Marine channel

http://coastsidefishingclub.com/vhf-radio-channels/

VHF Radio Channels
9- Bodega
07-Harbors
09-Primary Channel for bridges on the Delta
10-Out of Noyo
11-Santa Cruz/Monterey
13-The Montezuma Lock monitors this channel
19-Half Moon Bay/Coastside in general
67-GG Charter Boats
68-Inside SF Bay and the GG
69-Kayak Anglers
88-San Pablo Bay

68,69, 71, 72, 78 – These are the proper channels to use for vessel to vessel communications
27, 28, & 86 -Stockton Marine operator – upriver from Pittsburg
26, 84, & 87 -San Francisco Marine Operator – downriver/Susuin from Martinez to San Francisco Bay and beyond

Full list
http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/?pageName=mtvhf

Thanks for this.

I am looking for a good marine radio.  Do most of them float, or do you clip it to a leash in case your investment takes a swim?  Just looking for advice before I hit the ocean for the first time.

Thanks

I am looking for a good marine radio.  Do most of them float, or do you clip it to a leash in case your investment takes a swim?  Just looking for advice before I hit the ocean for the first time.

Thanks

Make sure you buy waterPROOF, floating vhf handheld.  Should come with a clip.  Clip inot a pfd pocket, so it you lose your boat, you still have your radio,

Also great channel list Mel, thanks.  In Santa Cruz I use 11 for my radio check.  In HMB I use 19. More ears on those channels.  then, like e2g I put it on scan but use 69 for yakety yak.

Bushy

Great information, thank you fishingaddict!
Only one correction that I see, although admittedly no expert.

Per the CG link you provided channel 13 is used to communicate with large vessels to avoid collision, this is a new one to me and seems useful in the bay and if for some reason you’re clueless enough to get stuck in front of a large barge or ferry vessel, although paddling or peddling like hell is preferable over fumbling with radio. Useful I suppose if caught adrift,  literally up shits creek without a paddle. I will say from experience that using your hands to row is effective (at least with smaller, ruderless kayak that can be paddled backward) and have even used my net as a paddle, yes I’m that asshole that has lost my paddle not once, not twice, but thrice!
From USCG.gov:
“Boaters should normally use channels listed as Non-Commercial. Channel 16 is used for calling other stations or for distress alerting. Channel 13 should be used to contact a ship when there is danger of collision. All ships of length 20m or greater are required to guard VHF channel 13, in addition to VHF channel 16, when operating within U.S. territorial waters. Users may be fined by the FCC for improper use of these channels.

if you are in the way of a ferry or large vessel...its your deal to get out of the way.  our ferry's travel about 45kts or so...and they're slowish turners. A cargo ship essentially can't turn in any timeframe that'll save you.

Yep, ferries are quick, get out da way! Large ships should be visible well in advance so you should have plenty of time to get out of the shipping lane.
In SF Bay, the VHF channel is 14 for Coast Guard Vessel Traffic. In reality, you'll probably never need to use it in a kayak. If for some reason you're in a shipping lane for an extended period of time, you can let notify them so they can advise large vessels.

is there an automated radio check channel for the bay area like I saw on a youtube vid?

This is useful stuff for kayakers like me just entering the salt pond.  This blog is great for searching and finding info.

Pond? Be sure and read up on spots you launch from.

Usually 69 but the most important one in 16 (Coast Guard)

http://coastsidefishingclub.com/vhf-radio-channels/

VHF Radio Channels
9- Bodega
07-Harbors
09-Primary Channel for bridges on the Delta
10-Out of Noyo
11-Santa Cruz/Monterey
13-The Montezuma Lock monitors this channel
19-Half Moon Bay/Coastside in general
67-GG Charter Boats
68-Inside SF Bay and the GG
69-Kayak Anglers
88-San Pablo Bay

68,69, 71, 72, 78 – These are the proper channels to use for vessel to vessel communications
27, 28, & 86 -Stockton Marine operator – upriver from Pittsburg
26, 84, & 87 -San Francisco Marine Operator – downriver/Susuin from Martinez to San Francisco Bay and beyond

Full list
http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/?pageName=mtvhf

How do I save this for future need

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With GS coming up, it's important to note that the local channel used by boaters in Shelter Cove is ch 68.
Although, Eric may advise using ch 69 for chatter to save 68 for locals and the launch service.

 

Updated link: https://www.navcen.uscg.gov/us-vhf-channel-information