Tag Archives :VHF

The most popular way of communicating at sea is via a marine VHF (Very High Frequency) set. These are combined transmitter/receivers that operate on allocated frequencies known as ‘channels’. Marine VHF radios are used for a variety of purposes including; contacting harbours, marinas, locks, summoning the rescue services and ship-to-shore or ship-to-ship communication.  ...

No matter what type of sailor you are, no matter what boat you sail, an essential piece of kit is a good VHF marine radio. Not only does a marine radio serve as a vital safety tool in case something should go wrong onboard, but it is also a crucial communications tool more generally. With the development of time, VHF marine radios are not only used for communication purposes. Over the years. Many advances have been made in increasing functionality.  ...

We often get people asking us why they should purchase a Marine VHF Radio when a cell phone can have a strong signal whilst out on the water. The answer is simple – we acknowledge that cell phones are a great tool to have on a boat…But – VHF radios are a form of communication that will ensure your distress messages are broadcasted and are more likely to get a rapid response of help.  ...

For good reasons, VHF maritime broadcasting is becoming more and more popular with rowers., They can save lives and are easy to use. In maritime communications, they are more effective than CB radios or mobile phones. VHF broadcasting has a more consistent reception than mobile phones. No license is required for use on leisure boats.  ...

For many sailors, cell phones have become their primary means of both ship-to-shore and ship-to-ship communication. Even the Coast Guard will often ask for a cell number after it receives a distress call. None of this, however, makes a VHF radio any less important. A handheld VHF marine radio is your lifeline at sea; be on the ship, watercraft or boat sailing, fishing, or just doing your job.  ...

Waterproofing has increased with many of the best handheld marine radios now able to float for sustained periods of time without any damage to the internal electrics. Many of these floating handheld VHFs also offer some form of automatically activated strobe to help you find it in the dark if it has been dropped in the water. RM40 is a feature-rich, top spec handheld VHF, with impressive functionality.  ...

Significant improvements in a number of areas in recent years have seen handheld VHF marine radios move from being purely portable communications devices to something altogether more useful. As technology has shrunk, battery life improved and screens become clearer, handheld VHFs can now offer many of the safety features that used to be available only on fixed marine radios. As a sailor who often uses marine aircraft, you should know some of its technical terms.  ...

The inland waterways are becoming busier with increased commercial traffic and new pleasure craft. Many new boaters may not be fully familiar with the waterway or with traditional means of communication such as sound signals or flags. Both these factors have produced a situation where marine VHF radio on pleasure craft is becoming an essential piece of equipment leading to an improvement in safety.  ...

In the United Kingdom there are approximately 57 VHF channels available plus the private channels M and M2 for use by marinas and yacht clubs and the private channel 00 which is for HMCG use only. 2 additional channels are dedicated to the Automatic Identification System services. The U. K. uses the "International Frequency" plan.  ...

A marine VHF antenna can be a lifesaver in a dangerous situation. Know what to look for so that you can sail the seas with reliable equipment and clear transmission.   ...