VHF Channel 16
Maritime Rescue · Bahamas
VHF Channel 16 is the Bahamas Maritime Rescue emergency number. Verified 2026-01. Source: Bahamas Maritime Authority. Works from mobile. Free to call. One-tap dial.
📞 About VHF Channel 16 — Maritime Rescue in Bahamas
📍 Find Nearest Emergency Services
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🗣️ Emergency Phrases in Bahamas
Use these phrases to communicate in an emergency when language is a barrier. Tap the speaker to play pronunciation.
⚠️ When NOT to Call VHF Channel 16
- • Do not call 911 for weather forecasts - use the Bahamas Department of Meteorology
- • Do not call 911 for non-urgent medical consultations - visit a local clinic
- • Do not make false emergency calls - punishable under Bahamian law
- • Do not call 911 for power outages - contact Bahamas Power and Light
- • Do not use emergency lines for tourist information - contact the Bahamas Tourist Office
✈️ Travel Notes — Bahamas
Emergency response is generally reliable on New Providence (Nassau) and Grand Bahama (Freeport). Response times on Family Islands and remote cays may be significantly delayed. Maritime rescue is important for inter-island emergencies. Private medical clinics in Nassau offer good emergency care. Medical evacuation to Florida may be necessary for serious conditions.
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What is VHF Channel 16 in Bahamas?
VHF Channel 16 is the official BASRA / Defence Force Maritime Rescue emergency number in Bahamas. This number is operated by Bahamas Maritime Authority and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Maritime search and rescue coordinated through BASRA (Bahamas Air-Sea Rescue Association) and the Royal Bahamas Defence Force. Also contactable via VHF Channel 16.
When to Call VHF Channel 16
Call VHF Channel 16 immediately in situations involving maritime rescue-related emergencies in Bahamas. When you call, clearly state:
- Your exact location (street address, landmark, GPS coordinates if possible)
- The nature of the emergency
- The number of people involved or injured
- Your name and callback number
Stay on the line until the operator tells you to hang up.
Technical Details — VHF Channel 16 in Bahamas
Here are the key technical facts about calling VHF Channel 16 in Bahamas:
- Works from mobile: Yes — you can call from any mobile phone.
- Works without SIM card: Yes — you can call even without a SIM card installed.
- Free to call: Yes — calling is completely free. No credit needed.
- Last verified: 2026-01
- Official source: Bahamas Maritime Authority
How to Call VHF Channel 16 from Abroad
If you are calling VHF Channel 16 from outside Bahamas, or from a foreign SIM card, dial the international format: +1-242 followed by VHF Channel 16 (omitting any leading zero). However, in a genuine emergency within Bahamas, simply dialing VHF Channel 16 directly from any local or roaming SIM will connect you to the BASRA / Defence Force Maritime Rescue. The universal number 112 is also active across Bahamas and can be dialed from any phone.
All Emergency Numbers in Bahamas
Besides VHF Channel 16 (BASRA / Defence Force Maritime Rescue), Bahamas has the following emergency services available: National Emergency Number: 911 · Royal Bahamas Police Force: 911 · Emergency Medical Services: 911 · Royal Bahamas Fire Service: 911 · BASRA / Defence Force Maritime Rescue: 911. Save all these numbers before traveling to Bahamas.
Data Source & Verification Policy
The number VHF Channel 16 is listed as the BASRA / Defence Force Maritime Rescue emergency line for Bahamas based on data from Bahamas Maritime Authority. It was last verified in 2026-01. If this number has changed or is incorrect, please contact us immediately — accuracy of emergency contact information is our highest priority.
Frequently Asked Questions — VHF Channel 16 (Bahamas)
What is VHF Channel 16 in Bahamas? ▼
VHF Channel 16 is the BASRA / Defence Force Maritime Rescue emergency number in Bahamas. Maritime search and rescue coordinated through BASRA (Bahamas Air-Sea Rescue Association) and the Royal Bahamas Defence Force. Also contactable via VHF Channel 16.
Can I call VHF Channel 16 without a SIM card in Bahamas? ▼
Yes, you can dial VHF Channel 16 in Bahamas without a SIM card on a GSM phone.
Is calling VHF Channel 16 free in Bahamas? ▼
Yes, calling VHF Channel 16 is completely free in Bahamas. No airtime credit needed.
Does VHF Channel 16 work from mobile in Bahamas? ▼
Yes, VHF Channel 16 works from all mobile phones in Bahamas.
Who do I reach when I call VHF Channel 16 in Bahamas? ▼
Calling VHF Channel 16 in Bahamas connects you to BASRA / Defence Force Maritime Rescue (Bahamas Maritime Authority), available 24/7.
What is the source for VHF Channel 16 being the Maritime Rescue number in Bahamas? ▼
Verified from Bahamas Maritime Authority: https://www.bahamasmaritime.com/. Last verified: 2026-01.
What is the difference between 911 and 919 in the Bahamas? ▼
Both 911 and 919 connect to emergency services. 911 is the primary national emergency number. 919 is also widely used and connects to the same dispatch center.
Can I call 911 from a mobile phone without credit in the Bahamas? ▼
Yes. Emergency calls to 911 and 919 are free and can be made without airtime credit from any mobile phone.
What should I do in a maritime emergency in the Bahamas? ▼
Call 911 or use VHF Channel 16 to contact BASRA (Bahamas Air-Sea Rescue Association) and the Royal Bahamas Defence Force. State your vessel name, location, and nature of emergency.
Are emergency services available on all Bahamian islands? ▼
Emergency services are concentrated on New Providence (Nassau) and Grand Bahama (Freeport). Family Islands have limited police posts and clinics. Remote cays may have no formal emergency services.
What should I do during a hurricane in the Bahamas? ▼
Follow instructions from the Bahamas Department of Meteorology and NEMA (National Emergency Management Agency). In a life-threatening emergency, call 911. Hotels and resorts typically have established hurricane procedures.