2025 VHF marine radio channel requirements during the VHF Data Exchange System transition - SSB No.: 16/2025

Scope

This bulletin is for:

• all vessels (foreign and domestic) navigating in Canadian waters

Purpose 

This bulletin tells you how to keep access to required VHF marine radio channels in Canada during the international transition to the VHF Data Exchange System (VDES).

Background 

VDES is an international initiative to modernize marine VHF radio, particularly the Automatic Identification System. It will allow ships and shore stations to share more digital data.

Appendix 18 of the International Telecommunication Union Radio Regulations, known as the Marine Channel Plan, has recently been updated. Channels 24, 25, 26, 84, 85, and 86 will be for digital use only starting January 1, 2030.

Some manufacturers have already started removing or disabling these analog channels from the “International” mode on shipboard radios. The Canadian Coast Guard’s Marine Communications and Traffic Services (MCTS) has seen a growing number of vessels entering Canadian waters without access to these required VHF channels because their radios are in “International” mode.

During this transition period, these channels are still available when radios are set to Canadian or U.S.  mode. Canada is still using these channels for routine and safety-related voice communications. All vessels navigating Canadian waters must use these channels to communicate with MCTS and comply with Canadian regulations. Radios set to “International” mode may not allow you to access these channels as Canadian law requires.

Analog voice communications are still essential for maritime safety and security in Canadian waters.

What you need to know 

Until further notice, radio operators on vessels in Canadian waters must:

• verify channel availability before entering Canadian waters to avoid communication gaps
• confirm radios are in Canadian channel mode to ensure access to channels 24, 25, 26, 84, 85, and 86
• if needed, review the radio’s operating manual to learn how to switch between International, Canadian and U.S. modes
• for technical help, contact your radio manufacturer or radio service provider

Keywords:

1. VHF Radio
2. VHF Data Exchange System
3. Channel availability
4. Marine Communications and Traffic Services (MCTS)
5. Appendix 18

Questions concerning this Bulletin should be addressed to:

Contact us at: Email: marinesafety-securitemaritime@tc.gc.ca or Telephone: 1-855-859-3123 (Toll Free).