Where should calls to a coast station using radiotelephony be initiated?

• A. On the appropriate ship-to-shore working frequency of the coast station
• B. On Channel 16
• C. On Channel 13
• D. On any available frequency

Answer: (A)

Calls to a coast station using radiotelephony should be initiated on the coast station’s designated ship-to-shore working frequency. This is the channel the coast station monitors for routine traffic, so starting on that frequency ensures your call is heard and processed correctly. Channel 16 is reserved for distress and for initial contact, not for ongoing routine communications with coast stations. After you establish contact on the working frequency, you may switch to another channel if the coast station directs you to do so. Channel 13 is typically used for navigational safety between ships, not for contacting shore stations. Initiating on any available frequency risks being ignored or causing unnecessary interference.