When communicating with commercial river traffic, what is the best practice?

The best practice for communicating with commercial river traffic is to call on channel 16 and then switch to a working channel. Channel 16 is the International Distress, Safety, and Calling frequency used for initial communications and emergencies. It is recognized universally by all vessels, making it the appropriate channel to establish contact.

When attempting to communicate with commercial traffic, it is essential to start on channel 16 because this is where all vessels monitor for calls. After establishing communication, switching to a designated working channel allows for more detailed conversations without overloading the emergency channel. This practice is crucial for maintaining clear communication and ensuring safety on the water, especially in busy commercial areas where multiple vessels are operating.

Starting on channel 9 is not standard for commercial communications, as this channel is primarily for recreational vessel communications and not universally monitored by commercial traffic. Limiting communication only to vessels directly in front of you may lead to missed opportunities for coordination with other nearby traffic, which can be critical in navigating safely. Ignoring communications, except in emergencies, undermines safety protocols and can lead to dangerous situations if important information about nearby vessels and navigation issues is not communicated effectively.