Tug Boat Frequencies

[bobm1940]

Does anyone know the frequencies tug boats operate on in N.H. and Maine? Any help would be great. Thank You in advance........bobm

 

[jmarcel66]

I'm not positive on local/company frequencies, but I believe they use designated Marine VHF Channels when working with ships.

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[mainetrunk]

I don't know off hand about tug to tug channel, but tug to bridge's (2) is 156.650, csq...
Channel 13 on the VHF.Rte 1, and the new Memorial bridge..
156.800-coast guard -- usually tells you to switch to the freq below
157.100 for coast guard announcement

 

[bobm1940]

Thanks guys I'll try them.....

 

[KB1VLA]

I think I've heard the tugs in Portsmouth on Ch 12/156.600 before. It's interesting to listen to them, the pilot on the ship directs the tugs on the radio, and they acknowledge with the boat's horn.

 

[RKG]

Every tug I'm familiar with (and I've worked on a few) maintains a guard on three marine VHF channels.

Ch. 16 for general broadcasts or hails from vessels not aquainted with the proper use of Ch. 13.

Ch. 13 for direct commo with the operator (pilot, captain or watch stander) of other vessels, to make agreements for passing, crossing and any close quarters potential conflicts.

The third channel will be used for communications between the tug and any ship being assisted, or for como between the bridge of the tug and any crewmemebers stationed on the tow (usually a barge), who privide information on things the tug operator cannot see. This channel is usually selected as 08, 11, 77 or 78, depending on what is not in use in the area at the time, but virtually any ship-ship channel could be used.

I'm not aware of any towing companies that today maintain "company frequencies" (akin to what airlines do). Back in the day, tugs could communicate with distant bases via SSB, but today such commo is done by cell phone, sat phone, or sat email.