How the 2028 VHF Channel Changes Will Affect Older VHF and DSC Radios

Key Takeaways: If you’re running an older VHF or DSC set, the 2028 channel changes may leave it unable to display or use the new four digit channels that many coast stations will adopt. Some manufacturers will offer firmware updates, but many radios built before 2018 simply cannot be upgraded and will need replacing if you want full compatibility with future port operations and coast station working channels. Distress, calling and AIS remain unchanged, so your set will still work for safety, but day to day communications may become patchy.

What the 2028 Channel Changes Actually Mean
Why Older VHF and DSC Sets Struggle
Firmware Updates: Who Gets Them and Who Does Not
When Replacement Becomes the Only Sensible Option
Impact on Cruising Routes and Port Operations
What the RYA, World Sailing and Others Are Saying
Practical Steps for Owners Before 2028
Summing Up

What the 2028 Channel Changes Actually Mean

The International Telecommunication Union has revised the VHF maritime mobile band, introducing new four digit channels and converting many duplex channels to simplex operation. These changes are designed to remove long standing incompatibilities between ship and shore equipment. The amendments do not affect distress, calling or AIS channels, but they do affect a wide range of port operations, VTS and coast station working channels.

The compliance deadline was pushed back to 1 January 2028 because there simply were not enough compliant radios available for commercial fleets.

Why Older VHF and DSC Sets Struggle

Most radios built before around 2018 were never designed to display or operate the new four digit channels. Many cannot map the revised duplex to simplex conversions, nor can they follow coast station frequency changes that will roll out gradually from 2024 to 2028.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency notes that while distress and calling remain unaffected, some coast stations will change their operating channels and older sets may not be able to follow them.

Firmware Updates: Who Gets Them and Who Does Not

Manufacturers can sometimes issue firmware updates to add the new channel plan. The MCA confirms that software or firmware updates may be available for some sets.

However, many older radios lack the internal architecture to support the new channel scheme. Sets without upgradeable firmware, or those with limited memory, will never be able to display the new four digit channels.

From the cruising community’s perspective, reports on YBW Forums and Cruising World suggest that owners of older Icom, Standard Horizon and Navico sets often find no upgrade path at all. This aligns with the IMO’s own guidance that incompatibility between older ship and shore equipment is expected.

When Replacement Becomes the Only Sensible Option

If your radio cannot be updated, it will still work for distress, calling and ship to ship communications, but you may lose access to some port operations channels and certain coast station working frequencies. That can be inconvenient in busy harbours and problematic on longer passages where you rely on local notices, weather broadcasts or VTS instructions.

The MCA places responsibility on vessel owners to decide whether replacement is necessary based on their cruising area.

For many leisure sailors, especially those cruising internationally, replacement will be the only way to ensure full compatibility after 2028.

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Impact on Cruising Routes and Port Operations

From a practical cruising standpoint:

UK waters: Many coast stations will adopt the new channels gradually. Older sets may miss updated port working channels, but distress and calling remain fine.

Europe: Some administrations are already shifting to the new channels ahead of 2028. If you cruise France, Spain, Portugal or the Mediterranean, an older radio may already be out of step.

Atlantic and long distance cruising: Noonsite and World Sailing guidance emphasise the importance of being able to communicate with local authorities. If your set cannot follow their working channels, you risk missing essential traffic information.

What the RYA, World Sailing and Others Are Saying

The RYA echoes the MCA’s position: distress and calling are unchanged, but owners should check whether their set can support the new channels for their intended cruising area. PredictWind and Yachting World have both highlighted that the changes mainly affect port operations and coast station working channels rather than safety channels.

Attainable Adventure Cruising has also pointed out that while the changes are not dramatic for offshore sailors, they matter a great deal when entering busy harbours or communicating with local authorities.

Practical Steps for Owners Before 2028

Check your radio’s manual or manufacturer website for firmware updates.

Confirm whether your set can display four digit channels. If not, assume it cannot be upgraded.

Review your cruising plans. If you sail internationally, replacement is strongly advised.

Test your radio with local coast stations to see whether you can still access their working channels.

Budget for replacement if your set is pre 2018 or lacks firmware support.

Radio Type	Firmware Update Possible	Likely Outcome After 2028
Pre 2010 VHF or DSC	No	Replacement required for full compatibility
2010 to 2017 VHF or DSC	Rare	Partial functionality; replacement recommended
2018 onwards VHF or DSC	Often	Full compatibility likely with update

Summing Up

Older VHF and DSC radios will continue to work for distress, calling and ship to ship communications, but many will not support the new four digit channels that coast stations will adopt by 2028. Some sets can be updated, but many cannot. If your radio is more than a few years old, it is worth checking now rather than discovering the problem when you next call a harbourmaster. For many sailors, especially those cruising beyond home waters, replacement will be the simplest and most reliable solution.

This article was written by Dick McClary, RYA Yachtmaster and author of the RYA publications 'Offshore Sailing' and 'Fishing Afloat', member of The Yachting Journalists Association (YJA), erstwhile member of the Ocean Cruising Club (OCC) and owner/administrator of 'Liveaboard Sailboats for Sale'.