Stay Connected While Sailing With the Best VHF Radios

Finding a Quality VHF Radio: Buyer’s Guide

Before purchasing a VHF radio, you should know your requirements so you can invest in the one that yields maximum benefits. With the help of our buying guide, you can identify the right VHF radio for your use.

What to Keep In Mind When Looking for a VHF Radio?

When purchasing a VHF radio, please keep the following features in mind to ensure you invest in a helpful device:

Battery life

Since VHF radios are mainly used on water, you may not get the sources to charge them often. This naturally makes battery life the first feature to consider before purchasing a VHF radio. Most handheld marine radios run on rechargeable batteries that can last from seven to 20 hours, depending on the battery type and frequency of use. The battery life also depends on the size and power settings of the radio.

Antenna

For a VHF radio to work properly, it needs an antenna. The antenna of a VHF radio determines its signal range. While most handheld radios have built-in antennas, they tend to have a shorter signal range than fixed radios.

Digital Selective Calling (DSC)

The DSC or Digital Selective Calling is also included in the Global Maritime Distress Safety System and allows private communication. You can also use this system for sending coordinates to others. When you push a button, it will transmit a Mayday message to the corresponding channel, allowing for quicker responses.

GPS

Another beneficial feature of the VHF radios is GPS. It improves their usability by allowing them to report accurate locations and navigate precisely. You can use the DSC to send a more accurate coordinate to the USCG for help. Aside from this, you can also save your location or send coordinates to others in non-emergency situations.

Range

To determine its power, you need to look for the correct range on your VHF radio. Most handheld marine radios have a maximum capacity of six watts, and you can use them for covering up to 20 miles. To get the maximum benefit, you should choose the radio with customizable power and wattage settings.

Waterproofing

Since a VHF radio is primarily used on water, it must be water-resistant to avoid any mishaps. A good VHF radio can float on water in case of a fall, which can be a helpful feature. Make sure you invest in the one with maximum waterproofing to make it last longer.

What Are the Types of VHF Radio?

Generally, you can find three types of VHF radios:

Handheld VHF

Think of handheld VHF radios like walkie-talkies that are compact, waterproof, and reliable. With an added capability of buoyancy, handheld VHF radios will not drown or get damaged if dropped in water. Most handheld marine radios have their own battery packs and antenna to avoid any inconvenience during an emergency.

VHF fixed radio

Unlike a handheld radio, a fixed VHF radio is mounted onto the boat or any other marine vessel. These radios use the boat’s power source and come with various additional options like antennas and aux-in jacks. While these radios are waterproof, they need to be shielded against sun and water to increase their lifespan.

HF/SSB (long-range)

The third type of marine radio is less potent, but you can rest assured that it produces a strong signal for better communication. While you will need a certified license to operate these radios, they are excellent for communication with other boats.

Which Channels Are Easiest to Use on a VHF Radio?

Every boater needs to learn about the most valuable channels on VHF radio to improve the experience and stay safe when on water.

Channel 9

The Federal Communications Commission established the VHF-FM Channel 9 for non-commercial vessels. It is a supplementary channel for recreational voyagers, which means if a ship or shore unit wants to get in touch with a boater on the water, they will use Channel 9.

If boaters need to use Channel 16 to call a commercial vessel or a coast guard, they can do that too.

Channel 16

Channel 16 is the standard channel for emergencies and distress calls. A standard VHF radio can easily communicate by way of Channel 16 to inform the coast guard or other boats about an emergency. Due to the nature of this channel, FCC requires boaters to keep it open for communication at all times and to not block it due to unnecessary recreational communication.

Channel 22A

Channel 22A is dedicated to the US Coast Guard marine information broadcast. Boaters can use this channel to stay informed about important information, like weather conditions. Sometimes, Channel 16 is also used for communicating essential information to boaters.

Which Rules Should I Follow for Using VHF Radios?

The VHF radios follow distinct rules according to international standards for handling communications. All these devices are connected to Channel 16, which keeps you in direct contact with the coast guard or law enforcement. Channel 16 is generally used for sending distress signals, so you should only use it for emergency purposes.

According to international marine regulations, all marine vessels are required to keep Channel 16 open at all times. It allows a constant state of radio watchkeeping and handling emergencies, acting as a potential lifesaver in an unfortunate situation.