Why do we need marine radio?
Marine-band VHF radio is a means by which vessels can communicate with radio stations ashore and on other vessels. A range of channels is available, with specific permitted uses in each case; for example, those channels allocated to port operations and ship movement may only be used on matters concerning navigation, vessel operations and safety. Other channels are allocated for inter-ship use, safety transmissions and contacting marinas. The system is effective over short distances, up to a maximum of 100km or so at sea, depending on the height of your antenna, but often much less inland, where the local lie of the land, buildings and so on limit reception.
Larger vessels than ever before are now using our freight waterways, many of which are tidal with strong currents, and one of the reasons that they are able to do this safely is the ability of skippers and pilots to communicate by radio with other vessels and with port operators and navigation authorities. By using the radio boaters can build up a picture of the positions of other large vessels and meetings at difficult places can be avoided, locks can be made ready before arrival, nearby vessels can be warned in advance of impending manoeuvres and so on. Although your small pleasure vessel on the lower Trent, for example, may have plenty of room to keep out of the way, whereas a 3000 tonne ship is fairly constrained in its movements, this does not mean that small vessels do not need radio. Provision of marine-band VHF radio is a major benefit for various reasons, which all have safety implications.
In an emergency, as well as being able to call the nearest lock keeper, port control or coastguard (depending where you are), marine-band VHF also gives you the best chance of attracting help from a nearby vessel. Another vessel will often be able to reach you before the emergency services do.
Because radio is now virtually universal among commercial vessels on the larger freight waterways, there is a tendency to rely on it as a means of ascertaining the locations of other vessels. If they hear you on the radio, they will know where you are likely to be and can call you to warn of their approach, if necessary (provided you are listening on the right channel!)
For these reasons, IWA strongly recommends that all pleasure craft using larger waterways in active use by freight carrying vessels, or any tidal waterway , should carry marine-band VHF radio and have someone on board who is qualified and able to use it correctly.
