Coast Guard Fixes Drawbridges Jamming Cleveland Distress Calls
Published Date: 7/28/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The Coast Guard is seeking information and comments on a proposed change to the operating regulation for all movable bridges over the Cuyahoga River in Cleveland, OH. The Cuyahoga River Harbor Safety Committee raised concerns to the Coast Guard regarding the radio frequency of the movable bridges and its interference with distress calls on VHF-FM Marine Channel 16 on 156.800 Megahertz. Currently, the Coast Guard's proposed solution to these issues would move the hailing channel for the bridges from VHF-FM Marine Channel 16 on 156.800 Megahertz to VHF-FM Marine Channel 9 on 156.450 Megahertz for all movable bridges over the Cuyahoga River. We invite your comments on this Notice of Inquiry.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Bridge hailing moved to VHF Channel 9
The Coast Guard proposes moving the hailing channel for all movable bridges over the Cuyahoga River in Cleveland, OH from VHF-FM Marine Channel 16 (156.800 MHz) to VHF-FM Marine Channel 9 (156.450 MHz). The change is intended to reduce interference with distress calls on Channel 16 so vessels in distress and those assisting them have better access to Channel 16.
No equipment cost for bridge owners
All movable bridges over the Cuyahoga River are already licensed as FCC Commercial Radio Stations and are authorized to operate on Channel 9 (156.450 MHz). The Coast Guard states the bridges can use Channel 9 without modifications or costs to the respective owners.
Most vessels need no new radios
The Coast Guard states there would be no expense to most vessels: most recreational vessels do not require an FCC license and most modern recreational VHF-FM radios can transmit on Channel 9 (156.450 MHz). Commercial vessels are required to guard Channel 16 (156.800 MHz) while underway and typically already have a second radio or handheld available for use on Channel 9.
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