What is the distress frequency for the VHF-FM band of radiotelephone?

The distress frequency for the VHF-FM band of radiotelephone is Channel 16. This channel is designated for distress, urgency, and safety communications. It is the primary frequency used for distress calls and is monitored by the Coast Guard and other maritime authorities.

Using Channel 16 enables vessels in distress to signal for help, ensuring that other vessels nearby and emergency response services are alerted efficiently. The importance of this channel cannot be overstated, as it is critical for safety on the water, allowing for rapid communication during emergencies.

While other channels mentioned, such as Channel 9 and Channel 22, may serve other purposes like inter-ship communication or non-distress communications, they are not designated specifically for distress signaling. Channel 70 is primarily used for Digital Selective Calling (DSC), which is a method of sending distress alerts, but the voice communications for distress are conducted over Channel 16. Therefore, Channel 16 is the correct answer as it holds the universal recognition as the maritime distress frequency.