Recently, Ireland adjusted the maritime channels, the move follows amendments to transmitting frequencies, to harmonise the VHF maritime mobile band internationally, which also require the coastguard to upgrade its radio equipment at a number of sites. The Irish Coast Guard is currently making changes to its VHF working channels currently used for communications with the public. These upgrades are currently under way and are expected to be finished by the near future. The affected remote sites are listed here in this table:
Current Channel |
New Channel |
Radio Call Sign |
Site |
CH83 |
CH03 |
Dublin Coast Guard |
Howth Hts |
CH23 |
CH05 |
Rosslare Coast Guard |
Rosslare Hts |
CH83 |
CH03 |
Mine Head Coast Guard |
Mine Hd Hts |
CH26 |
CH02 |
Cirj Coast Guard |
Cork Hts |
CH23 |
CH05 |
Bantry Coast Guard |
Bantry Hts |
CH24 |
CH62 |
Valentia Coast Guard |
Valentia Hts |
CH28 |
CH64 |
Shannon Coast Guard |
Shannon Hts |
CH83 |
CH63 |
Belmullet Coast Guard |
Belmullet Hts |
CH26 |
CH03 |
Clifden Coast Guard |
Clifden Hts |
CH23 |
CH05 |
Malin Head Coast Guard |
Malin Hd Hts |
CH85 |
CH01 |
Malin Head Coast Guard |
Scalp Mountain |
CH24 |
CH03 |
Glen Head Coast Guard |
Glen Hd Hts |
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. 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. Information as it happens is being broadcast on the channel that will be changing in the days leading up to the switchover and also on the Irish Coast Guard’s social media accounts. Updated information is also being posted on the gov.ie website.