Marine Radio Frequencies and AIS Ship Tracking

Find resources for monitoring maritime communications, including VHF, HF, and coastal radio frequencies, plus Automatic Identification System (AIS) information.

David
Reviewed by • Senior RF Engineer & Technical Editor • March 2026

Monitoring maritime radio activity offers a fascinating look into marine operations, from commercial shipping to recreational boating and emergency services. Hams often use scanners and software defined radios to listen in on VHF and HF marine bands, observing how different stations coordinate and communicate. This activity provides insights into vessel movements, weather broadcasts, and safety communications, all crucial for maritime navigation and safety at sea.

Operators interested in maritime monitoring can find extensive frequency lists for coastal radio stations and cruise ships, covering both MF and VHF bands. Resources include detailed information on U.S. and Canadian VHF channel usage, as well as schedules for marine radio facsimile broadcasts from NOAA. For those interested in digital modes, guides on setting up cheap AIS ship tracking with RTL-SDR dongles are available, allowing hams to visualize vessel traffic and identify ships automatically.

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