VHF marine radios facilitate communication with essential boating entities, allowing a safer navigation experience. A handheld or fixed VHF marine radio is indispensable, with various useful channels and a wide range of additional features. When using a VHF radio, adjust the squelch to the lowest setting you can hear without white noise. Also, monitor Channel 16 (the international distress and emergency channel) so that other non-emergency chatter doesn’t block the channel or obscure important information.
Easy Communication
Unlike cell phones, which only offer limited coverage and depend on line-of-sight, a VHF radio allows bidirectional communication between vessels and with coast stations, harbor masters, bridges, and other local entities.
Marine VHF radios operate on standard, internationally recognized channels. Most channels are set to “simplex” transmission, meaning only one party can transmit at a time; the other is in receive mode. To send, a user presses a button on the set or microphone. In an emergency, a vessel can send a distress call using channel 16. This is done by saying, “Mayday, Mayday,” followed by the name of the ship and its position from the GPS (also known as the Digital Selective Calling, or DSC, function). A rescue boat will respond to your distress call.
Easy Navigation
VHF radios allow for simple, line-of-sight communication between boats and harbor managers. They also communicate bridge opening times and procedures in waterways with drawbridges and aid navigation with weather updates, hazard warnings, and local navigation information.
Vessel-to-boat communication regularly helps captains coordinate maneuvers to avoid collisions and maintain safe distances between vessels. They can also relay messages between marinas and commercial ships.
If the situation calls for it, a distress signal can be made by simply calling “Mayday” on Channel 16. It’s important to remember that every time you use the radio, everyone within a 25-to-30-mile radius can hear your conversation. That’s why it’s best to keep conversations short and to the point. Many handheld VHF radio offers Digital Selective Calling (DSC) that automatically transmits your vessel’s location to the Coast Guard when a button is pushed — but they must be connected to an operational GPS receiver or MMSI-enabled like chart plotter for this to work.
Safety
VHF radios are crucial for safety. They allow mariners to communicate with the Coast Guard, fellow vessels, harbor managers, bridge tenders and more. It’s also important to keep your radio tuned to Channel 16, the international hailing and distress channel, to receive the latest boating warnings, navigational information, and emergency calls.
A VHF radio with Digital Selective Calling (DSC) can be a lifesaver in an emergency. DSC lets you broadcast your nine-digit maritime mobile service identity so first responders can identify your boat.
Since VHF signals travel in straight lines, it is important to mount your antenna high on your vessel. This ensures that everyone tuned to your radio can hear you clearly, without interference. Using your radio responsibly is also important, including not using foul language and never sending a Mayday signal unless necessary.
Emergency Communication
VHF radios provide straightforward one-button communication with rescue services and the Coast Guard in a boating accident or other emergencies. Cellular phones, which rely on cellular towers for signal, are less effective in these situations because they often need more coverage and run out of battery quickly.
Tune to the distress channel to call for help on a VHF marine radio (usually Channel 16). Press the transmit button and clearly state your location and type of emergency. You can also use Digital Selective Calling (DSC) to alert the Coast Guard and other vessels of your need for assistance.
Remember that VHF radios are not private telephones, so everyone on the radio can hear your conversation. Keep your conversations brief so others can use the channel for emergencies and important announcements.
Safety Warnings
VHF radios help boaters with emergencies. They provide important information, such as the name of the vessel, current position (using GPS coordinates) and nature of the emergency. Make sure your radio has digital selective calling (DSC) enabled. Most modern radios have this feature, which requires a Maritime Mobile Service Identity number and a link to your operating GPS (if available).
Remember to use proper radio etiquette when communicating on a VHF. Always pause and listen before chiming in, and avoid using foul language or transmitting false distress signals. Monitoring channel 16, the national distress, safety, and calling frequency is also important. This will help ensure that other boaters and rescuers can find you if you are in trouble. The Coast Guard has a large network of towers can track your location and respond to your call for assistance.
