What restriction applies to channels 68, 69, and 71?

Channels 68, 69, and 71 on VHF marine radio are designated for non-commercial use, which means they are intended primarily for recreational boaters and not for commercial shipping operations. This regulation allows recreational boaters to communicate with each other and share information such as navigation updates, fishing spots, or safety concerns without interfering with commercial marine traffic, which typically utilizes other channels.

This non-commercial designation ensures that these channels remain available for the general boating public, facilitating communication in a safe and effective manner, especially in busy waterways where interactions among recreational boats are common. The focus on non-commercial use helps to prevent congestion and maintains order in channel usage, which is crucial for overall marine safety.