Can I use Channel 74 as my main VHF communication channel on inland waterways?

Channel 74 is a port operations channel allocated to the Canal and River Trust’s locks and bridges which is also allocated to various other port operators in the UK. Contrary to widespread rumour; it is not a private Canal and River Trust (CRT) channel.

Channel 74 is not allocated for general inter-ship use but, within a port, intership communication on ship movements and safety should be made on the port frequency. This is where some confusion arises – where are the limits of the port, when we are considering a whole network of inland waterways with dispersed locks fitted with radio? In practice, you should keep a listening watch on Channel 74 and use this channel for initial intership contact on the following CRT freight waterways:

Aire & Calder Navigation, Sheffield & South Yorkshire Navigation (below Rotherham), Trent (upstream of Cromwell Lock), Lea (Lee), Weaver, Severn and G&S Canal, Crinan Canal, Caledonian Canal. However, note the different channels that you should monitor on the Ouse, Trent, Humber, Thames and Severn tideways.

Most modern marine VHF radios now have a scan facility, so you can monitor two or more channels simultaneously. This can be particularly useful (e.g. to listen on both Channel 9 and Channel 74), but you must make sure that you know how to lock on to the right channel before replying.

03/05/2013