Which channel is often used for commercial vessels' communications when not in the harbor?

Channel 68 is frequently used for communications by commercial vessels when they are not in harbor. This channel is designated for non-commercial vessel communications, which allows for coordination between vessels and communication with tugs and service vessels. It provides a clear means for operational dialogue outside of port areas, especially when dealing with matters like navigation, scheduling, and safety concerns.

Channel 16, on the other hand, is primarily recognized as the international distress frequency and is often monitored by all maritime vessels and coast stations, making it unsuitable for routine communications when vessels are at sea. While channel 13 is utilized mainly for bridge-to-bridge navigation safety between vessels, it is not as commonly employed for broader communication needs as channel 68. Channel 69, although a working frequency, is less standardized and not as widely adopted for the primary communications of vessels compared to channel 68. Thus, channel 68 stands out as the typical choice for commercial vessel communications away from harbor areas.