🚨 Emergency: Always monitor Channel 16 when underway. This is the international distress, safety and calling channel. Malta Radio (MRT) maintains a continuous watch on Ch 16.
16
International Distress & Calling
Primary distress, safety and calling channel. Monitor at all times when underway.
ALWAYS ON
67
Malta Coastguard — Safety
Malta Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) working channel
MRCC
70
Digital Selective Calling (DSC)
DSC distress alerts only. Do not use for voice communications.
DSC ONLY
16
Malta Radio — Calling
Initial contact with Malta Radio. They will direct you to a working channel.
CALLING
27
Malta Radio — Working Ch 1
Primary working channel for Malta Radio ship-to-shore communications, weather bulletins
WORKING
28
Malta Radio — Working Ch 2
Secondary working channel, port operations and ship reporting
WORKING
87
Malta Radio — Working Ch 3
Traffic channel — used for radio telephone calls via Malta Radio
TRAFFIC
12
Grand Harbour / Valletta Port
Grand Harbour VTS (Vessel Traffic Service). Mandatory for vessels entering/leaving.
VTS
09
Grand Harbour Marina
Grand Harbour Marina berth allocation and operations
MARINA
37
Msida Marina / Ta' Xbiex
Msida Marina operations and berth requests
MARINA
09
Portomaso Marina (St Julian's)
Portomaso Marina operations — luxury berths and superyacht facilities
MARINA
12
Marsaxlokk / Birzebbuga
Freeport/Marsaxlokk port operations
PORT
10
Mġarr Harbour, Gozo
Mġarr port operations, Gozo Channel ferries and small boat traffic
PORT
06
Safety — Inter-ship
Primary intership safety communications
SAFETY
72
Inter-ship — Recreational
Popular channel for yacht-to-yacht communication in the Mediterranean
WORKING
77
Inter-ship — Common
Common working channel for pleasure craft in Malta and Mediterranean
WORKING
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a VHF radio licence in Malta?
Yes. In Malta, any vessel fitted with a VHF radio must have a Ship Radio Licence. The operator must hold a Short Range Certificate (SRC) or higher qualification. Both are issued by the Malta Communications Authority (MCA). For charter boats, the operator is responsible for ensuring all crew using the radio are properly certified.
What channel should I monitor in Malta?
Always monitor Channel 16 when underway. This is mandatory under maritime law. Malta Radio (MRT) broadcasts weather updates and navigational warnings on Ch 27 after announcing on Ch 16.
How do I contact Malta Coastguard in an emergency?
Transmit a MAYDAY call on Channel 16: "MAYDAY MAYDAY MAYDAY, this is [vessel name] [vessel name] [vessel name], MAYDAY [vessel name], [position], [nature of distress], [number of persons on board], [any other information], OVER." The Malta MRCC will respond and coordinate rescue.
What is the Malta Radio traffic list time?
Malta Radio broadcasts a traffic list on Ch 27 at scheduled times. Weather bulletins for the Malta area are broadcast at 00:05, 06:05, 12:05 and 18:05 UTC on Ch 27 (announced on Ch 16 first).