As a result of amendments to transmitting frequencies in the VHF maritime mobile band which are harmonised internationally under the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), it is necessary for the Irish Coast Guard to make changes to the working channels currently used for communications with the public.
This will involve the Irish Coast Guard upgrading radio equipment at a number of the VHF network remote locations prior to the channel changeover at each site. The table below sets out the changes to the working channels that will occur later this year following completion of the upgrades.
Note: Channel 16 will remain available at each remote site for distress, safety and calling and will not be affected by these changes. Channel 67 is also available when required but may not be actively monitored at all times.
Outline of Planned Changes
While at present it is not possible to provide definitive dates for these channel changes, the upgrade work is currently planned to start on week commencing Monday 5th October 2020 and continue for 10 weeks, to conclude on week commencing Monday 14th December 2020.
Restrictions arising from social distancing requirements due to the COVID-19 pandemic may impact on the commencement of works.
The following table details the remote sites affected by the upgrade work, including the current channel associated with that site and the new channel that will be in operation following the completion of works.
| Site | Radio Call Sign | Current Channel | New Channel |
| Howth Hts | Dublin Coast Guard | CH 83 | CH 03 |
| Rosslare Hts | Rosslare Coast Guard | CH 23 | CH 05 |
| Mine Hd Hts | Mine Head Coast Guard | CH 83 | CH 03 |
| Cork Hts | Cork Coast Guard | CH 26 | CH 02 |
| Bantry Hts | Bantry Coast Guard | CH 23 | CH 05 |
| Valentia Hts | Valentia Coast Guard | CH 24 | CH 62 |
| Shannon Hts | Shannon Coast Guard | CH 28 | CH 64 |
| Belmullet Hts | Belmullet Coast Guard | CH 83 | CH 63 |
| Clifden Hts | Clifden Coast Guard | CH 26 | CH 03 |
| Malin Hd Hts | Malin Head Coast Guard | CH 23 | CH 05 |
| Scalp Mountain | Malin Head Coast Guard | CH 85 | CH 01 |
| Glen Hd Hts | Glen Head Coast Guard | CH 24 | CH 03 |
The remaining sites of Carlingford, Wicklow, Mizen Head, Galway, Clew Bay, Donegal Bay, Galley Head, Lough Ree and Lough Derg will retain their currently assigned channel.
Further Communications
As the upgrade work progresses, the Irish Coast Guard will inform the public that a channel has changed by the following means:
- By broadcasting on the channel that will be changing in the days leading up to the switchover
- The Irish Coast Guard’s social media accounts on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
- Updated information on the gov.ie website and the Safety on the Water website.
If you have further queries, please contact the Coast Guard at admin@irishcoastguard.ie
Marine Notice 36 of 2020 can be found by clicking here.
