Robert J Morton
Robert J Morton |
A brief outline of the short wave (HF) maritime radio bands is shown below. These may have been changed since I wrote this and allocations may differ slightly between global regions. The colours for daytime propagation (lower) and night time propagation (upper) have the same meanings as on my propagation diagram.
2000-2850 kHz (850 kHz wide)
Ship-to-shore, coast guards, distress channels using SSB, CW, RTTY.
6200-6525 kHz (225 kHz wide)
Exclusive to maritime use throughout the world using USB CW RTTY.
8195-8815 kHz (620 kHz wide)
International ship calling frequency, Ship communication traffic, International emergency & distress
12330-13200 kHz (870 kHz wide)
Active throughout the day and early evening. Most signals are CW and RTTY.
18780-18900 kHz (120 kHz wide)
Shared with non-maritime users.
19680-19800 kHz (120 kHz wide)
Shared with non-maritime users.
22000-22855 kHz (855 kHz wide)
Active during daytime. Ship-to-ship communication. Coast Guards.
25010-25550 kHz (540 kHz wide)
Shared with other users. Many are low powered units like taxis, boats, factories. Vast distances can be covered on low power during the years of solar maxima.