to actual emergencies.

Instead, it is encouraged to conduct routine checks on designated working channels to keep Channel 16 clear for urgent calls. This practice is aimed at ensuring safety at sea and maintaining the integrity of emergency communications. Therefore, prohibiting routine radio checks on Channel 16 helps uphold the channel's primary function as a means of distress communication.