DMV Direct Shipping
Headquartered in Elkton, MD
Live Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) feed from the National Weather Service and United States Coast Guard. Check Small Craft Advisories, Gale Warnings, and Inundation Alerts before launching on Chesapeake Bay or Atlantic coastal waters.
Winds: SW 5-10 Knots • Waves: Under 1 foot • Weather: Mostly Sunny.
Ideal water conditions for small craft, kayaks, and family fishing trips across Susquehanna Flats and North East River.
Winds: S 8-12 Knots • Waves: 1 foot • Weather: Clear.
Good conditions around Bay Bridge pilings and Baltimore Harbor channels.
Swell: 2-3 ft • Winds: SE 10-15 Knots • Advisory: Moderate Rip Current Risk.
Surf anglers on Assateague Island should use caution when wading near deep break sloughs.
USCG-approved life jacket for every passenger aboard. Children under 13 must wear PFD at all times while underway.
International distress, safety, and calling frequency. Monitor Ch 16 at all times while operating in open Bay or ocean waters.
Required marine fire extinguisher for all motorized vessels with enclosed fuel tanks or engine compartments.
USCG-approved pyrotechnic flares or electric distress light for night operations on coastal waters.
| Channel | Usage & Priority | Coverage / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| CH 16 | International Distress, Safety & Calling — MANDATORY MONITOR | All vessels underway must monitor Ch 16. First contact then switch to working channel. |
| CH 22A | USCG Working Channel | Call USCG on Ch 16, then switch to Ch 22A for working communications. Sector Baltimore primary. |
| CH 9 | Recreational Boater Calling Channel | Alternate non-commercial calling channel. Widely used by recreational anglers for contact. |
| CH 13 | Bridge-to-Bridge Navigation Safety | Commercial vessel navigation. Required at drawbridges and regulated commercial waterways. |
| CH 68, 69, 72 | Recreational Non-Commercial Working | Popular recreational angler working channels for boat-to-boat communication on the Bay. |
| CH 71, 78A | Recreational Non-Commercial Working | Additional recreational working channels. 78A frequently used on Upper Chesapeake. |
| WX1–WX7 | NOAA Weather Radio — Continuous Broadcast | WX1 = 162.550 MHz | WX2 = 162.400 MHz (KHB-34 Baltimore) | WX3 = 162.475 MHz. Listen before launching! |
Jurisdiction: Upper Chesapeake, C&D Canal, Maryland Coastal
Baltimore Harbor, Middle Bay, Back River, Patapsco Ops
All Maryland state waters, boating law enforcement, wildlife emergency
National towing network. 24/7 dispatch. Free with BoatUS membership.
Upper Bay, C&D Canal, Elk River, Northeast River, Susquehanna
Baltimore transmitter covering Upper Bay, C&D Canal, Cecil County
Water rescue helicopter support. Trooper Barrack F, Frederick MD. SAR operations.
Delaware Bay, Delaware River, Inland Bays, Indian River Inlet
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