The Irish Coast Guard is proposing changes to its VHF channels.
Amendments to transmitting frequencies are required to harmonise the VHF maritime mobile band internationally, and the Coast Guard is required to upgrade its radio equipment at various transmitting sites.
According to Afloat.ie, the upgrades are expected to take place between Monday 5 October and mid-December, with dates for the channel changeovers yet to be confirmed. The affected remote sites are listed below:
| 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.
Howth Coast Guard. Pic: Declan Keogh / Emergency Times
Channel 16 will not be affected by the changes and C16 will remain available at each remote site for distress, safety and calling while Channel 67 is also available when required but may not always be monitored.
The Irish Coast Guard intends to inform the public on the progress of the upgrade works via social media and Department of Transport website and by broadcasting on the channel that will be changing in the days leading up to the switchover.
Source: Afloat.ie
