The U.S. Coast Guard and the CNMI Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management are warning mariners of temporary outages in VHF radio communications around Rota and nearby waters beginning Dec. 1.
Officials say the outages could affect distress and safety calls for several months until interim systems are in place. Long-term upgrades are underway, but coverage will be reduced in the region.
Mariners are urged to monitor VHF-FM Channel 16, use backup tools such as satellite phones or EPIRBs, and share voyage plans with trusted contacts. Emergencies should be reported by any available means or relayed through other vessels.
Lt. Ani Johnson, chief of the Joint Rescue Sub-Center Guam, said safety remains the Coast Guard’s top priority and updates will be provided as new information becomes available.
The Coast Guard is asking agencies and maritime groups to share the advisory. Mariners needing help can call the Joint Rescue Sub-Center Guam at 1-671-355-4824 or hail on Channel 16.
